university of virginia supplemental essay prompts

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University of Virginia (UVA) Supplemental Essays 2024-25 — Prompts & Advice

August 7, 2024

The University of Virginia is one of the handful of flagship public institutions in the United States that attract massive numbers of high-achieving applicants from around the country/globe each and every year. In the most recent admissions cycle, nearly 60,000 students applied and only 16% were accepted. While becoming a Cavalier is challenging for a Virginia resident, out-of-staters and international applicants face an even tougher admissions gauntlet. You’ll likely need a straight A average (or very close) to get serious consideration at the 2024 version of UVA and an SAT in the 99th percentile (or better) doesn’t hurt either. And that brings us to today’s main topic- the UVA supplemental essays.

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

With only one supplemental essay for the majority of applicants (you’ll only need to write more than one if applying to the School of Nursing or the Dance program), UVA’s supplemental section affords applicants the chance to illustrate what makes them uniquely qualified for admission. Below are the University of Virginia’s supplemental prompts for the 2024-25 admissions cycle along with our advice for composing winning essays.

2024-2025 UVA Supplemental Essay (All Applicants)

What about your individual background, perspective, or experience will serve as a source of strength for you or those around you at UVA? Feel free to write about any past experience or part of your background that has shaped your perspective and will be a source of strength, including but not limited to those related to your community, upbringing, educational environment, race, gender, or other aspects of your background that are important to you. (300 words)

This prompt asks you to not only share a particular life experience, element of your background, or perspective but also describe why that experience, element, or perspective will help you serve as a source of strength to either yourself or those around you. Essentially, it’s asking you to take your essay’s reflection one step further—you’ll need to communicate why the experience or element you’ve chosen is important to you as well as why/how you believe it will allow you to thrive at UVA or positively impact the UVA community.

UVA Supplemental Essays (Continued)

First, choose a key aspect of your experiences, background, or identity that reveals something deep and meaningful. (Although you could choose more than one, we’d advise against it, given that you only have 300 words in which to respond.) As you brainstorm, consider the following avenues:

• Your role in your family.
• A challenge you’ve faced.
• A formative experience or realization.
• Important aspects of your upbringing.
• Cultural, religious, or community influence.
• Racial background.
• Sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Secondly, you’ll need to explain how you’ll use what you’ve learned to persist through future personal challenges or strengthen others at UVA. Will your life experiences allow you to uplift those around you? Will your unique perspective enable you to connect more deeply with others? Has your experience or background provided you with a perspective that will benefit and support you as you move on to college? Will your background make it possible for you to advocate more effectively for specific populations? If you connect with at least one of these questions, you’re headed in the right direction for this essay.

UVA Program-Specific Essays

School of nursing.

In the field of nursing, you will encounter and impact real human lives. Please explain why you feel this is important as you choose this field as your future career. (250 words)

“A nurse is not what you do, it is who you are.”

This quote from an anonymous source captures the idea that becoming a nurse is more of a calling than a profession you just stumble into. Nurses are willing to work long shifts in the service of others, be on the frontlines of a pandemic, and deal with life’s toughest challenges (e.g., suffering and death) on a regular basis. Many applicants share stories of caring for sick relatives or going through a tough medical episode themselves as inspiration for wanting to study nursing—and positively impact the lives of others in the process. This essay is a chance to show the admissions committee that you are a passionate and mature nursing candidate and that nursing is genuinely “who you are.”

Dance Program

Submit a short essay discussing your interest in dance as a practice and/or a form of scholarship. What roles have dance and movement played in your life thus far? What insights and connections have you made in your day-to-day and academic life through the practice and study of movement? What do you hope to explore further by participating in dance program courses upon entry to UVA? (275 words)

Essentially, UVA wants to understand how your participation in dance has impacted your life. How has it benefited, strengthened, and/or challenged you as a person? Moreover, they’d like to understand the connections you’ve made between dance and other academic subjects, if any—what interdisciplinary connections have you observed? How has your academic life been made richer by dance? Finally, in addition to how dance has already impacted you, UVA is looking for a brief discussion of what the future holds in regard to dance, and how you plan to pursue that future at UVA.

How important are the UVA supplemental essays?

The essays (both the Common App essay and the supplemental response(s)) are “important” to the UVA admissions committee. This places them in the same tier of importance as extracurricular activities and talent/ability. Standardized test scores are rated a notch below as “considered.” Read more about the importance of the UVA supplemental essays in the fabulous  Notes from Peabody blog .

At UVA, the rigor of your coursework, class rank, GPA, recommendations, character/personal qualities, and state residency status are the most important factors in the admissions process. However, application components like the supplemental essay can serve as a critical tie-breaker between similarly credentialed applicants.

Want Personalized Essay Assistance with the UVA Supplemental Essays?

Are you interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your UVA supplemental essays? We encourage you to get a quote  today.

Looking for additional writing resources? Consider checking out the following blogs:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Quickly Format Your Common App Essay
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• 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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UVA Admission Essays Are Posted. Learn How to Write Your Best One

• By Rob Seal , [email protected]

Want to join these students on the Lawn at UVA? The key may be crafting an authentic, original admissions essay. (Photo by Sanjay Suchak, University Communications)

High school students looking to get a jump on joining the University of Virginia’s Class of 2023 got some big news recently: This year’s essay questions have been unveiled.

Associate Dean of Admission Jeannine Lalonde shared this year’s essay prompts, then took some time to explain why the essay remains an important part of the application process and shared some writing tips for prospective applicants.

“I think that it helps us get insight into the personality, voice and style of the student,” she said. “The rest of the application consists of forms and other people telling us about the student. This is their chance to talk directly to us.”

As for the writing, Lalonde said she typically shares three tips with high school students when it comes to putting together an application essay.

1.  Don’t overthink the topic

“The questions are broad because we want the students to go in whatever direction makes sense for them,” Lalonde said. “The topic is just a vehicle that the student uses. They should pick a topic that lets them be interesting and authentic in their writing.”

2. You don’t have to write like it’s a school essay.

“Don’t feel limited to the formulaic way that most students are taught to write for class,” she said. “This is a different sort of writing. The more standard format used in academic writing is fine for school and it’s great when writing under pressure. But prospective students should feel free to use whatever format makes sense for the message or story that they want to get across.”

3. It’s smart to get advice, but be authentic.

“It’d be foolish to submit an essay without having someone you trust take a look first and give feedback, but essays shouldn’t read like they were done by committee. And if you don’t like the advice someone gives, feel free to ignore it. When you submit it, it should feel good to you, and it should sound like you.”

Here’s a look at the essay prompts for the coming application season. Stay up with news about admission by following Lalonde’s blog, Notes From Peabody , or following her Twitter, where she’s @UVADeanJ.

2018-2019 First-Year Application Essay Questions 

1. We are looking for passionate students to join our diverse community of scholars, researchers, and artists. Answer the question that corresponds to the school/program to which you are applying in a half page or roughly 250 words.

• College of Arts and Sciences  - What work of art, music, science, mathematics, or literature has surprised, unsettled, or challenged you, and in what way?
• School of Engineering and Applied Sciences  - If you were given funding for a small engineering project that would make everyday life better for one friend or family member, what would you design?
• School of Architecture  - Describe an instance or place where you have been inspired by architecture or design.  
• School of Nursing  - School of Nursing applicants may have experience shadowing, volunteering, or working in a health care environment. Tell us about a health care-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying nursing.
• Kinesiology Program  - Discuss experiences that led you to choose the kinesiology major. 

2. Answer one of the following questions in a half page or roughly 250 words. 

• What’s your favorite word and why?
• We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions. Describe one of your quirks and why it is part of who you are.
• Student self-governance, which encourages student investment and initiative, is a hallmark of the UVA culture. In her fourth year at UVA, Laura Nelson was inspired to create Flash Seminars, one-time classes which facilitate high-energy discussion about thought-provoking topics outside of traditional coursework. If you created a Flash Seminar, what idea would you explore and why?
• UVA students paint messages on Beta Bridge when they want to share information with our community. What would you paint on Beta Bridge and why is this your message?

UVA students are charged with pushing the boundaries of knowledge to serve others and contribute to the common good. Give us an example of how you’ve used what you’ve learned to make a positive impact in another person’s life.

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Article Information

July 12, 2018

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How to Write the University of Virginia Essays 2020-2021

The University of Virginia is a public research university founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, colloquially referred to as TJ on UVA’s campus. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, UVA is an institution rich with history and renowned for its top-notch academics and its lively community in Charlottesville, Virginia. 

Ranked by U.S. News and World Report at #4 among public schools and #28 overall, UVA is one of the nation’s top universities. In the 2018-2019 application cycle (most recent official stats), UVA only admitted 23.9% of applicants, making admission quite competitive. In addition to academic transcripts and letters of recommendation, all applicants must submit three pieces of writing— the common app essay and two shorter responses that are specific to UVA. 

With such competitive rates, it is often intimidating to complete these additional essays. However, CollegeVine is here to offer our guide on how to tackle UVA’s 2020-2021 application! You can find each of this year’s prompts broken down below. 

Want to learn what University of Virginia will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering University of Virginia needs to know.

Want to know your chances at UVA? Calculate your chances for free right now.

University of Virginia Supplemental Essay Prompts 

Prompt 1: Answer one of the following questions in a half page or roughly 250 words.

• Option A : What’s your favorite word and why?
• Option B : We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions. Describe one of your quirks and why it is part of who you are.
• Option C : Student self-governance, which encourages student investment and initiative, is a hallmark of the UVA culture. In her fourth year at UVA, Laura Nelson was inspired to create Flash Seminars, one-time classes which facilitate high-energy discussion about thought-provoking topics outside of traditional coursework. If you created a Flash Seminar, what idea would you explore and why?
• Option D : UVA students paint messages on Beta Bridge when they want to share information with our community. What would you paint on Beta Bridge and why is this your message?
• Option E : Rita Dove, UVA English professor and former U.S. Poet Laureate, once said in an interview that “…there are times in life when, instead of complaining, you do something about your complaints.” Describe a time when, instead of complaining, you took action for the greater good.

Prompt 2: We are looking for passionate students to join our diverse community of scholars, researchers, and artists. Answer the question that corresponds to the school/program to which you are applying in a half page or roughly 250 words.

• College of Arts and Sciences Applicants : What work of art, music, science, mathematics, literature, or other media has surprised, unsettled, or inspired you, and in what way?
• School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Applicants : Describe an engineering feat that serves the common good and why it inspires you to study engineering.
• School of Architecture Applicants : Describe significant experience that deepened your interest in studying in the School of Architecture.
• School of Nursing Applicants : Describe a health care-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying nursing.
• Kinesiology Program Applicants : Discuss experiences that led you to apply to the kinesiology major.

Selecting a Prompt

We’ve provided a breakdown of each of the five options below, but first we want to offer some general words of advice for this section. The second essay prompt for UVA covers your academic interests, so with this first prompt, admissions officers are looking for creativity, genuine interest, and a small, 250-word window into how you see yourself and the world around you. This is your chance to showcase a side of you that isn’t captured by your grades, standardized test scores, academic interests or your common app — so take advantage of it!

When it comes to selecting a prompt, read through the five options and immediately eliminate the ones that don’t speak to you. After you’ve narrowed down to two (maybe three) options that resonate with you, jot down a couple topics that could work to answer each prompt. You’ll find during this brainstorming that out of all of the topics you come up with, one will develop in your mind more than the others. That’s when you’ve found your prompt! 

Prompt 1 Option A: What’s your favorite word and why?

For this essay, avoid choosing a word that’s generally self-explanatory or cliche. Example of this could be “happiness” or “love” because these words are often overused and the meaning can generally be inferred without an additional story. You want to choose something that is both personally meaningful to you and something that is attached to a greater story.

For instance, if you are multilingual and your grandmother would always offer you a specific piece of advice in another language, you could use a word related to that advice in that language. Perhaps there is a story attached to the reason why she gave you that advice, or perhaps it is what you remember the most from her. Tell a story around this idea and your essay will be much more personal and impactful.

