uva supplemental essays 2022 23

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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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University of Virginia Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

A vital part of succeeding in the University of Virginia’s 2023-2024 application season is doing well on its supplemental essays. These essays are not just formal requirements; they are ways for the admissions committee to learn about your personality, goals, and how well you fit into the university.

In this blog, we will go into detail about the University of Virginia’s supplemental essays. We’ll give you tips and advice on how to write responses that reflect your unique story, whether you’re interested in engineering, history, or still exploring your academic interests.

Let’s start this journey together, breaking down each essay question and providing you with the skills to create compelling stories that will set your application apart. Remember, these essays are more than just answers; they are your chance to connect with the University of Virginia and show why you’re a great fit for this prestigious school.

How Many Essay Prompts Does the University of Virginia Have?

While there is one general prompt required for all applicants and an optional prompt for those with specific connections to UVA, the total number of supplemental essay prompts a student might write varies based on the school they are applying to within the university. This structure allows UVA to gain a comprehensive understanding of the applicant not just in terms of general university fit, but also in terms of their specific academic and personal alignment with their chosen field of study.

What are the 2023-2024 University of Virginia Supplemental Essay Prompts?

The University of Virginia has several supplemental essay prompts for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. These prompts vary depending on the app licant’s background and the specific school they are applying to within the university. Here are the detailed prompts:

General Prompt for 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. (250 words)

Optional Prompt

If you have a personal or historic connection with UVA, and if you’d like to share how your experience of this connection has prepared you to contribute to the University, please share your thoughts here. Such relationships might include, but are not limited to, being a child of someone who graduated from or works for UVA, a descendant of ancestors who labored at UVA, or a participant in UVA programs. (100 words)

Prompt for School of Nursing Applicants

Describe a health care-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying Nursing. (250 words)

How to Write the 2023-2024 University of Virginia Supplemental Essays

Required essay, understanding the question:.

This prompt is seeking to understand how a student’s unique background, experiences, and perspectives will contribute positively to the UVA community. It’s an opportunity for students to showcase their individuality and the distinct qualities they can bring to the campus. Here are four key points with detailed explanations on how students might approach this prompt:

Crafting Your Response:

1. Identify Unique Aspects of Your Background: Students should reflect on the elements of their upbringing, community, and personal experiences that make them unique. This could be related to cultural heritage, family traditions, a significant life event, or challenges they’ve overcome. For instance, a student who grew up in a multicultural environment might discuss how this experience has given them a broader understanding of different perspectives, which they can share with their peers at UVA.

2. Highlight Personal Growth and Learning: Students should give particular emphasis to how their experiences have contributed to their personal growth and learning. For instance, overcoming academic challenges offers a compelling narrative arc. This isn’t just about the challenge itself, but rather the journey and the transformation that followed. A student could delve into the specifics of the obstacles they faced – be it difficulties with a specific subject, balancing schoolwork with other responsibilities, or adapting to different learning environments. 

The focus should be on the evolution of their approach to these challenges. This narrative could highlight the development of innovative learning strategies, the discovery of unexpected strengths, or the realization of the importance of perseverance and resilience. 

By detailing this journey, the student doesn’t just share a story of overcoming adversity; they also showcase crucial qualities like adaptability, problem-solving skills, and an unyielding commitment to self-improvement. These are attributes highly valued in an academic setting, as they signal a student who is not only prepared to face challenges but also capable of evolving in the face of them.

Moreover, this approach allows the student to illustrate how these learned qualities are not just personal achievements but assets they can bring to the University of Virginia community. For example, the resilience and adaptability gained from overcoming academic challenges are not only beneficial for the student’s own academic journey but can also be a source of inspiration and guidance for peers. 

The student could discuss how these experiences have equipped them to contribute to study groups, lead peer-to-peer tutoring sessions, or participate in mentorship programs. This aspect of the essay is crucial; it connects the personal narrative to the broader UVA community. It shows that the student is not only prepared to succeed on their own but also eager and capable of uplifting others. This demonstrates a deep understanding of the university’s values and a commitment to being an active and contributing member of its vibrant academic community.