You could also show off your nerdy side here or highlight your interests. Perhaps your favorite word is “emulsion” because it is relevant to your two favorite activities: chemistry and cooking. You could discuss your love for each of these subjects and, like the previous example, tell a brief story on how the word relates to your personal experiences.

When choosing a word, you could also consider alternate meanings by considering meanings outside the traditional dictionary definition. In this case, you could contrast the traditional meaning with your own personal interpretation of the word in order to point out any differences and highlight your own personal connection to the word. Again, the key for this essay is to be personal.

In terms of writing your essay, you want to make it clear what your word is without directly saying “my favorite word is _____.”; always start your essay with an interesting opener and a thoughtful conclusion. Since the essay is short at 250 words, you want to be fairly straightforward without being too stale or obvious.

Prompt 1 Option B: We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions. Describe one of your quirks and why it is part of who you are.

Chances are, you have a unique quality that makes up who you are. This essay is all about pinpointing that quality and describing it in terms of its importance to your identity. Perhaps you have an odd fascination with insects or you collect unconventional objects. This is a perfect essay to discuss these facets of your life.

You must make sure to connect your quirk to your personality and individuality. Don’t simply describe the quirk; ask yourself why this quality is important to you and consider how your individuality would change had you not possessed this characteristic. You want to highlight your personality in this essay, whether it be through humorous writing or a creative story.

For example, if your quirk is having to do a cartwheel every morning before school, you can write a story mapping out your day, with emphasis on your daily cartwheel. Perhaps this is the only way to get your blood pumping and prepare you for the day ahead. Perhaps doing cartwheels ensures that you always start your day with a positive attitude, allowing you to tackle any obstacles during the day.

There are endless possibilities for quirks you could write about, as each person is different and has unique habits. Your quirk could be a unique mannerism such as a “weird” laugh or a unique daily routine you have. Perhaps your quirk was the object of ridicule in your earlier years, but now you’ve become confident in yourself and your unique qualities. Show UVA what makes you you and how proud you are to be yourself — weird quirks and all!

Prompt 1 Option C: Student self-governance, which encourages student investment and initiative, is a hallmark of the UVA culture. In her fourth year at UVA, Laura Nelson was inspired to create Flash Seminars, one-time classes which facilitate high-energy discussion about thought-provoking topics outside of traditional coursework. If you created a Flash Seminar, what idea would you explore and why?

For this essay, you want to consider your interests and how you want to share these interests with others. Your Flash Seminar should reflect something you’re passionate about, yet also be unique enough to not already exist. For example, you don’t want to create a seminar about something like “Cell Biology” or “Classical Literature.”

For instance, if you love science and have always been intrigued by astrology, you could create a Flash Seminar called “Is there a Scientific Basis for Astrology?” If you love politics and are passionate about film, you could create a seminar called “Hidden Political Messages in Modern Film.”

With any topic you choose, make sure to explain your choice. Why are you passionate about the topic and why do you think there should be a discussion about it? Perhaps you want to share your passions with others through a unique perspective or perhaps your proposed question has puzzled you in the past, making you eager to hear the thoughts of others. Discuss your reasons for creating the class and the goals you hope the class achieves.

Prompt 1 Option D: UVA students paint messages on Beta Bridge when they want to share information with our community. What would you paint on Beta Bridge and why is this your message?

Like the previous question, you want to consider the topics you’re passionate about and want to share with others. You could interpret “message” as a form of artwork such as a painting, or you can interpret it more literally as a message or phrase.

For instance, if you’re passionate about redesigning the roles of modern women, you could describe a painting that includes a dichotomy between traditional and more progressive roles of women. Perhaps half the painting includes black and white images of women performing household tasks and the other half uses vivid colors to portray women in positions of power and independence. Maybe you’ve been empowered by several strong women in your life and want to advocate for gender issues such as equal pay.

Maybe there is a quote or phrase from a novel that you’ve read that stuck out to you and want to share with UVA’s student body. For instance, if a quote from Thi Bui’s The Best We Could Do resonates with you due to a similarity with your immigration story, you could paint this message on the Beta Bridge in order to create a sense of community with those who share similar backgrounds.

No matter what you choose to paint, make sure you have a personal connection to the art. Ensure that you answer the “why” aspect of the question and discuss the reasons why the message is important to both you and others.

Prompt 1 Option E: Rita Dove, UVA English professor and former U.S. Poet Laureate, once said in an interview that “…there are times in life when, instead of complaining, you do something about your complaints.” Describe a time when, instead of complaining, you took action for the greater good.”

The first step with this prompt is defining what “the greater good” means for you. Your first thought might be to interpret this phrase on a societal level—perhaps your city is experiencing a homelessness crisis, so you took action by volunteering at a shelter. Or maybe you were dissatisfied with the decisions of a local law maker, so you participated in a peaceful protest. These are strong examples of taking action rather than complaining; however, it’s easy for these societal level examples to come off as unoriginal, so make sure you discuss why you were drawn to that particular issue, potentially discussing any personal ties you may have. 

Equally valid responses might interpret “the greater good” on a family, school, or local community level. You might discuss the time when you founded a robotics club at your school to satisfy your peers interest in engineering extracurriculars. Or perhaps your parent is consistently overrun with household chores and work, so you take on laundry duty, so they have one less thing to worry about. The key takeaway for this prompt is that UVA wants to know how instead of remaining passive in regards to a certain issue, you have taken action to improve the lives of the people around you. 

Obviously supplemental essays are about the admissions officers getting to know you better, but don’t make the mistake of writing this essay solely about yourself. Although the story of how you taught yourself to code despite your school not offering a course in programming is impressive and personal, it doesn’t show the reader how you connect with the world around you. 

This is the last of the five prompt options and we recommend choosing the prompt you have the strongest connection to. Remember, there is no “best” prompt; regardless of the prompt you choose, ensure that you reveal something about your personality and give the admissions committee a closer look at your background.

Architecture only (250 words): Describe significant experience that deepened your interest in studying in the School of Architecture.

This “significant experience” could take the form of visiting an architectural landmark, living in a neighborhood of a certain style, or even simply watching a documentary on Antoni Guadi that solidified your decision to pursue architecture.

If you’ve traveled to a place with intricate and unique architecture, or you visited a site that excluded aesthetic excellence, this is the place to discuss that.

Perhaps you were intrigued by the ancient architecture and designs featured in ancient Greece. Or perhaps you were fascinated by a particular home you saw while driving through Hollywood Hills due to its unique modern characteristics. Be detailed when describing the instance or location, and allow the reader to visualize the design. That being said, be careful not to write a completely descriptive essay; with every purely descriptive sentence, make sure there is an accompanying sentence that addresses why that particular description is significant. 

Your goal for this essay is to use an experience as a tool to describe your interest in architecture. Maybe you loved the detailed engravings embedded into ancient European architecture, or maybe you love the intersection of minimalism and functionality, or on the flip side, perhaps there is a building in your city that you particularly dislike and you’re curious about what drove certain architectural decisions. Make sure to convey the passion you have towards architecture and show a genuine interest and love for unique designs.

Kinesiology only (250 words): Discuss experiences that led you to choose the kinesiology major.

For those of you interested in kinesiology, or the study of how the body moves, you must complete this essay. There could be several reasons why you chose this field of study but make sure to choose something that is personal to you and had a large impact in terms of exciting your interest in the subject.

For instance, if you volunteered in a hospital and often worked with patients recovering from physical injuries, you could discuss watching people slowly regain mobility. You could discuss how you were amazed by the body’s ability to recover and how a person could transition from immobility to mobility. Maybe you have a more personal connection and witnessed a friend or family member experience the same recovery. If so, you could definitely include this in discussing your motivation for pursuing kinesiology.

You could also discuss the science and mechanics behind kinesiology if you did not necessarily have a defining moment that influenced you to choose the field. Perhaps you are interested biomechanics behind kinesiology and were always intrigued by how the body interacts with itself. If you have played sports before, you could draw a connection between the two here and discuss how your interest in sports influenced your interest in the body’s mechanics.

Engineering and applied sciences only (250 words): Describe an engineering feat that serves the common good and why it inspires you to study engineering.

The key words of this prompt are “engineering feat,” “common good,” and “inspire”; a response is incomplete if it doesn’t address these concepts. The modern world operates on engineering feats, giving you a wide array of options. You could choose a more obvious and revolutionary feat like the invention of the airplane or computer, or you could look around your everyday life and choose something that appears mundane but the world could not live without.

If you opt for something like an airplane, then you want to make it clear that you’ve put significant thought into your response. A bad essay might focus on how the airplane revolutionized history by allowing human kind to fly, something inventors previously believed impossible, and that this invention is inspiring because it made the impossible possible. While all of this is objectively true, it’s hardly interesting and tells the reader little about how you think. A better response might instead discuss how the airplane has sped up the process of globalization and allowed for the mixing and mutual understanding of cultures that were once isolated from each other. Then the essay might go on to mention how this cultural exposure has served the common good, and how the impact of engineering is intersectional, which is why you want to study it.

An example of a smaller feat could be the invention of the mechanical pencil. You could argue that the mechanical pencil serves the common good by reducing waste because it allows users to efficiently replace the graphite and eraser without having to stop to sharpen the pencil every 10 minutes. One could say that this new type of pencil is inspiring because it proves that even tools as old as a pencil can be improved upon.

These examples demonstrate that you can be extremely creative with this essay by approaching it from different directions. Just make sure your final essay addresses the key ideas listed in the first sentence of this explanation. 

Nursing only (250 words): School of Nursing applicants may have experience shadowing, volunteering, or working in a healthcare environment. Tell us about a healthcare-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying Nursing.

This prompt is essentially asking you why you want to study nursing. You want to trace your previous experiences and consider whether they impacted your decision to study health care. Perhaps an experience volunteering at a hospital changed influenced your love for nursing, or perhaps you realized nursing comes naturally to you after caring for an ill friend or family member.

If you worked or volunteered at a hospital, you could discuss a specific interaction you had with a patient. For example, maybe an elderly woman recently exited surgery and you were assigned to assist with her recovery. Perhaps the woman would often tell stories about her past experiences to you, reminding you of your own grandmother. Maybe it’s this deep interaction with patients that has attracted you to nursing.

You want to be personal in your response; don’t simply state that you want to study nursing in order to help people. These answers are cliche and vague, as they don’t really highlight a particular experience that you had.

Arts and sciences only (250 words): What work of art, music, science, mathematics, or literature has surprised, unsettled, or challenged you, and in what way?

With so many fields classified under arts and sciences, you have a variety of ways to approach this answer. If you’re studying biology, for example, perhaps a unique experiment in the lab opened your eyes to the intricacies of life. If you want to study math, maybe you struggled with learning a theorem and want to discuss how you overcame this challenge. Maybe Toni Morrison’s Beloved introduced you to the darker side of literature that made you both uncomfortable and intrigued.

You want to discuss why and how the work challenged or changed you rather than simply describing the work itself. The key here is to draw a personal connection and explain how the work impacted you by describing your personal reactions to it.

For example, if you found reading Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales challenging whether it be due to the language or content, you could describe the obstacles you encountered while analyzing the text. You could then conclude with discussing how working through these obstacles forced you to look at literature from a different perspective, thus allowing you to find unique symbols in the text that you otherwise would have skipped over.

Final Words

Remember, the purpose of these essays is to showcase your identity to the admissions officers. You want to highlight your personality and convey your passions in order to allow the reader to get a better sense of who you are.

We hope this guide has allowed you to tackle UVA’s application with the utmost confidence. Happy writing!

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3 Expert Tips for Tackling the UVA Essay Prompts

College Essays

Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, the University of Virginia boasts impressive academics, competitive sports team, and a long list of notable alumni. Though about 17,000 students attend UVA, the school has an admissions rate of 19%—meaning you'll have to work hard if you want to be a Cavalier.

One of the best ways to boost your chances of admissions is by writing great UVA essays as part of your application. In this article, we'll break down what the UVA essay prompts are and how you can write responses to each prompt that will make you stand out.

What Are the UVA Supplemental Essay Prompts?

In order to apply to UVA, you'll submit the Common Application . No matter which option you choose, you'll have to complete the UVA supplement, which includes three writing prompts.

The first prompt requires a response of about 100 words, and the other two recommend 50 words each. So these are definitely more short responses than full-length essays. For the first UVA supplement essay, you're required to write a response based on the school within UVA that you're applying to. For the second and third UVA writing supplements, you get to choose the topic that resonates most with you.

UVA Essay Prompts

Here are the UVA essay prompts for 2022-2023:

We are looking for passionate students to join our diverse community of scholars, researchers, and artists. Answer this question, which corresponds to the school/program you selected above in around 100 words.

• College of Arts and Sciences — If you could create a college course that all UVA students would take, what would it be about and why?
• School of Engineering and Applied Sciences — How will you use an engineering degree to change the world for the better?
• School of Architecture —Describe a significant experience that deepened your interest in studying in the School of Architecture.
• School of Nursing —Describe a health care-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying nursing.
• Kinesiology Program — Describe an experience that has deepened your interest in studying kinesiology.

Prompts #2 and #3

Answer one of the following questions in around 50 words. (You'll answer one question from this set for prompt 2 and a different question from this same set for prompt 3).

What's your favorite word and why?

We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions. Describe one of your quirks and why it is part of who you are.

UVA students paint messages on Beta Bridge when they want to share information with our community. What would you paint on Beta Bridge and why is this your message?

About what topic could you speak for an hour?

Take us to your happy place. 

You can wake up tomorrow and a skill you already have will become expert-level. What skill is that?

What is the last gift you gave someone that wasn't bought with money?

What website is the internet missing?

After a challenging experience, how do you recharge?

Tell us about a place you'd like to share with everyone, but also keep to yourself.

Tell us about a time when, faced with an opinion or perspective that differed from your own, you responded as an empathetic speaker or a generous listener.

UVA Essays, Analyzed

Looking for advice on how to write amazing UVA essays? Let's break down how to answer each prompt.

UVA Prompt #1

The instructions are the same for all of the first UVA essays:

" We are looking for passionate students to join our diverse community of scholars, researchers, and artists. Answer this question, which corresponds to the school/program you selected above in around 100 words ."

Let's look at how to answer each one.

College of Arts and Sciences— If you could create a college course that all UVA students would take, what would it be about and why?

This slightly unusual prompt lets you show UVA what knowledge you think every student there should know. The prompt isn't asking what you think would be an interesting or fun course necessarily, but a course that every UVA student should need to take and pass in order to graduate. To answer this prompt, you'll need to decide: what topic is important for every UVA student to think about and know before they graduate? 

You could take this in a lot of different directions. You might choose a practical topic, like Intro to Paying Taxes, Basic Home and Car Repairs, or Financial Planning 101. Certainly everybody will need to know that information sooner or later! You could also choose a more abstract topic that you think no one should graduate college without thinking critically about. Topics in this area could include living sustainably, understanding prejudice, or how to be a good communicator.

Whichever topic you choose, be sure to give a brief overview of what the course would cover and, most importantly, why you think every UVA student should take it. The topic you choose is less important than your reasoning behind it, so make sure you make a strong argument for why your course choice is valuable to the entire UVA community.

School of Engineering— How will you use an engineering degree to change the world for the better?

This prompt is all about you and your plans for the future. What specifically do you plan on doing as an engineer? UVA asks this to understand your goals and motivations for wanting to enroll in their School of Engineering.

When answering this prompt, you might feel pressured to write something really impressive, like designing a space shuttle that'll allow humans to travel to Mars or developing a cheap water purification system that can be distributed to the millions of people living without access to clean drinking water. And if you do have those goals for yourself, then go for it! 

However, if you have more modest goals, don't feel like you need to "dress them up" in order to impress UVA. Wanting to become an engineer so you can create safe buildings, help people  manage and protect their data, or even just build cool roller coasters that people enjoy are just as valid.

The key is to be honest and enthusiastic about your career goals. Let your passion for engineering and your excitement for your future plans shine through, and you'll be all set for this prompt.

School of Architecture—Describe a significant experience that deepened your interest in studying in the School of Architecture.

Inspiration comes in many forms —what's important for this prompt is to think about an experience that has inspired you. Also, keep in mind that this prompt isn't asking you about a specific building or project that you love. Instead, it wants you to tell a personal story about how architecture has inspired you...and how that inspiration led you to choose architecture as a major.

The trick for this essay prompt is connecting your experience to architecture . For example, maybe you wanted to be an architect because you visited the Academy of Sciences in California, and you thought their underground aquarium was amazing. That inspired you to want to learn to build structures that create that sense of awe in others.

Whatever you choose, you should be sincere about your inspiration. Anything that sounds trite will be really obvious to the admissions committee. They'll read thousands of applications about wanting to make the tallest building in the world—make yours sound different.

School of Nursing—Describe a health care-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying nursing.

Don't feel like you need to highlight a huge moment here—rather, focus on something that's significant to you even if that experience was small!

The key to this prompt is to make sure that you're highlighting something real that happened to you or someone important to you. The more personal you can make the experience, the better.

Saying something like "I want to solve cancer for everyone" is less impactful than saying that you have seen firsthand how cancer affected your grandmother. Nursing is a personal profession—lean into that for this essay.

Kinesiology Program— Describe an experience that has deepened your interest in studying kinesiology.

For this prompt, focus on one experiences and discuss it in detail. Don't give an entire overview of your history—describing something more fully will resonate more than trying to cram a lot of experiences into a relatively short essay.

Be honest about what drove you to kinesiology— don't write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Write what's true for you.

UVA Prompts #2 and #3

Again, for both prompts 2 and 3, you'll choose one prompt from the list below (so two different prompts total) and write a response of roughly 50 words each.

This is quite an eclectic list! Of the 11 prompts, you only need to answer two, so don't worry if you can't think of a good response to some or even most of the prompts. Don't worry about choosing the two "best" prompts either; UVA chose each of these prompts which means they think they're all valuable. Choose the two that speak to you the most and that you can answer in a way that lets UVA learn more about you as a person.

Also aim to choose two prompts that show different sides of yourself as opposed to two prompts where your answers are quite similar. That helps UVA get more of a look into who you are as a person, which is the entire point of the prompts.

To choose your prompts, go through the list and think about potential responses for each question. Some you might not come up with anything for, but hopefully for a few an answer will jump out at you. For example, do you have a passion for collecting Minnie Mouse figurines? Do you have to run four miles every single morning? Do you stop everything you're doing whenever the Red Sox are playing? Do your parents always make fun of you for pronouncing a word strangely? Then you might want to answer the question about quirks. 

Or maybe the prompt about students writing messages on the Beta Bridge speaks to you. As with the other prompts, the "why" is the most important part of this prompt. Whatever message you land on, make sure you have a good reason for it.

Avoid trite or cliched phrases, like "Be the change you wish to see in the world." The admissions committee will have seen thousands of these—and those words are probably already written on Beta Bridge. What do you have to say? What message is personal to you? What lesson have you learned that you specifically can communicate?

For whichever prompts you choose, be honest and reflective so that your response gives a window of insight into who you are and what matters to you. Another thing to note: 50 words is not very long at all! So keep things concise in order to stay within the word count.

How to Write UVA Essays

Here are some general tips for how to write UVA essays that will wow the committee.

Your UVA supplement essays are a chance to show the admissions committee who you are. Take that opportunity to flesh yourself out. You're not simply a collection of A's and B's printed on a transcript. You're a real person! Show that in your UVA essays.

#2: Feedback Is Cool; Plagiarism Is Not

It can be tempting to bounce essay ideas off your peers, parents, and teachers. That's fine! But don't rely on them too heavily. Your work should be your own—from the ideas to the execution. There's a fine line between receiving helpful feedback and using that feedback in a way that misrepresents your work and ability . Seek out help, but know that you have the first and final say.

#3: Play With Form

Your UVA essays don't have to follow the traditional five paragraph structure. UVA encourages you to play with form. That means you can submit a poem, if you want!

Take advantage of the freedom from structure to write in a way that feels authentic to you. If that means starting every sentence with the letter "E", then go for it! As long as your work is well-written and engaging, the form doesn't matter.

What's Next?

There are over 5,000 colleges in the United States—how can you possibly decide which to apply to? Using a college finder tool can help you sort through your options and find your ideal school without having to tour every single campus.

Once you've decided on some colleges or universities that you're interested in attending , our guide will help you narrow down your list to safeties, matches, and reach school.

Still not sure what you're looking for in a college? Read our articles on whether you should go to a school close to home and whether you should attend a large or small college .

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Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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The University of Virginia accepts applications from first-year and transfer students through the Common Application . Students are required to submit their portion of the application online. Counselors and teachers may choose to submit their documents online or by mail.

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Admission Dates & Deadlines Summary

We do not accept resumes, research papers, or supplemental application items that do not fit the criteria for arts supplements.

We maintain a consistent review throughout the application process so there is no advantage to choosing one application plan over another. We hope to offer students multiple options and the ability to choose the option that is best suited for them. All students applying for financial aid who have submitted the required documents by the priority deadlines will receive a preliminary aid award shortly after admission decisions are released. Below is additional information about our application choices.

Early Decision is a binding admission plan for students who have determined that UVA is their first choice and who feel they can present a strong application without senior grades being reviewed. Students admitted through the Early Decision admission plan are required to cancel their applications elsewhere and enroll in UVA. Decisions of admit, deny, or defer will be released by December 15th. Admitted students are expected to submit deposits by January 15. 

Early Action is a non-binding and unrestrictive admission plan that may be an attractive option for those feel they can present a strong application without senior grades being reviewed. We aim to release decisions of admit, deny, or defer by February 15th. Students admitted through the Early Action admission plan will have until May 1 to reserve a spot by in the incoming class. 

Regular Decision is a non-binding and unrestrictive admission plan that allows students more time to complete the application and to have grades from the first term of their senior year considered in the review. Students will be notified of their admission decisions of admit, deny, or waiting list by April 1 Students admitted through the Regular Decision admission plan will have until May 1 to reserve a spot in the incoming class.

If you would like to change your chosen plan after submitting an application, you must  email us within 24 hours of submission.

There are eight undergraduate schools at UVA. First-year applicants can apply to: College of Arts & Sciences School of Architecture School of Engineering School of Nursing Kinesiology Those interested in the McIntire School of Commerce , Batten School for Leadership and Public Policy , School of Data Science , or programs in the School of Education and Human Development  other than Kinesiology should apply to the College of Arts and Sciences.

You may list two academic interests in addition to your undergraduate school choice. Unless you are applying to the School of Nursing or Kinesiology program, you will not declare a major at UVA until the end of your first or second year.

If you would like to change your chosen school after submitting an application, please email us within ten days of the application deadline. Admitted students should plan to enroll in the school to which they have applied.

Test Optional

If you're applying for admission for Fall 2025, you'll have the choice of sharing or not sharing standardized test scores. Whichever path you choose, we'll consider your application with care and respect, and you won't be disadvantaged because of the choice you've made.

Reporting Scores

Applicants who wish to have SAT, ACT, AP, or IB testing considered during the application process should opt to submit scores and self-report them on the application. After the deadline, applicants may submit updated scores through their portal. Admitted students who applied with testing and decide to enroll at UVA must request official score reports for verification. Our ETS code is 5820. Our ACT code is 4412.

Super-scoring

For applicants submitting test scores, we consider the best combination of section scores without recalculation. Report your scores (section scores for the SAT or composite and sub-scores for the ACT) as they appear on your official score report. Our system will do the rest for you.

The ACT Writing sections are not used in our review. 

TOEFL/IELTS

Students whose first language is not English or who have attended an English-speaking school for fewer than two years are encouraged to provide evidence of their English proficiency by submitting the results of the TOEFL or the IELTS.