3. Connect to UVA’s Values and Community: It is crucial for students to align their personal experiences and perspectives with the values and ethos of UVA. To effectively achieve this, a student should first conduct thorough research to gain a deep understanding of what UVA stands for — its community ethos, academic values, and cultural priorities. UVA is known for its commitment to a vibrant community life, academic excellence, and a spirit of exploration and discovery. 

By delving into these aspects, students can identify specific values that resonate with their own experiences or beliefs. For instance, if a student has actively engaged in community service, and this aspect of service and community building is a prominent value at UVA, this should be a focal point in their essay. The student can narrate their experiences in community service, detailing the lessons learned, the impact made, and most importantly, how these experiences have shaped their character and worldview.

Furthermore, the student should not just reflect on past experiences but also articulate a forward-looking vision. This involves discussing how they envision carrying forward their commitment to service and community involvement at UVA. They could elaborate on specific initiatives or groups at UVA that they aspire to join or contribute to, demonstrating a proactive and thoughtful approach to their future college life. 

This connection between personal values and university ethos becomes more than just a narrative; it transforms into a commitment to actively contribute to and enhance the UVA community. In doing so, the student effectively communicates not just their fit for UVA, but also their potential to be a dynamic and contributing member of the university, furthering the values that both the student and the institution cherish.

4. Discuss Potential Contributions to UVA: The prompt asks how the student’s background will be a source of strength for themselves or others at UVA. Students should think about how their experiences could contribute to classroom discussions, student organizations, or community engagement at UVA. For example, a student with a background in environmental activism could talk about bringing new ideas to sustainability initiatives on campus.

5. Reflect on Future Goals and Aspirations: While the prompt focuses on past experiences, students can also touch upon how their background will help them achieve their future goals, particularly those they hope to pursue at UVA . This could involve academic interests, career aspirations, or personal development goals.

Each of these points should be deeply personal and specific to the student’s own experiences and aspirations, allowing them to creat e a compelling narrative that not only answers the prompt but also gives the admissions committee a clear picture of who they are and what they can bring to the University of Virginia.

This prompt is about exploring a student’s personal or historic connection to the university and understanding how this connection has shaped their readiness to contribute to the UVA community. It’s a chance for students to link their familial, historical, or experiential ties to their prospective future at the university.

1. Detail the Specific Connection: Students should clearly state their specific connection to UVA. This could be a family legacy (e.g., parents or grandparents who attended UVA), a personal experience (like participating in UVA programs or camps), or a more historical and profound connection (such as being a descendant of individuals who have contributed to the university’s history). The key is to be precise about the nature of this connection.

2. Reflect on the Impact of This Connection: In crafting a response that reflects on the impact of a familial or personal connection to the University of Virginia, students should delve deeply into how these ties have shaped their perspective and influenced their life decisions. For instance, a student with family members who are UVA alumni might have grown up immersed in tales of the university’s hallowed halls, historic traditions, and the spirited community that defines it. 

These stories, often shared during family gatherings, could have instilled a deep-seated appreciation for the university’s values, academic rigor, and the sense of belonging it fosters. This connection goes beyond mere familiarity; it’s about how the narratives of past generations have woven into the student’s aspirations, shaping their academic and personal goals. 

The student could discuss specific traditions or aspects of UVA culture that resonated with them, perhaps drawing parallels between the values upheld by their family – such as a commitment to service, excellence in scholarship, or a strong sense of community – and those championed by the university.

Moreover, this reflection should extend to how this connection has influenced the student’s life decisions and future ambitions. Perhaps hearing about the transformative experiences and opportunities at UVA has motivated the student to pursue particular fields of study or engage in community service. The student might share how witnessing the impact of a UVA education on their family members’ lives inspired them to set higher educational goals or instilled in them a desire to contribute positively to their community. 

This part of the essay should paint a vivid picture of the student’s journey, marked by a growing admiration for UVA, culminating in the decision to apply. It’s about connecting the past – the legacy and stories inherited – with the present aspirations and future dreams, all while highlighting how the university’s ethos resonates with their own values and aspirations. This approach not only demonstrates the student’s connection to UVA but also their thoughtful consideration of how their personal history aligns with the university’s culture and ideals.

3. Link Personal Growth to UVA Experience: If the connection has played a role in the student’s personal growth or academic interests, they should highlight this. For example, if participating in a UVA summer program sparked an interest in a particular field of study, the student could discuss how this experience guided their academic choices and how they plan to further explore these interests at UVA.