We require the secondary school report and one teacher evaluation from an academic subject teacher for each first-year application.

Your school counselor can submit the secondary school report online. A counselor recommendation can be submitted with the secondary school report. Your academic teacher recommendation should also be submitted online. In addition to the secondary school report, your counselor should submit the school profile and your transcript(s) online.

If your counselor is unable to write a recommendation letter, please request that the secondary school report still be completed and submitted online. If your counselor is unable to provide a written recommendation, you may submit a recommendation from another school administrator or academic teacher if possible. Please know that in this situation, a counselor recommendation is not required for your application to be reviewed.

If your school is unable to submit these documents electronically, they can be mailed.

Arts Supplements

The Admission Office actively seeks artists, musicians, dancers and students in all areas of theatre to invigorate our community through their dedication to the arts. Students who exhibit exceptional talent in the arts may submit an arts portfolio  through the Common Application via Slideroom . This portfolio is an  optional  part of the application process and is intended for those who plan to engage seriously in the University’s arts departments as students. Completed portfolio evaluations are shared with the admission committee and are considered as part of the overall application review. These portfolios are not required to enroll in arts-related classes at the University of Virginia and will only be used for the admission process. If a student who has already submitted their Common App wants to submit an art supplement, they may create a Slideroom account using their Common App ID.

Supplemental portfolios must be received by the application deadline and adhere to departmental guidelines to guarantee review.

Architecture Supplements

All transfer applicants interested in majoring in Architecture are required to submit a portfolio following the guidelines and submission requirements on the School of Architecture website . Transfer applicants interested in Urban Planning and Architectural History are not required to submit portfolios.

If you wish to claim entitlement to Virginia in-state educational privileges pursuant to the Code of Virginia, Section 23-7.4, you must complete the residency section of the application. If supporting documents are requested after an application is submitted, fax them to 434-982-2663 . See the Office of Virginia Status website for more information .

We do not track attendance at tours, information sessions, high school visits, or other programs (commonly referred to as demonstrated interest) to use during the application review.

All application updates should be uploaded via the student portal. Applicants received an email with login credentials for the portal a few days after their Common App was received. Please do not email updates to individual admission officers.

Writing the UVA Supplemental Essays

Written by Karen Spencer on October 17th, 2019

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UVA Essay Examples

Uva essay examples – introduction.

In this guide, we’ll learn about the University of Virginia supplemental essays through several UVA essay examples. We’ve included UVA supplemental essays examples, addressing various UVA essay prompts to teach you what a successful essay looks like. After each, we’ll discuss the parts of these UVA essays that worked. Read on to learn more about writing strong University of Virginia essays.

University of Virginia background

The University of Virginia is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, today UVA is home to over 27,000 undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students. With UVA ranking among the top U.S. public universities, thousands of UVA applications flood the University of Virginia admissions annually. Of all the UVA application requirements, the University of Virginia supplemental essays are perhaps the most important aside from grades.

What are the UVA Supplemental Essays?

Ultimately, applicants to UVA will write three essays. The first has a 100-word limit, while the other two are 50 words or fewer. Since the UVA application is part of the Common Application , you’ll also need a personal statement .

When you apply to UVA through the Common App , you must choose to apply to one of UVA’s five schools and colleges. The school or college you select on your UVA application is an important decision as it will determine one of three essays that you will write. Below is a list of UVA’s five schools and colleges and their respective essay prompts.

University of Virginia- School-Specific Essays (100 words)

I. college of arts & sciences.

If you could create a college course that all UVA students would take, what would it be about and why? 

II. School of Engineering

How will you use an engineering degree to change the world for the better? 

III. School of Architecture

Describe a significant experience that deepened your interest in studying at the School of Architecture. 

IV. School of Nursing

Describe a healthcare-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying Nursing. 

V. Kinesiology Program

Describe an experience that has deepened your interest in studying kinesiology.

Mind the word limits

This first University of Virginia essay has a word limit of 100 words. For your second and third essays for the University of Virginia, you will choose from a list of eleven UVA essay prompts. Remember, the last two University of Virginia essays have a word limit of only 50-words. Below are the prompts students must choose from.

UVA Essay Prompts- Choose Two 

• What’s your favorite word and why?
• We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions. What is one of your quirks?
• About what topic could you speak for an hour?
• Take us to your happy place.
• You can wake up tomorrow and a skill you already have will become expert-level. What skill is that?
• What is the last gift you gave someone that wasn’t bought with money?
• What website is the internet missing?
• After a challenging experience, how do you recharge?
• Tell us about a place you’d like to share with everyone, but also keep to yourself.
• UVA students paint messages on Beta Bridge when they want to share information with our community. What would you paint on Beta Bridge and why is this your message?
• Tell us about a time when, faced with an opinion or perspective that differed from your own, you responded as an empathetic speaker or generous listener.

Essay prompts do change

If you’ve read our University of Virginia supplemental essays guide from last year, you may be scratching your head. Weren’t there only two required University of Virginia essays? Well, the University of Virginia admissions team has changed the UVA application requirements when it comes to essays. This isn’t uncommon—college essay prompts usually change in some way from year to year. But the University of Virginia supplemental essays and UVA essay prompts have seen a pretty big change.

As a result of this change, the UVA supplemental essays examples we’ve included below may not exactly reflect this year’s UVA essay prompts. However, reading our UVA essay examples and other college essay examples can still help you brainstorm for other essays.

UVA Essay Examples – Prompt #1

To kick off our UVA supplemental essays examples, we have three UVA essays addressing a singular prompt. As mentioned above, the UVA essay prompts have changed pretty drastically this year. Therefore, this prompt isn’t part of this year’s UVA application. However, these UVA essays that worked have some strengths you can apply to any college essay.

Even if these UVA essay examples are different from what you’ll write, it’s good to consider how you might approach different essay prompts . 

Our First Essay Example Prompt

So, for UVA essay prompts like the one below, what should strong UVA essay examples have in common? Obviously, the work you choose should have impacted you deeply. However, it doesn’t have to be a world-famous work: it could be a manga, a theorem, or a video game. Most importantly, the impact this work had on you should reflect something about you, your values, or your worldview.

At the end of the day, successful UVA supplemental essays examples share traits with all effective college essays. They address the prompt, tell a compelling story, and shine a spotlight on you. Strong UVA supplemental essays examples, even short ones, add depth to your personal narrative — so make every word count! With that in mind, let’s look at three UVA essay examples for this prompt.

What work of art, music, science, mathematics, literature, or other media has surprised, unsettled, or inspired you, and in what way?

Uva essays that worked #1.

Staring blankly at a black square, I pull on my hair in frustration. As my teacher announces that there are three minutes left on the test, my frustrations turn into rage and I burst out in the middle of class: “How do we analyze this? This isn’t art!”

My love-hate relationship with Kazimir Malevich’s Black Square piece started when my middle school art teacher told us to analyze his work on a test.

Although I wasn’t a renowned artist, I thought Kazimir’s Black Square was nowhere near art. How could someone paint a black square, declare it art, and then call it a day? My dislike for Kazimir’s art, however, changed when I learned about the context behind his artwork. I became fascinated by how Kazimir was able to use his artwork to completely revitalize people’s definition of “art”. As I learned about Kazimir’s motives I had an epiphany: the Black Square was more than just… well, a black square. Instead, it was a revolutionary tool used to deconstruct reality and form a new perception of art.

To this day, Kazimir has taught me to not let my preconceptions of reality shape how I process information. I realized the importance of striving to understand cultures, identities, and ideas that are different from mine rather than reject them because of my preconceptions. With this in mind, I learned that any idea or concept is not static and can be expanded and changed; it’s imperative to not reject any ideas that are different from my own to expand my own understanding of a concept.

It’s safe to say that my 12-year-old self was wrong: black squares can be art too.

Why This Essay Worked

Most essay guides, ours included, will hammer home the effectiveness of narrative essays. This doesn’t make a narrative structure essential—as we’ll see, plenty of UVA essays that worked aren’t narratives. However, UVA essay examples that open with some action or scene have the power to instantly grab a reader’s attention. The vivid language this author uses in their opening to frame their topic quickly conveys their frustration.

Regardless of how they hook readers, strong UVA supplemental essays examples for any prompt will look inward. After the opening, the author talks about how their perspective changed. This is what the prompt asks, and strong UVA essay examples like this clearly define that change. Again, impactful language illustrates how the author’s new understanding of Kazimir’s work widened their perspective on art.

The author concludes by connecting their revelations from Kazimir to their worldview as a whole. All of these UVA essay examples show admissions officers who the author is and what they consider important. Effective UVA supplemental essays examples illustrate your values or background and how you’ll enrich the campus community with them. In your University of Virginia essays, be reflective in your writing to allow your principles to shine through.

Another Response to the First Prompt

Uva essays that worked #2.

I think that this is best answered by sharing the letter I wrote the author after reading A Place for Us :

Reading has always been my favorite escape, my favorite pastime. Only, your book was never an escape, but a mirror: the first time I saw my life truly reflected in literature, and not because you told an Indian-American story. I felt as though you had written my story, because of the raw and honest meditation on family that your book centers on. 

As is true with many immigrant families, my family resorts to anger often too quickly. We shy away from expressing love. I have cried out that I hated my father on more than one occasion and passionately believed it to be true each time, just like Amar did to Rafiq. As I read Rafiq’s dying words to Amar at the end of the book, expressing his regret, his love for his son–I couldn’t stop crying because suddenly, I saw my family in a completely different light. Not that we will never disagree or fight again, but I began to consider all that goes unsaid between us. A lack of communication caused their family to fall apart, and it made me examine the cracks in mine. 

Behind the anger is almost always love, and while I’ve known this subconsciously, there is something about seeing your struggles outside the context of your own life that forces you to confront the truth about them. I’m endlessly indebted to you, in awe of you, and I needed to say thank you. I cannot begin to express how much this book truly means to me, but I have tried to explain a little portion of my love for it. Thank you, Ms. Mirza, for my new favorite book. I will carry it with me always. Sincerely, [NAME REDACTED]

The second of our UVA essay examples also has a compelling frame: it’s a letter to an author. This opening immediately tells us just how deeply this work moved the applicant. It’s a unique hook among UVA supplemental essays examples. If you have a fresh frame, don’t be shy! This structure works because it allows the author to be emotionally open as well as specific in discussing the work.

By virtue of the subject, this University of Virginia essay is inseparable from the author’s background. Like all good UVA essay examples, this essay reflects on the author’s experiences. Instead of simply praising the book, the author connects it to their place within their family relationships. They describe how it gave them a different perspective on their family and a new awareness going forward.

Ideal UVA supplemental essays examples show readers that the author can reflect on and grow from their experiences. This author checks that box by illustrating the connections among the book, their experiences, and how they’ve reflected on both. Furthermore, they recognize the new ways they view their life and relationships thanks to this book. That’s growth! Take note of these UVA essay examples and include moments of personal growth in your essays whenever possible.

A Final Response to the First Prompt

Uva essays that worked #3.

I’m a firm believer that J.G Quintel’s Regular Show is the only TV series capable of portraying an apocalyptic, flesh-hungry black hole spiraling out of the skies while an anthropomorphic blue jay, Mordecai, and raccoon, Rigby, play nearly one hundred tied games of rock, paper, scissors. I knew that there was only one way for Mordecai and Rigby to preserve the world as they knew it; the tie had to be broken.

Wait a second—How does declaring the victor of a stupid hand game dictate world order? J.G, how did you forget to add “Ir-” in front of your show’s title?

This was just the pilot episode and I had witnessed a revolution in children’s television programming: an animated one that struck an undeniably perfect balance between science fiction and satire. Regular Show fascinates me in that its supernatural occurrences aren’t unreasonably dramatic and its humor is intentionally well-played and witty. I would argue that episodes of Regular Show embrace the beauty of tragicomedies in roughly the same way that Plautus, the Roman creator of tragicomedies, intended to in his famed work, Amphitryon. Quintel, however, captivates me with a compelling twist. He ditches traditional Greco-Roman tragicomic themes of seduction and envy and models his artform around a more bizarre construct: randomness.

The only constant in Regular Show is the mere existence of the main characters; every other component of the show is wildly variable. The structure of the show is liquid as it is free flowing and takes the shape of its container, or the viewer’s interpretation. Although I’ve come to understand most of the conundrums my prepubescent self was unable to comprehend, it still baffles me as to how Regular Show can weave together the most unrelated and paradoxical concepts into an animated, twelve-minute masterpiece.

As exemplified see in our UVA essay examples, a distinct writer’s voice can immediately elevate a supplemental essay. The lines following the first paragraph, where the author asks a rhetorical question, inject some humor. After that, the use of strong language like “revolution,” “undeniably perfect,” and “fascinates” convey the writer’s admiration for Regular Show. Don’t be afraid to embrace expressive words like the ones you’ve read in our UVA supplemental essays examples. Still, remember not to go overboard with a thesaurus to the point where you’re using complex words insincerely.

For this author, the impact of their selected work is creative, like the first of our UVA essay examples. They explore what it is about Regular Show that captivates them, even drawing parallels to Greco-Roman tragicomedy. That’s not to say you have to cite Plautus—most UVA essays that worked probably didn’t mention Amphitryon. But by linking those together, we understand that this author enjoys classical plays as well as finding connections across media.

Rather than telling the reader about their love of classics or literature, this author lets their analysis speak for itself. This University of Virginia essay shows us the author is thoughtful toward the media they interact with, from cartoons to classics. Strong UVA essay examples will show — not tell — the reader what’s important to you.

UVA Essay Examples – Flash Seminar Prompt

Although the three UVA essay examples above responded to an old prompt, we hope they were helpful. Reading various UVA essays that worked can help you write your own, regardless of the prompt. Remember, all good UVA essay examples have something to teach you. The next of our UVA supplemental essays examples is also for an old prompt. 

Student self-governance, which encourages student investment and initiative, is a hallmark of the UVA culture. In her fourth year at UVA, Laura Nelson was inspired to create Flash Seminars, one-time classes which facilitate high-energy discussion about thought-provoking topics outside of traditional coursework. If you created a Flash Seminar, what idea would you explore and why?

In truth, this prompt is somewhat similar to the prompt for College of Arts & Sciences applicants. If you could create a college course that all UVA students would take, what would it be about and why? Even though the focus may be somewhat different, effective UVA supplemental essays examples for both prompts should have the same takeaway: what topic do you consider important, and why?

Strong UVA essay examples for this prompt are specific about the topic. Moreover, we still need to consider the tips from our previous UVA essays that worked. The author is personal, referencing and reflecting on their interests, experiences, or goals. With that in mind, let’s look at the next of our UVA supplemental essays examples.

UVA Essays That Worked – Flash Seminar

Before I could even read, The Lorax was my favorite book. When my dad read the book to me, I instantly fell in love with the cotton-like trees and the small orange creature with a mustache. While I still love the cartoonish illustrations, The Lorax remains my favorite book, to this day, because of another reason: it exemplifies how consumerism driven by Capitalism can harm the environment.

So, should the U.S. abandon Capitalism and force everyone to become hunters and gatherers? That would be quite effective, but we don’t have to. My seminar would address how we could use consumerism to protect the environment. For people who think that an individual’s actions to protect the environment are insignificant, this seminar will prove them wrong. People will learn how the money they spend in companies can shape how companies act. While environmental protection is not a priority for most companies, the power of consumerism that individuals have can force companies to care about our environment. Most importantly, the seminar will be a call to action, encouraging people to take initiative for the sake of humanity’s future. The audience would leave the seminar knowledgeable about the ways in which they can use consumerism to create the change that the world needs.

While the damage done to our environment is immense, it’s not too late to change. One small action at a time, I know that humanity can create substantial environmental reform: one that will even make the Lorax proud.

Some UVA essay examples reference the author’s childhood, like this one, to demonstrate a longstanding interest. In their opening paragraph, the author shows how their understanding of The Lorax has grown with them. Where they once saw cute illustrations, they now see an insightful commentary on consumerism and the environment. Already, we see the personal growth that characterizes many of our UVA essays that worked. 

Successful UVA supplemental essays examples that address academic topics include the author’s personal thoughts on the topic. After all, the prompt asks why it’s important to you —so what do you think about it? This author briefly outlines their position: consumers can pressure companies to protect the environment. Additionally, they state their goals for the seminar as a call to action for participants as consumers. Effective UVA essay examples for this prompt should also consider the course’s impact on others.

Obviously, there are as many topics as there are UVA essay examples. You don’t have to choose a sweeping topic like environmentally conscious consumerism—maybe you choose accessible design or internet safety. Whatever the topic, UVA essays that worked for this prompt concisely explained why that topic is significant to the author. More importantly, the best UVA essay examples also make a compelling case for why other people should learn about the topic.

UVA Essay Examples – “Quirks” Prompt

For the last of our UVA essay examples, we’re looking at a prompt from the 2022–2023 list. 

We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions. Describe one of your quirks and why it is part of who you are.

Whereas UVA essay examples in previous years had a 300-word limit, responses to this prompt are limited to 50 words. Keep the limited space in mind when reading the last of our UVA essay examples. Every word counts in college essays, but especially so for short essays. If you’re worried about sticking to the word limit, don’t worry. We’ll talk more about crafting your University of Virginia supplemental essays in the next section.

So, how do you approach UVA essay prompts like this? Well, whatever quirk you choose should be one that is “part of who you are.” What’s a behavior, trait, or habit that anyone who knows you could name? Maybe you sing your way through every day, or perhaps you write exclusively in cursive. Why is it integral to You ? Let’s see what the last of our UVA essay examples has to say.

UVA Essays That Worked – Quirks

While the rest of my body lies in the third dimension, my feet seem to remain entrenched in the second. 

Envision prancing through a never-ending bed of thorns; that’s almost how walking with flat feet feels. Essentially robbed of the rewards of exercise, I never became as tall as I once aspired to be. At age seventeen, I stand at a “solid” five foot four: the average height of a middle schooler. With the help of my toes, however, I’ve always been able to propel myself by an extra two inches while creating a temporary arch to relieve my feet of their chronic soreness. In other words, they’re natural stilts. It was the perfect remedy; ever since my years as a toddler, I’ve never fell off from the tips of my toes.

Of course, I have to deal with my fair share of criticism from my others or as I refer to them, my arch-enemies: usually taller people, whose feet were blessed with arches. I hear everything from “You’re not Peter Pan; why are you walking like a fairy?” to “Maybe you should invest in heels instead of tiptoeing.” To their dismay, I pay them no mind; their “advice” only detracts from my walk. Just like the Hulk’s aggressive lunges add to his grotesque demeanor, my light tiptoed gallops never fail to remind my peers of my classiness and jubilance. Not to mention, tiptoeing also upholds my composure even in the most unflattering situations. Although someone might expect stomps and a vulgar confrontation from me, my tiptoes signal a more diplomatic approach to conflicts, maybe even over a cup of chai.

Chances are that my feet will not enter the next dimension any time soon. I’ll still much rather — proudly — teeter 150 pounds over ten feeble appendages.

Again, many impactful UVA essay examples have a distinctive voice—some wry, others poetic. This author’s quirk is flat feet, a condition they describe tongue-in-cheek as very painful. If your quirk is something that bothers you, consider addressing it with humor if that is how you confront it in your life. Well-executed humor can leave a lasting impression on any reader, especially when applied ironically to an otherwise negative subject.

This writer’s cheeky praise of their toe-walking highlights their ability to make the best of their situation. It demonstrates their confidence and comfort with how they are—or perhaps, how they have to be. From this essay, a reader sees someone who faces adversity with humor while not negating their experience. This author frames flat feet as an irritant while using them to illustrate how they deal with negativity.

Effective UVA essay examples for this prompt contain layers: the quirk also says something about the author. As you think of your quirk, consider which ones can be used to illuminate a deeper truth about you. This could be something about how you learn or how you interact with the world around you. 

How to write the UVA Supplemental Essays

Now that you’ve read several UVA essay examples, we hope you feel ready to write your own University of Virginia supplemental essays. The first step in writing your University of Virginia essays is choosing from the UVA essay prompts. Luckily, the first prompt is chosen for you based on your school of choice. The second and third ones will come from the list of 11 prompts.

When evaluating the short-answer prompts, you may feel you could write something for all of them—or none of them. Try some different reflection exercises to organize your ideas and get those writing juices flowing. Since our UVA essay examples for these prompts are pretty short, you could try your hand and a handful of the prompts. Then, you can further rewrite and refine the ones that speak to you.

Each of the longer prompts is rather common among supplemental essays , so there’s no shortage of college essay guides out there. In writing your longer essay, you can brainstorm various topics to figure out your focus. Pick what you’re passionate about. Unlike our UVA essay examples, essays that aren’t genuine are really obvious. Go for honesty, and highlight your unique qualities and experiences through your topic.

Don’t forget the editing stage if you really want your essays to shine ! Revising your essays—both on your own and with another person—can weed out errors you may have missed on a first pass.

Additional UVA Essays & the UVA Admissions Process

If you’re looking at the best colleges in the U.S. during your college search , you might consider applying to UVA. UVA ranks highly for both undergraduate and graduate programs every year. The UVA acceptance rate is rather low, at just 21% . Given the high UVA ranking and low UVA acceptance rate, we can tell it’s a selective university. As a result, the University of Virginia supplemental essays are critical for a strong UVA application.

With UVA ranking consistently high and the UVA acceptance rate staying low, acceptance to UVA isn’t guaranteed. To be considered, you need to be sure to meet all of the UVA application requirements.

University of Virginia Application Requirements

• University of Virginia supplemental essays
• One academic teacher recommendation
• Guidance counselor recommendation (optional)
• Standardized test score (optional for 2022–2023 cycle)
• Common Application requirements: activity list , personal statement , etc.

At the time of publication, the Early Decision and Early Action deadlines have already passed for Fall 2023 applicants. The Regular Decision deadline for Fall 2023 applicants is January 1, 2023.

These days, having a high GPA alone isn’t enough. With University of Virginia admissions being test-optional this year, the rest of the application is weighted more heavily, especially for those who don’t submit test scores. Your essays and letters of recommendation provide an important window into who you are and what kind of UVA student you’ll be.

What about additional essays? UVA offers two merit-based scholarships for high-achieving students. One of these, the Jefferson Scholarship, requires two additional essays. While UVA isn’t among the most expensive universities , it still costs five figures per semester. In addition to financial aid, scholarships can help with the cost of college once you enroll .

More University of Virginia Resources to Support You

After reading the UVA essay examples above, maybe you feel ready to jump into the UVA application. Or, you might be looking for more UVA supplemental essays examples and UVA essays that worked. Or maybe you’re still unsure about UVA and just want to learn more. CollegeAdvisor.com has countless resources for you to explore, however you’re feeling.

If you want to hear more about UVA from alumni and current students, check out our webinar panel . The participants talk about their experiences at UVA in and out of the classroom. They also discuss the University of Virginia admissions process and their UVA application experience.

University of Virginia Panel

For more about crafting a successful application overall, we have a how-to get-into UVA guide . The UVA ranking isn’t dropping any time soon, but the acceptance rate will almost certainly stay selective. If you want to maximize your odds of admission, check out our guide.

How to Get Into University of Virginia (UVA) Guide

Lastly, we have an essay guide for the University of Virginia supplemental essays. Instead of providing UVA essay examples, it digs deep into last year’s prompts. You might even recognize some of the prompts from the UVA supplemental essays examples we just read. Although the UVA essay prompts have changed this year, our guide still provides valuable tips that can help you write any college essay.

University of Virginia (UVA) Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

UVA Essay Examples – Final Thoughts

The UVA acceptance rate makes it a selective school, so every part of your application counts. Writing strong University of Virginia supplemental essays is essential to crafting a stand-out application.