4. Discuss Contribution to UVA Community: The prompt seeks to understand how the student’s connection to UVA will enable them to contribute to the university. Students should brainstorm ways in which their unique insights or experiences could enrich the campus community. For instance, a student who grew up hearing about UVA’s history might have a deep respect for the university’s traditions and could contribute to campus activities that celebrate this heritage.

5. Convey Enthusiasm and Commitment: Given the brevity of the response (100 words), it’s crucial to convey a strong sense of enthusiasm and commitment to UVA. This can be achieved through a tone that reflects excitement about the prospect of continuing a familial legacy or building upon personal experiences related to the university.

In crafting their response, students should aim to create a concise yet powerful narrative that not only demonstrates their connection t o UVA but also how this connection has prepared them to be active and contributing members of the university community.

Describe a healthcare-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying Nursing. (250 words)

The prompt for the School of Nursing is designed to understand a student’s motivation and passion for studying nursing. It’s an opportunity for students to showcase their personal connection to the field, highlight their experiences, and demonstrate their commitment to nursing. Here are four key points with detailed explanations for brainstorming a response.

1. Identify a Defining Experience: Students should reflect on a specific healthcare-related experience or interaction that significantly influenced their decision to pursue nursing. This could be a personal health challenge, a family member’s medical journey, volunteer work in a healthcare setting, or witnessing a healthcare professional’s impact. The experience should be meaningful and have played a pivotal role in sparking their interest in nursing.

2. Detail the Experience and Its Impact: It’s important to not only describe the experience but to delve into how it shaped their understanding of nursing. For example, if a student volunteered at a hospital, they should describe their interactions with patients and nurses, observing the compassion and expertise required in nursing. The focus should be on what they learned from the experience and how it solidified their desire to enter the nursing field.

3. Connect Personal Qualities to Nursing: Students should link their personal attributes and skills to the qualities needed in nursing. For instance, if they have demonstrated empathy, resilience, or problem-solving skills in their experience, they should explain how these qualities are essential in nursing and how they plan to apply them in their studies and future careers.

4. Express Commitment to the Field: The essay should convey a strong commitment to nursing. This includes discussing long-term goals within the field, such as specific areas of interest (e.g., pediatric, oncology, public health nursing), and how they hope to make a difference in patients’ lives and the broader healthcare landscape.

5. Tie the Experience to Studying at UVA: Finally, students should briefly mention why these experiences and their nursing aspirations make UVA a fitting choice for their education. They could highlight specific aspects of UVA’s nursing program that resonate with their goals and experiences, such as particular courses, clinical opportunities, or the university’s approach to healthcare education.

This prompt is an excellent opportunity for students to tell a personal story that not only reflects their passion for nursing but also demonstrates their suitability for the field. The narrative should be engaging, heartfelt, and reflective, giving the admissions committee a clear sense of the student’s journey toward choosing nursing as a career path.

What You Should Know Before Start Writing

When preparing to write the University of Virginia supplemental essays 2023-2024, students should engage in thorough reading and research to ensure their essays are well-informed and tailored to UVA’s ethos and expectations. Here’s what they should consider reading:

1. UVA’s Mission Statement and Core Values: Understanding the University of Virginia’s mission and core values is crucial. These documents offer insights into what UVA stands for and seeks in its students. By aligning their essays with these values, students can demonstrate that they are not just a good fit academically but also resonate with the university’s broader community and cultural ethos.

2. Course Descriptions and Program Information: Students should read up on the specific programs, courses, and extracurricular activities that interest them at UVA. This information, which can usually be found on the university’s website , will help them to tailor their essays to show how their interests and goals align with what UVA offers. For example, if applying to the School of Engineering, understanding the unique aspects of UVA’s engineering program can help students articulate why they are drawn to it.

3. Current Events and Recent Developments at UVA: Keeping abreast of recent news, research breakthroughs, and developments at UVA can provide students with contemporary topics to reference in their essays. This shows the admissions committee that the student is genuinely interested in being part of the UVA community and is staying informed about its ongoing activities and achievements.