We hope reading our UVA essay examples and discussing areas of these UVA essays that worked has given you an idea of how to get started. Remember, although the essay prompts have changed, these UVA essay examples are still useful.  Take some time to review our UVA essay examples, make a list of things you want to incorporate into your UVA essays, and get writing!

This article was written by Chelsea Holley . Looking for more admissions support? Click  here  to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how  CollegeAdvisor.com  can support you in the college application process.

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Blog > Application Strategy , State School , Supplementals > How to Write the UVA Supplemental Essays

How to Write the UVA Supplemental Essays

Admissions officer reviewed by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University

Written by Kylie Kistner, MA Former Willamette University Admissions

Key Takeaway

You’ll be writing three short essays for your University of Virginia application, but don’t worry—they only add up to about 200 words total.

Your first essay will depend on the school you’re applying to. Here’s the prompt:

Prompt #1: We are looking for passionate students to join our diverse community of scholars, researchers, and artists. Answer this question, which corresponds to the school/program you selected above in around 100 words.

Let’s take a look at the options. No matter which school you’re applying to, consider the hint from the prompt: UVA is looking for passionate students. In your why major essay, your academic potential and fit for the program should shine through.

College of Arts and Sciences: If you could create a college course that all UVA students would take, what would it be about and why?

You’ve got lots of options with this somewhat quirky prompt. No matter what direction you take, your answer will tell your admissions officers something about your values. After all, if you think a topic is important enough for all community members to know about, then that topic probably says something important about you.

Maybe you want everyone to take a class about climate change and politics because you’re a passionate environmentalist. Or maybe you want everyone to learn about your Gramscian theory about social media because you think we should be more informed consumers of content. Whatever it is, make your why clear as day, and don’t be afraid to show your intellectual or nerdy side.

School of Engineering and Applied Sciences: How will you use an engineering degree to change the world for the better?

We’ve said it before , and we’ll say it again: top engineering programs aren’t just recruiting the next generation of bench engineers. They want to see engineers who can collaborate to solve important problems.

This prompt is your opportunity to show that you have more than the technical skills to be an engineer—you also have the creativity to think about how to apply those skills to help the world around you.

As you’re brainstorming ways to change the world, think about problems that also say something about who you are and what you value. Is there a problem in your community that you want to solve? A particular issue that you’re passionate about? Start there.

School of Architecture: Describe a significant experience that deepened your interest in studying in the School of Architecture.

Okay, so this prompt is specifically asking you to write about a significant experience that led to your interest in architecture. More specifically, it’s also a why major essay that asks what led you to want to study at the UVA School of Architecture in particular.

What you write about should be a concrete experience or moment that influenced you. Were you awestruck by an amazing building? Were you upset about an instance of inaccessible or hostile architecture? Did something in the UVA School of Architecture catch your eye? Whatever it is, don’t forget to discuss why the moment led to your interest in architecture at UVA.

School of Nursing: Describe a health care-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying Nursing.

Kinesiology program: describe an experience that has deepened your interest in studying kinesiology., prompts #2 and #3: answer one of the following questions in around 50 words..

Your second and third prompts look exactly the same. For both, you’ll have the choice of eleven questions, and your answers will be around 50 words each.

Short answer questions can be some of the trickiest to answer because you have a lot to say and not very many words. They’re even trickier when the questions themselves are unusual or quirky.

Before you choose your questions, think about your application as a whole. What kind of cohesive narrative does it portray? These short answers are your opportunity to add something that’s missing, emphasize important parts of yourself, or to spice things up a bit. If your application is very serious across the board, consider adding some humor or levity. If your narrative leans more lighthearted, think about a more sincere tone.

But overall, these questions are intended to help your admissions officer get to know you better. Write your answers to accomplish just that.

What's your favorite word and why?

We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions. what is one of your quirks, uva students paint messages on beta bridge when they want to share information with our community. what would you paint on beta bridge and why is this your message, about what topic could you speak for an hour, take us to your happy place., you can wake up tomorrow and a skill you already have will become expert-level. what skill is that, what is the last gift you gave someone that wasn't bought with money, what website is the internet missing, after a challenging experience, how do you recharge, tell us about a place you'd like to share with everyone, but also keep to yourself., tell us about a time when, faced with an opinion or perspective that differed from your own, you responded as an empathetic speaker or a generous listener..

Ready to get started on your UVA supplemental essays? Be sure to check out our ultimate guide to supplemental essays for more supplemental insights.

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Mastering UVA Supplemental Essays for the 2023-2024 Admissions Cycle

The college application journey is often full of excitement and, yes, a bit of stress. When it comes to the University of Virginia (UVA), a leading public university with a rich history and diverse academic offerings, the challenge includes creating a set of compelling supplemental essays. Don't fret! In this post, we will give you specific, actionable advice on how to ace each UVA essay prompt.

General Prompts

We are looking for passionate students to join our diverse community of scholars, researchers, and artists. Answer the question that corresponds to the school/program to which you are applying. (250 words)

This prompt is about showing how your passion aligns with what UVA offers. Research is key here. Mention specific courses, professors, or opportunities available at UVA that align with your academic interests. Connect these to your past experiences and future goals. Show them that you aren't just interested in UVA; you're excited about it.

Example Essay

Growing up in a small town in Wyoming, my world was framed by snow-capped mountains and boundless sky. This isolated, rugged environment sparked my fascination with weather patterns, leading me to pursue studies in atmospheric sciences. At UVA’s Department of Environmental Sciences, I hope to explore this passion further, given the department's excellent reputation and innovative research.

What particularly excites me about UVA is the cross-disciplinary approach to understanding the environment, such as Professor Sally Pusede's research in air pollution. I'm eager to work under her guidance and explore the intersection between atmospheric sciences and public health, an area I see myself contributing to in the future. The balance of rigorous academics and collaborative community at UVA perfectly aligns with my intellectual curiosity and desire to create meaningful societal impact.

Answer one of the following questions in half a page, or roughly 250 words:

• What’s your favorite word and why?
• We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions. Describe one of your quirks and why it is part of who you are.
• UVA students paint messages on Beta Bridge when they want to share information with our community. What would you paint on Beta Bridge and why is this your message?
• UVA students are charged with living honorably and upholding a Community of Trust. Give us an example of a community that is important to you and how you worked to strengthen that community.

These prompts all share a common goal: revealing something unique about your personality. Remember to choose the question that allows you to showcase an intriguing aspect of your character that isn't evident elsewhere in your application. Stay genuine and personable.

Prompt: UVA students paint messages on Beta Bridge when they want to share information with our community. What would you paint on Beta Bridge and why is this your message?

If I were given the chance to paint on Beta Bridge, my message would be "Look Up". Amid the hustle of student life, it's easy to get lost in textbooks, laptops, and cell phones. "Look Up" serves as a simple reminder to engage with the world around us, to appreciate the changing seasons, the architectural beauty of UVA, and the diverse community that populates it. My message aims to encourage mindfulness, curiosity, and a renewed appreciation for our shared surroundings. I believe that this perspective can foster stronger connections among the UVA community, enriching our collective experience.

Prompts for Specific Schools

Each school within UVA has its own prompt. These are opportunities to demonstrate not just why you're interested in your chosen field, but why you're interested in studying it at UVA.

School of Engineering and Applied Sciences: Describe an engineering feat that serves the common good and why it inspires you to study engineering.

For this prompt, discuss a specific engineering achievement, how it benefits society, and how it inspires your academic journey. Make sure to connect this back to UVA's Engineering program and how it can help you contribute to the common good.

The creation of solar-powered water desalination systems is an engineering feat that never ceases to inspire me. It addresses two critical global issues: clean water scarcity and sustainable energy use. This integration of environmental concerns with engineering solutions demonstrates the profound impact this field can have on society.

Such an approach motivates me to pursue engineering at UVA. The multidisciplinary focus of the Engineering in Context course, coupled with the opportunity to collaborate with the UVA Center for Applied Biomechanics, matches my aspiration to develop technology-driven, sustainable solutions for global challenges. The chance to study engineering at UVA is not just an opportunity for personal advancement but a stepping stone towards fulfilling my commitment to the common good.

School of Architecture: Describe an instance or place where you have been inspired by architecture or design.

Here, UVA wants to hear about your passion for architecture or design. Describe a specific instance, place, or work that inspired you and explain why. Then connect this to UVA's School of Architecture, mentioning particular courses or professors you're excited to learn from.

The iconic Guggenheim Museum in New York, with its swirling form and revolutionary design, has been a significant inspiration for me. Frank Lloyd Wright's seamless integration of architecture and environment completely transformed my understanding of what architecture could achieve.

The way the museum interacts with its urban surroundings, how it invites the visitor on a continuous journey of discovery, sparked my interest in the power of architecture to shape human experience.

I see a parallel between Wright's philosophy and the UVA School of Architecture's emphasis on integrating theory, history, and practice. I'm particularly interested in Professor Shiqiao Li's work on urban theory and the cultural interpretation of architecture. I believe studying at UVA will allow me to delve deeper into these areas, shaping me into a conscientious architect capable of creating spaces that resonate with their inhabitants and environment.

The key to acing these UVA essays is to be reflective, genuine, and precise. Show them why you are a perfect fit for UVA and how UVA is the ideal place for you to achieve your goals.

Good luck, Wahoos!

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University of Virginia Supplemental Essays 2022-2023

By Eric Eng

The University of Virginia—nestled in the historic city of Charlottesville, is a haven for those who seek academic rigor, a vibrant social scene, and a touch of Southern charm.

Before you can stroll down the Lawn, there’s a crucial hurdle: the University of Virginia supplemental essays for 2022-2023. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill essays; they’re a golden ticket, a unique opportunity to showcase who you are beyond the numbers and accolades.

This article will guide you through the labyrinthine prompts and help you craft essays that resonate with the admissions committee.

Why Are Supplemental Essays Important?

You might wonder, “I’ve got a stellar GPA and a laundry list of extracurriculars; why bother with supplemental essays?” Well, here’s the kicker: those essays are your voice, your chance to converse with the admissions officers. Imagine a room full of applicants with near-identical academic profiles; what sets you apart? Your essays.

They offer a glimpse into your personality, aspirations, and how you’d fit into the campus culture. In essence, they’re the narrative that complements your academic transcript. And let’s not forget, the University of Virginia supplemental essays for 2022-2023 are tailored to gauge if you align with the school’s values and ethos.

The unique ethos of the University of Virginia (UVA)

UVA—the place where tradition meets innovation, where the echoes of Thomas Jefferson’s ideals blend seamlessly with the buzz of cutting-edge research. It’s not just a university; it’s a community, a microcosm of diverse minds united by a shared pursuit of knowledge.

UVA values academic excellence, yes, but it also cherishes intellectual curiosity, community engagement, and honor. The famed Honor Code isn’t just a set of rules; it’s a testament to the integrity that UVA expects from its students.

So, when tackling the University of Virginia supplemental essays for 2022-2023, remember: you’re not just applying to a school; you’re vying for a spot in a community that values individuality and collective responsibility.

The weight of supplemental essays in UVA’s holistic admissions process

Please don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted essay; it’s a significant piece of the admissions puzzle at UVA. The university employs a holistic admissions process, meaning every aspect of your application is scrutinized, from academic achievements to personal qualities. Your essays are the linchpin in this intricate mechanism.

They can tip the scales in your favor, especially when the competition is fierce. Think of them as your advocates, arguing your case before the admissions committee.

In the grand scheme of UVA’s holistic review, your essays could be the deciding factor that earns you that coveted acceptance letter.

What Are the UVA Supplemental Essay Prompts for 2022-2023?

The University of Virginia requires applicants to respond to an essay prompt specific to their school of choice. Still, all applicants must also respond to the College of Arts and Sciences essay prompt. The University of Virginia word limit is quite restrictive, but you can go over a bit if necessary.

The University of Virginia supplemental essays for 2022-2023 are as follows:

The first prompt is still tied to the UVA school or college the student selects. We want students to answer the prompt in around 100 words. As always, the boxes on the Common App allow students to go a bit over, so we don’t expect students to write precisely 100 words.