4. Student Blogs, Forums, and UVA Social Media: Reading content created by current UVA students, such as blogs or forum posts, can offer a glimpse into the day-to-day life and culture at the university. Following UVA’s official social media channels can also provide updates and insights. This can help applicants in crafting essays that reflect a realistic and enthusiastic perspective about becoming part of the UVA community.

5. Sample Successful Essays: While it’s important not to copy or mimic other essays, reading examples of successful University of Virginia supplemental essays can give students an idea of the tone, structure, and type of content that resonates with admissions officers. However, students should always ensure that their essays are unique and true to their personal experiences and aspirations.

In summary, extensive reading and research are key to writing compelling University of Virginia supplemental essays 2023-2024. Understanding UVA’s values, programs, and culture, as well as learning from the experiences of current students and successful applicants, can provide a solid foundation for writing insightful and personalized essays.

Structuring Your Supplemental Essays Effectively

The structure of suppleme ntal essays plays a pivotal role in how effectively a student’s message is communicated. A well-structured essay not only ensures clarity and coherence but also enables the applicant to showcase their thoughts and experiences compellingly. Here are three key points on how applicants can structure their UVA supplemental essays:

1. Begin with a Captivating Introduction: The opening of the 2023-2024 University of Virginia supplemental essays should instantly engage the reader. A compelling introduction sets the tone and presents a glimpse of the essay’s focus. Applicants could start with a vivid anecdote, a surprising fact, or a provocative question related to their chosen prompt.

For example, if writing about a personal experience that shaped their perspective, starting with a brief story or a defining moment can draw the reader into their narrative. This approach not only grabs attention but also creates a personal connection with the admissions committee.

2. Develop a Coherent Body with Thematic Segments: The body of the essay should be structured in a way that each paragraph flows logically from one to the next, building upon the ideas introduced in the beginning. Applicants should use each paragraph to explore different facets of their response to the prompt.

For instance, in discussing how their background will contribute to UVA’s community, one paragraph could focus on personal experiences, another on learned skills, and a third on future aspirations at UVA. Using clear, thematic segments helps in maintaining the essay’s focus and makes it easier for readers to follow the narrative thread.

3. Conclude with Reflection and Forward-Thinking: A strong conclusion to the 2023-2024 University of Virginia supplemental essays should tie back to the introduction and provide a reflection on the overall message. It’s an opportunity for applicants to reiterate their main points and express how their experiences or perspectives align with UVA’s values and academic environment. 

The conclusion should also look forward, perhaps by stating how the applicant plans to contribute to the UVA community or how attending UVA fits into their long-term goals. This not only shows a full-circle understanding of the topic but also demonstrates the applicant’s forward-thinking mindset and eagerness to be part of the UVA community.

Overall, the structure of your supplemental essays is as crucial as the content. A well-organized essay with a captivating i ntroduction, a coherent body, and a reflective conclusion can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the applicant’s narrative, making their application stand out in the competitive admissions process.

How to Effectively Revise and Proofread Your Supplemental Essays

When it comes to revising and proofreading the 2023-2024 University of Virginia supplemental essays, attention to detail and a systematic approach are vital. Here are some key strategies to ensure that the essays are polished and impactful:

1. Take a Break Before Revising: After the initial draft of the University of Virginia supplemental essays, it’s beneficial to take a short break before starting the revision process. Stepping away from the essay for a day or two allows the mind to refresh, making it easier to spot errors and inconsistencies with a fresh perspective. This break can also help in reassessing the essay’s alignment with the prompt and UVA’s values.

2. Read Aloud for Flow and Clarity: Reading the essay aloud is a powerful technique to check for flow and clarity. This helps in identifying awkward phrasing, run-on sentences, or any parts of the essay that might be confusing. For the 2023-2024 University of Virginia supplemental essays, ensuring that each sentence is clear and contributes to the overall narrative is crucial.

3. Check for Consistency and Relevance: During revision, it’s important to ensure that each part of the essay consistently supports the central theme and directly answers the prompt. Applicants should scrutinize each paragraph, asking themselves if the content is relevant and strengthens their argument. This is particularly important for UVA essays, where being concise yet comprehensive is key.