College of Arts & Sciences: If you could create a college course that all UVA students would take, what would it be about and why?

School of Engineering: How will you use an engineering degree to change the world for the better?

School of Architecture: Describe a significant experience that deepened your interest in studying in the School of Architecture.

School of Nursing: Describe a healthcare-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying Nursing.

Kinesiology Program: Describe an experience that has deepened your interest in studying kinesiology.

In addition to these prompts, short answers to two of these prompts are required. The word limit for these responses is 50 words.

• What’s your favorite word and why?
• We are a community with quirks, both in language and traditions. What is one of your quirks?
• About what topic could you speak for an hour?
• Take us to your happy place.
• You can wake up tomorrow, and a skill you already have will become expert-level. What skill is that?
• What is the last gift you gave someone that wasn’t bought with money?
• What website is the internet missing?
• After a challenging experience, how do you recharge?
• Tell us about a place you’d like to share with everyone, but also keep to yourself.
• UVA students paint messages on Beta Bridge to share information with our community. What would you paint on Beta Bridge, and why is this your message?
• Tell us about a time when you faced an opinion or perspective that differed from yours, and you responded as an empathetic speaker or generous listener.

So, look at each prompt and create a strategy for your response.

How to write University of Virginia supplemental essays?

When you look at the University of Virginia supplemental essays for 2022-2023, it can seem a bit overwhelming. But if you are applying to the School of Arts and Sciences, you only need to respond to the first and second prompts from the short answer list. Let’s take a look at the prompt that everyone will have to consider.

This prompt allows you to use your creativity and intellectual curiosity. As you may know, schools offer non-traditional courses, from a literary analysis of Taylor Swift’s music to a philosophy based on The Simpsons.

When considering this prompt, consider your interests and how they could be applied to a college course you’ve never seen before. But there are two components you need to think about. First, what would the system be about? This is pretty broad, and you can choose nearly anything. But the second part is answering the question: why is there a need for this course? A course about The Simpsons isn’t just students discussing their favorite episodes. It uses the plots and themes of the show to demonstrate and explain complicated aspects of philosophy. So, when designing your ideal course, think about the subject and consider the course’s purpose.

This prompt is specific to applicants to the school of engineering and asks a provocative question. Your answer to this question isn’t binding. Still, it asks you to use your creativity to consider what kind of impact you would like to make on the world—specifically, the difference you could make with an engineering degree from the University of Virginia.

When considering this prompt, think about the kinds of goals you would like to achieve. These goals have already been completed, or you could challenge yourself to think of a way to change the world that hasn’t been considered yet. The key is to use your creativity and passion for engineering.

The University of Virginia supplemental essays 2022-2023 for the colleges of Nursing, Architecture, and Kinesiology, are the same, and they ask you to reflect on experiences within those fields that have been significant for you and deepened your interest in the area.

The key to these three prompts is to be specific when detailing your experience. Was there a defining moment for you, or did your interest build gradually? Was there someone who guided you on your path? And most importantly, where do you see yourself in the future of this field? The goal is to demonstrate your passion and commitment to your chosen field.

At AdmissionSight, we aim to help you with every step of the college admissions process. The University of Virginia supplemental essays 2022 can initially seem daunting, but our experience and expertise will help you navigate the entire process confidently. Hopefully, this guide to the University of Virginia supplemental essays 2022-2023 has been helpful, but if you want more information about how AdmissionSight can help you realize your dreams, set up your free consultation today.

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June 12, 2022

UVA 2022-2023 Admissions Essay Prompts

The University of Virginia has released its 2022-2023 application essays. Applicants to the UVA Class of 2027 will be asked to complete three essays in total on the UVA supplement to The Common Application. The first essay should be about 100 words in total. The second and third essays should be about 50 words each. So, yes, UVA, one of our nation’s top public universities, has a relatively short supplement. And what questions does the Thomas Jefferson-founded school pose to applicants? Wonder no more!

University of Virginia Class of 2027 College-Specific Essay Prompt

For the first prompt, the 100-worder, applicants must select the corresponding essay for the school within UVA to which they are applying. For the College of Arts & Sciences, the prompt reads, “If you could create a college course that all UVA students would take, what would it be about and why?” For the School of Engineering, it reads, ” How will you use an engineering degree to change the world for the better?” For the School of Architecture, it goes, “Describe a significant experience that deepened your interest in studying in the School of Architecture.” For the School of Nursing, the prompt reads, “Describe a health care-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying Nursing.” And for the Kinesiology Program, applicants are asked, “Describe an experience that has deepened your interest in studying kinesiology.”

University of Virginia Class of 2027 Essay Prompts for All Applicants

For the second and third prompts, applicants are directed to answer two of the following ten essay options: “(1) What’s your favorite word and why? (2) We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions. What is one of your quirks? (3) About what topic could you speak for an hour? (4) Take us to your happy place. (5) You can wake up tomorrow and a skill you already have will become expert-level. What skill is that? (6) What is the last gift you gave something that wasn’t bought with money? (7) What website is the internet missing? (8) After a challenging experience, how do you recharge? (9) Tell us about a place you’d like to share with everyone, but also keep to yourself. (10) UVA students paint messages on Beta Bridge when they want to share information with our community. What would you paint on Beta Bridge and why is this your message?”

Have a question about the 2022-2023 UVA essay prompts? Let us know your question by posting it below. And while you’re here, see how the UVA essays have changed over the years.

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How to answer the University of Virginia's supplemental essays

School-specific supplements are an opportunity to share an intellectual interest, or an element of your life story, that might be missing from your main Common App essay. In this post, I will describe strategies for answering two supplement questions from the University of Virginia. Although my advice is tailored to these two prompts, my hope is to illustrate certain principles that will help you approach a range of supplement questions. 

The key principles are:

•  Reflect on what the question is really asking. What is the function of this prompt? Why would a university ask this question? What information is the question trying to elicit?
• Answer the question in a way that plays to your strengths. 

Consider this supplement question:

What work of art, music, science, mathematics, literature, or other media has surprised, unsettled, or inspired you, and in what way?

This is a question about education. The experience you are asked to describe—being “surprised, unsettled, or inspired” by a work of art or science—is the basis of an education in the liberal arts and sciences. 

So, you can use this question to indicate a particular intellectual interest, by naming a book or film or scientific idea that moves you. But you should also be aware that your response will suggest something about your attitude toward education more broadly. Are you receptive? Critical? Curious? Skeptical? Ironic? Argumentative? Awed? There is no “correct” pose to strike. Be truthful and introspective.

First , choose the work you will discuss. Your selection needs to be a sufficiently complex object to merit some analysis. It can be a painting, a sculpture, a photograph, a dance piece, a song, a poem, a novel, a play, a film, a work of history or biography or philosophy; it can be a scientific paper or book, a set of architectural blueprints or engineering diagrams, or a particular mathematical discovery or concept. It does not need to come from the domain of high culture—it’s fine to talk about, for example, a folk song rather than a Beethoven symphony—but your response should have some intellectual heft. If you’re choosing the latest Marvel movie, you’ll need to have a very clever perspective on it.

Second , describe how you responded to the work, and reflect on why you might have responded the way you did. Issues of identity might come in here, if relevant—perhaps you read a powerful novel about gay experience, or an eye-opening report on poverty—but they don’t need to. Note that the question includes emotional states that are negative or equivocal: “surprised,” “unsettled.” When we encounter a work that “surprises” or “unsettles” us, what is happening is a process of expansion: we recognize that the world is larger, or more complex, than we may have thought. Reflecting on the work that moved you, ask yourself: What changed ? Did the work lead you to adopt new attitudes? Did it enlarge your sense of your own possibilities? Did it force you to confront some truth you’d been avoiding? 

Let’s now consider another prompt:

What’s your favorite word and why? 

This is a question you can take in multiple directions. It can be highly idiosyncratic, expressing your personality and sense of humor. It can be an entry point into a discussion of culture and heritage. It can name an interest or activity you’d like to describe (if you’re an actor, maybe your favorite word is: “Action!”). Choose a path that reflects your strengths. What do you want the admissions committee to know about you?

Because this prompt is about a favorite word, your response should convey an appreciation of the power of language: its musicality, the ideas it can contain, the history embedded in the words we use each day.

First , select a word. Any word will do, in theory. The word does not need to be complex or obscure (along the lines of, say, “lucubration” or “crystallinity”), but if you are choosing a very ordinary word, like “love,” be scrupulous about avoiding cliché.

You can choose a word from any language. If you grew up in a household where people spoke languages other than English, this essay would be a good place discuss your heritage and what it means to you, if you wish. 

You can also choose a technical term. If you love woodworking or ballet or computer programming, you could choose a specialized term from your field.

It is fine to choose a word simply because you like the way it sounds or the idea it expresses.

Second , reflect on the word’s function in your life. Why are you attached to this word? What memories and feelings does the word evoke? What stories does this single word open up?

Third , do a bit of research. Look the word up in a dictionary. Does it have multiple meanings? What is its etymology? Say the word aloud several times, paying attention to its sound, texture, and musicality. 

Your answer should define the word, explain its relevance to your life, and explore the realms of memory, history, and knowledge that this word unlocks. If you are successful, the reader of your essay will be won over—persuaded that this is a very special word indeed.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, uva supplemental essays: what to expect.

For those who have applied to UVA, what can I expect in terms of supplemental essays? How many are there and what are some of the topics? Any tips for writing them would be great too!

The University of Virginia (UVA) typically has two school-specific supplemental essays. While the exact prompts can vary year-to-year, you can get a general sense of what might be asked of you by checking out CollegeVine's blog post breaking down the questions for the current applications cycle: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-virginia-essays/.

I'd advise against starting to actually write your responses until August 1st of your senior year, however. That's when the prompts for the coming applications cycle are officially released, and since they have been known to change, you don't want to spend time crafting and polishing your essay only to find out you need to start from scratch. Once the new prompts are confirmed, CollegeVine will also update their blog post with new guidance if necessary, so don't worry - you won't be all on your own!

Additionally, here are some general tips for writing UVA's supplemental essays:

1. Be genuine and personal: Make sure that your essays reflect your authentic voice and personal experiences. Admissions officers are looking for unique insights into who you are and what motivates you.

2. Be specific to UVA: Research UVA's programs, resources, and campus culture. Incorporate these elements into your response, to show how attending the school would enable you to excel academically and personally.

3. Stay focused and concise: Keep your essays focused on answering the questions and providing relevant information. With limited word counts, be sure to make every word count.

4. Edit and revise: Polish your essays carefully to eliminate grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, and irrelevant information. Ask someone you trust (a teacher, counselor, or friend) to read your essays and provide feedback. Remember that CollegeVine also offers both a free peer essay review tool and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors - either of these options can be a great way of getting a more objective set of eyes on your writing from someone who doesn't already know you, which is sometimes just the thing that takes your essay from good to great.

Remember to take your time in crafting these essays, as they provide an opportunity to showcase your unique story and demonstrate your fit with UVA. Good luck!

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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Tuesday, July 18, 2023

2023-2024 uva writing prompts.

Confession: I really liked last year's writing prompts . We had only been reading applications for a few days when I first marveled at how well students were expressing themselves in the new short answer portion of our application. During one of my live q&a sessions on Instagram , I wondered if students being able to write meaningful, concise statements was a function of growing up writing captions on social media...something for people to study one day!

In the past, a few admission officers have met to go over feedback about the application essays to see if we should tweak the writing prompts. This year, we had a lot more input during the update process. The change is pretty big: most applicants will answer one prompt for the UVA portion of the Common App. Those applying to the School of Nursing will answer two. 

So let's get to the prompts. 

All Applicants (250 words or less)

School of nursing (250 words or less).

Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25

What do the 2024-25 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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Agnes Scott College 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Alvernia University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide  

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(nyu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, north carolina state 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, frequently asked questions.

It really depends. Typically, the more competitive the university, the more arduous the supplemental essay requirements. Most top universities ask for at least three supplemental essays, but some only require one short essay.