4. Seek Feedback from Others: Getting a second or third opinion can be invaluable. Applicants should consider asking teachers, mentors, or peers to review their essays. These reviewers can offer a new perspective and suggest improvements or areas that need more clarity. However, it’s important to remember that the final essay should remain in the applicant’s own voice and reflect their personal experiences and aspirations.

5. Final Proofreading for Grammar and Typos: The last step should be a thorough proofreading focusing on grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Small errors can distract from the content and give an impression of carelessness. Tools like grammar checkers can be helpful, but they should not replace a meticulous manual review. For the University of Virginia supplemental essays, where every word counts, this step is crucial for presenting a polished and professional final draft.

In summary, effectively revising and proofreading the 2023-2024 University of Virginia supplemental essays involves a combination of strategic breaks, reading aloud, ensuring consistency and relevance, seeking external feedback, and detailed proofreadi ng. This comprehensive approach ensures that the essays are not only free of errors but also compelling and reflective of the applicant’s suitability for UVA.

The Importance of University of Virginia Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Supplemental essays play an integral role in the college admissions process, offering a unique opportunity for students to showcase their personal identity, values, and distinct experiences. Unlike grades and test scores, these essays allow applicants to tell their own stories and express their individual perspectives.

The 2023-2024 University of Virginia supplemental essays, for instance, provide a crucial platform for students to demonstrate how their backgro unds and experiences align with UVA’s values and culture. This personal touch can set applicants apart in a pool of similarly qualified candidates.

Furthermore, supplemental essays are a key medium for students to demonstrate their specific interest and fit for a particular university. Through the 2023-2024 UVA supplemental essays, applicants have the chance to articulate why they have chosen UVA, highlighting aspects such as unique academic programs, the university’s culture, or specific opportunities that resonate with their personal and academic aspirations. A well-written essay that echoes UVA’s ethos can significantly boost an applicant’s chances of admission by showing a thoughtful and informed commitment to the university.

These essays also provide an avenue for students to delve into and highlight specific skills, experiences, or achievements that are particularly relevant to their desired field of study or college experience. At UVA, applicants might discuss their leadership roles, community involvement, or personal challenges, showcasing how these experiences have equipped them for college life. This level of detail in the 2023-2024 University of Virginia supplemental essays helps admissions officers gauge the depth of an applicant’s abilities and their potential to thrive in the university’s environment.

Moreover, supplemental essays offer a space for students to provide context to their application, which can be crucial in cases where they need to explain certain aspects, such as an irregular academic record or unique life circumstances. The University of Virginia’s supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 cycle serve this purpose effectively, allowing students to furnish additional information that can influence admissions officers’ decisions.

In essence, supplemental essays are a critical component of the college admissions process, allowing students to present a compreh ensive and multi-dimensional profile. For applicants to the University of Virginia, crafting insightful and engaging supplemental essays is a pivotal step towards achieving their collegiate goals, highlighting their readiness and suitability for the academic and cultural environment at UVA.

Why Choose UVA?

The University of Virginia presents a compelling choice for your academic journey, distinguished by its prestigious rankings and a strong commitment to academic excellence. In 2023, UVA rose to the impressive No. 3 spot among public universities according to the U.S. News & W orld Report Best Colleges ranking. 

This achievement not only highlights UVA’s current prestige but also its consistent performance, as it has remained in the top four for over two decades in this category. Additionally, UVA is recognized as the No. 24 best overall university in the nation, showcasing its comprehensive strength across various disciplines.

Financial considerations are also a strong point for UVA. The university has been named the No. 2 best-value public university by The Princeton Review. This reflects UVA’s commitment to offering high-quality education at an accessible cost. Furthermore, UVA’s dedication to supporting its students is evident in its recognition as the best public college in the nation for financial aid for three consecutive years. This emphasizes the university’s efforts to make education attainable for a diverse range of students.

Specialized programs at UVA also stand out, particularly in business education. The Darden School of Business at UVA has been ranked as the No. 3 business school in the United States by Bloomberg Businessweek. This is the highest ranking ever received by the school for its Full-Time MBA programs, indicating a robust and evolving business education environment.

Overall, the University of Virginia not only boasts historic prestige and a beautiful campus but also excels in academic quality, value , financial support, and specialized programs. As you consider your options for the upcoming academic year, UVA offers an environment where tradition is blended with innovation, creating an ideal setting for realizing your academic and professional goals.

How Do UVA’s Supplemental Essay Prompts Compare to Other Top Universities?

The University of Virginia’s supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 academic year present a unique set of challenges and opportunities for applicants, distinguishing themselves from other top universities in several key ways. Unlike many other institutions, UVA’s prompts often focus on eliciting responses that reveal the applicant’s personality, interests, and fit with the university’s culture. 

For instance, one of UVA’s prompts typically asks students to discuss a work of art, music, science, mathematics, or literature that has challenged or changed their perspective. This contrasts with the more common prompts seen at universities like Harvard or Stanford , where the focus might be more on achievements, future goals, or intellectual pursuits.

Another aspect where UVA’s supplemental essays stand out is in their emphasis on community and personal experiences. While schools like the University of Chicago are known for their creative and intellectual prompts, often involving unusual or abstract questions, UVA asks applicants to reflect on their experiences within their communities or families. This approach aims to understand how applicants interact with and contribute to their immediate environments. It’s a more grounded and practical approach than the philosophical or hypothetical scenarios posed by some other elite institutions.

Finally, UVA’s essays tend to be shorter and more focused than those of some peers, requiring applicants to be concise and dire ct in their responses. This brevity can be a refreshing change from the longer, more open-ended prompts of schools like Columbia or Yale , which allow for more extensive exploration of ideas but also demand a greater depth of thought and expression. UVA’s approach ensures that applicants get straight to the point, allowing the admissions committee to glean insights into the applicants’ personalities and thought processes efficiently.

The University of Virginia Application Deadlines and Acceptance Rate

The University of Virginia has set specific application deadlines for the 2023-2024 application cycle. These deadlines vary depending on the admission plan chosen by the applicant. For Early Decision, the deadline is November 1, with an extension to November 8, and decisions are communicated by December 15. For Early Action, the application deadline is also November 1, extended to November 8, with decisions announced by February 15. Lastly, for Regular Decision, the application must be submitted by January 5, with a grace period until January 10, and applicants will be informed of their status by April 1​​.

Regarding the acceptance rate, UVA is known for its selective admissions process. For the 2022-2023 application cycle, the university had an acceptance rate of 19% , indicative of its competitive nature. Out of the 50,926 students who applied, 9,676 were admitted. This selectivity highlights the importance of submitting a strong application, including well-crafted 2023-2024 University of Virginia supplemental essays, to stand out in a large pool of applicants​​.

When planning your application to UVA, it’s essential to be mindful of these deadlines and the competitive acceptance rate. The university’s selective nature emphasizes the importance of timely and thoughtful application submissions, where the supplemental essays play a crucial role. 

These essays offer an opportunity to showcase your unique perspectives and qualifications beyond academic records. Hence, understa nding these aspects of the application process is key to increasing your chances of being part of the select few who gain admission to this esteemed institution.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Supplemental Essays

When crafting your 2023-2024 University of Virginia supplemental essays, avoiding common mistakes is as important as highlighting your strengths and experiences. Here are some key pitfalls to avoid:

1. Lack of Personalization: One of the most frequent mistakes is failing to tailor your essay to UVA specifically. Generic essays that could apply to any university miss the mark. UVA’s prompts are designed to gauge your fit with their unique community and values. Research UVA’s programs, culture, and values, and reflect on how they align with your goals and experiences.

2. Overlooking the Prompt’s Essence: Each supplemental essay prompt has a specific intention. It’s vital to answer the question directly and thoughtfully. For example, if a prompt asks about a piece of art that changed your perspective, focus not just on the art piece but also on how it transformed your thinking or actions. This demonstrates both self-awareness and critical thinking.

3. Ignoring the Importance of Brevity: UVA’s essays are typically concise. A common error is writing too much and not being succinct. This can lead to rambling or diluting the impact of your main points. Each word should serve a purpose – either advancing your narrative or illuminating your character. Editing and revising for clarity and brevity are crucial.

4. Neglecting Your Unique Voice and Experiences: Many applicants fall into the trap of telling admissions what they think they want to hear, rather than showcasing their genuine self. Authenticity is key. Share your unique experiences, perspectives, and aspirations. What makes you different from other applicants? How do your experiences shape who you are and your ambitions?