The most common supplemental essay topics are:

• The Why Essay , which asks applicants to discuss their interest in their intended major and/or the school in question.
• The Activity Essay , which asks applicants to describe their involvement in an activity that is meaningful to them.
• The Community Essay , which asks about a community the applicant belongs to and the role that community plays in their life (and vice versa!).
• The Diversity Essay , which often asks applicants to explore how they champion diversity and inclusion in their communities and/or how they engage with people from different backgrounds or who hold opposing views. 
• The Short Answer , which asks applicants to answer prompts in very few words (or characters) to add context to their application and a splash of personality.
• The Oddball Essay , which asks applicants to tap into their creativity to connect curveball questions to their lives and interests.

Just like with the Common App personal statement, you’re going to want to write authentically about yourself while addressing all parts of each supplemental essay prompt. Many schools want to better understand how you see yourself contributing to their campus community and/or diversity and inclusion efforts along with how you hope to use your education to achieve your goals. So, be honest and forward-thinking, and don’t forget to customize each supplemental essay so it’s specific to each school you’re submitting to. That means doing research and weaving information into your essays that demonstrates the amount of time and thought you’ve put into your application. 

We have a few successful supplemental essay examples in our Free Resources section.

Each admissions department has their own process for reviewing applications, and some admissions committees put more weight on supplemental essays than others, but all admissions departments that offer applicants the opportunity to pen additional essays are doing so for a reason: to better understand the applicant and compare similarly qualified candidates. It’s in the applicant’s best interest to not only provide admissions with as much information regarding their candidacy as possible, but also go the extra mile. At highly competitive institutions, admissions officers are looking for reasons to remove students from the applicant pool—don’t let poorly written or (*gulp*) incomplete supplemental essays work against you!

Absolutely not. Please do not reuse content from your Common App essay in your supplements. Although it’s possible for you to expand upon an idea, activity, or community that you mention in your Common App essay in your supplements, you should never recycle content or any phrasing word for word.

Start by reading through all the prompts. Next, jot down ideas that come to your mind (no matter how silly they may seem!). Everyone has a story to tell, and we’re willing to bet you’re more interesting than you think. Give yourself plenty of time to consider different topics and revise, revise, revise! Also, our handy dandy Supplemental Essay Guides are sure to help you on your writing journey.

North Park University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

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How to Write the WashU Supplemental Essays 2024–2025

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Washington University in St. Louis , colloquially known as WashU, is a selective private research institution with an acceptance rate below 12%. WashU’s vibrant student life ; extensive research, study abroad, and interdisciplinary programs ; and supportive Taylor Family Center all serve to attract thousands of applicants every year. WashU’s accomplished alumni include Peter Sarsgaard, Pooja Kumar, Andrew McCabe, and Rochelle P. Walensky. Hoping to join their ranks? First, you’ll need to nail your WashU supplemental essays. Let’s dive in.

WashU’s 2024-2025 Prompts

Required washu essay questions, please tell us what you are interested in studying at college and why. undecided about your academic interest(s) don’t worry—tell us what excites you about the academic division you selected. remember that all of our first-year students enter officially “undeclared” and work closely with their team of academic advisors to discover their academic passions. you can explore all of our majors and programs on our website. (200 words or fewer), optional washu essay questions, washu supports engagement in the st. louis community by considering the university as “in st. louis, for st. louis.” what is a community you are a part of and your place or impact within it (250 words or fewer), washu strives to know every undergraduate student “by name & story.” how have your life experiences shaped your story (250 words or fewer), washu scholarship essay questions, danforth scholars program: chancellor danforth and mrs. danforth deeply cared about building trust within the community and being of service to others. they embodied a spirit of servant leadership, enhancing the experiences of students, staff, and faculty. reflecting on the lives and legacies of the danforths , share a specific example of how you have demonstrated a commitment to servant leadership and improving your community. (100 words or fewer), ervin scholars program: the ervin scholars program is open to only u.s. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented or daca students living in the u.s. dr. john b. ervin was a nationally renowned black educator and the first african american dean at washington university in st. louis. reflecting on his biography and the history and legacy of the ervin scholars program , share a specific example of how you have taken action to champion diversity in your own life or community. (100 words or fewer), rodriguez scholars program: annika lynn rodriguez championed awareness for students of all backgrounds, including starting washu’s first latin american awareness week. reflecting on annika rodriguez’s history and legacy , share a specific example of how you have made a commitment to fostering cultural awareness and understanding. (100 words or fewer).

General Tips

Your WashU supplemental essays need to be concise and snappy in order to effectively get your points across in the limited words you have available. So, let’s dive into two general tips for cutting down your word count without cutting out meaning.

Go easy on the adjectives and adverbs.

Adjectives and adverbs are a powerful tool for the writer. However, when overused or employed redundantly, they can prevent your essay from reaching its full potential.

Common overuses of adjectives and adverbs include the following:

• Without further clarification, the adjectives “thoughtful and considerate” are redundant.
• Unless there is prior implication of falsely happy occasions, there’s no need to use “truly” here.
• With the “like” in this sentence, the comparison is clear, and “basically” only detracts from the strength of the comparison.
• The usage of the word “long” and the redundant phrase “each and every” (only one of these words is necessary) adds some consonance/assonance to the sentence but does not impact the meaning.

Although none of these usages are grammatically or syntactically incorrect, they add extra words to your sentences when you have limited words available.

Watch out for prepositional phrases.

Prepositional phrases are often necessary, but many students trying to cut down on their essays’ words overlook the ways prepositional phrases bulk up their sentences. Here are some examples:

• The phrase “of all” adds emphasis in this sentence, but it does not change its fundamental meaning.
• A rewrite of this sentence using fewer words could look like, “This sentence’s components aren’t my favorite syntactical elements.” That’s eight words instead of thirteen!
• This sentence could be more concisely reworded to, “My brother completed the assignment unaided.” That’s six words instead of ten. Note the removal of the passive voice as well.

This prompt is a fairly standard college essay prompt, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. WashU seeks self-motivated students who are excited to learn. So, in this essay, you should explain what gets you excited to learn. Maybe your interest in mathematics originated from a life-changing event. Or perhaps you just enjoy reading, and that’s why you’ve decided to pursue a degree in English literature. Alternatively, maybe your interest in international affairs is driven by a desire to pursue a future career in international law. Whatever subjects intrigue you, and for whatever reasons, it’s important that your essay is authentic and precise.

If you’re having trouble coming up with your “why,” consider coming up with answers to the following questions:

• What makes this subject or these subjects more interesting than other subjects?
• What is the most interesting fact you have learned in this academic area? Do you seek to learn more facts like this one?
• What questions do you have about the world? How will further study help you answer these questions?
• What are your career goals? How do they relate to your intended area(s) of study?
• What current social issues keep you up at night? How does your intended course of study relate to these issues?
• In what ways does this subject or these subjects bring you joy?

After answering these questions, you should hopefully have identified some concrete reasons for selecting your intended academic area(s). If not, consider whether these are truly the area(s) of study that interest you. Are there any areas that interest you more?

Once you’ve identified your reasons, focus on explaining, in your essay, why these reasons are important to you. Be specific and detailed, and you’ll have a compelling essay.

This prompt analogizes your experiences in a community to your future experiences in the St. Louis community. This is because the WashU admissions team is seeking students who will see St. Louis as a community, not just a place to live while working toward a degree.

Thus, bear in mind how the reader may compare the story you tell in this essay to the person they envision you becoming at WashU. In other words, the story you tell may indicate to the admissions team whether you’re a good fit. They may also use your essay to decide whether you’d be an additive member of the community.

Also, remember to pick just one community to focus on in this essay. Moreover, be sure to pick a community that you personally belong to, as opposed to a community you have served or interacted with. Feel free to interpret the word “community” broadly. Furthermore, you can write about your school, your family, your culture, your religion, your sports team, etc.

If you hold a certain identity and have found community with other members of that identity, then you can write about that community. This community could be online or in-person, based in your neighborhood or ranging internationally. As long as it’s important to you, it’s a solid choice of topic.

If the prompt above about community doesn’t speak to you, or you’d just prefer to provide more or different insights regarding your background, then this is a great prompt for you to answer. This prompt provides you with the space to discuss your life experiences. You can write about life-changing conversations, experiences with identity, moving to a different place, or whatever feels most important to you.

If you’re having trouble deciding on a topic, consider what topics you’ve written about already. If your Common App essay already discussed your religious background, then perhaps you should focus on a different topic in this essay. Alternatively, if you feel that the WashU admissions team won’t have a complete picture as to who you are unless you take the time to write about your LGBTQ+ identity, then perhaps you should do so here. Moreover, if your application is very STEM-focused, you may want the reader to know that you have other interests. In that case, this essay could be a great place to elaborate on the other hobbies or activities that have shaped who you are today.

Answering this essay prompt gives you the opportunity to score a significant scholarship package. Recipients enjoy “full-tuition scholarships with a $2,500 stipend or half-tuition scholarships. The scholarship is renewed each year for the duration of the degree program, provided you progress academically and uphold the high standards of character required of scholars.” Thus, it’s in your best interest to write a strong response to this essay question.

The term “ servant leadership ” refers to “a leadership style in which leaders put the needs, aspirations, and interests of their followers above their own,” according to the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School. In other words, you should use your 100 words for this essay to share your experience leading others in a way that put those whom you led above yourself.

Per the prompt’s wording, focus on one specific example , instead of a series of examples or trend in your community service actions. In addition, use precise language and explain why you pursued this service and what it meant to you. If you have space, describe a lesson or two that this experience taught you.

If you’re curious, read more about the Danforth Scholars Program here .

This prompt is for students interested in receiving “full-tuition scholarships with a $2,500 stipend or partial-tuition scholarships.” Note that applicants to this program must also maintain high academic standards, like the students in the Danforth Scholars Program. However, this program is limited to applicants who are “U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented or DACA students living in the U.S.” If you’re included in the relevant demographic for this prompt, it’s likely worthwhile to make an attempt at this essay question.

In this short essay, you must focus on one specific example of an action you’ve taken, initiative you’ve spearheaded, conversation you’ve held, or the like for the purpose of demonstrating your commitment to the cause of diversity. If diversity is important to you and you have sought to promote diversity, then you should probably apply for this scholarship. If not, then you may want to look at other prompts.

Remember to be specific and precise in your response. Quantify your impact and share how the experience impacted you. For instance, state the exact or approximate number of hours you worked or people you helped. Additionally, describe a lesson you learned or a way your perspective shifted. Don’t worry about discussing ways you continue to champion diversity or plan to in the future. Instead, focus on the most meaningful experience you have had that involved action you took to promote diversity. Make sure you share who you impacted and why this was meaningful to you!

If you’re curious, read more about the Ervin Scholars Program here .

If you’re hoping to be among the lucky WashU students who receive “full-tuition scholarships with a $2,500 stipend or partial-tuition scholarships,” this essay prompt gives you that chance. If you are able to compose a stellar essay about your authentic experience fostering cultural awareness and understanding, then you’ll have a shot at joining the Rodriguez Scholars Program. Note that like the other scholarships described above, participation in this program is contingent on maintaining certain academic standards throughout your undergraduate career.

This essay should highlight one specific example of community service you have pursued. Specifically, you should focus on a time when you pursued community service that positively impacted others through “cultural awareness and understanding.” Unsure whether your community service work fits under that umbrella? Consider whether cultural difference was integral to your work. Did your work serve to raise awareness, provide education or training, promote connections across cultures, or something similar? If so, this is the prompt for you. If not, perhaps review the other two scholarship options listed above.

You may be wondering why community service is integral to this prompt, given that the prompt uses neither of those two words. Check out WashU’s resources on the Rodriguez Scholars Program and its application process. Conducting thorough research on this program will help you identify the implicit expectations for applicants. Through this process, you’ll better understand what you should aim to highlight in your essay response.

If you need help polishing up your WashU supplemental essays, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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