5. Not Proofreading: Grammatical errors, typos, or incorrect formatting can detract from the quality of your essay. They can give an impression of carelessness and lack of attention to detail. Always proofread your essays, and if possible, have a teacher, counselor, or mentor review them as well.

6. Playing It Too Safe: While it’s important to be professional and respectful, don’t shy away from being bold in your ideas or creative in your storytelling. UVA appreciates students who bring diverse perspectives and are willing to challenge the status quo.

7. Repeating Information from Other Parts of the Application: Your supplemental essays should provide new insights about you, not reiterate what’s already in your application. Avoid repeating content from your main Common Application essay or listing achievements that are already in your resume. Instead, use the supplemental essays as an opportunity to delve into aspects of your personality, experiences, and aspirations that haven’t been covered elsewhere.

8. Failing to Demonstrate Intellectual Curiosity and Growth: UVA values students who are intellectually curious and open to growth. Essays that fail to demonstrate a love for learning or an open-minded approach to challenges can be a missed opportunity. Share experiences that show how you engage with the world intellectually and how you’ve grown from these experiences.

9. Over-Reliance on Clichés and Overused Phrases: While it’s natural to want to use phrases that seem impactful, overused clichés can make your essay sound generic and uninspiring. Strive for originality in both your content and your language. Express your thoughts in a way that is uniquely yours, which can make your essay more memorable and engaging.

10. Neglecting to Connect Your Story to the Future: UVA is not just interested in who you are now, but also in who you aspire to be. A common oversight is not connecting your current experiences and interests to your future goals. How does what you’ve learned and experienced shape your future ambitions? How do you see yourself contributing to the UVA community and beyond?

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create compelling, insightful, and impactful supplemental essays that will help you stand out in the UVA admissions process. Remember, the goal is to paint a comprehensive and engaging picture of who you are, what you value, and how you align with UVA’s community and academic environment.

Concluding Thoughts

As we wrap up our exploration of the University of Virginia’s supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle, remember that these essays are your chance to shine, to show the admissions committee not just who you are, but who you aspire to be. Each word you write brings you one step closer to walking the paths of the historic Grounds, joining a community of scholars and leaders who have shaped the world.

Craft your essays with authenticity and thoughtfulness. Reflect on your experiences, your dreams, and how the University of Virginia fits into your future story. Be bold in your aspirations, honest in your reflections, and meticulous in your writing. This is your moment to share your voice, your unique perspective that no one else can offer.

As you submit your application, take pride in the effort and heart you’ve poured into your essays. You’re not just submitting a set of documents; you’re presenting a piece of your journey, a snapshot of your life and ambitions. Whether you’re destined to be a Cavalier or your path leads you elsewhere, the process of articulating your goals and values is a valuable step toward your future.

We wish you the very best in your college application journey. May your essays be a powerful testament to your potential and a stepping stone to achieving your dreams. Go forth with confidence, and remember, the journey itself is as significant as the destination.

How AdmissionSight Can Help You With College Admissions

AdmissionSight is a college consulting firm that provides personalized assistance to students throughout the college admissions process. Here are some ways that AdmissionSight can help you:

Admissions strategy: AdmissionSight can help you develop a strategic plan for your college application process. Our professional consultants can assist with identifying schools that are a good fit for your academic, extracurricular, and personal goals and help you plan and prioritize your application strategy.

Application review: AdmissionSight can review your application and provide feedback on how to improve it. We can offer suggestions on making your application stand out and highlighting your strengths and unique qualities.

Essay coaching: AdmissionSight can help you craft compelling essays that showcase your personality, goals, and achievements. We can guide you through the essay writing process and provide feedback on your drafts to help you refine your writing.

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Overall, AdmissionSight can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the college admissions process to help you maximize your chances of getting accepted into the college of your choice .

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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 | UVA’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Why this college short response.

If you have a personal or historic connection with UVA, and if you’d like to share how your experience of this connection has prepared you to contribute to the University, please share your thoughts here. Such relationships might include, but are not limited to, being a child of someone who graduated from or works for UVA, a descendant of ancestors who labored at UVA, or a participant in UVA programs.

Diversity Short Response

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.

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

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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.

Please add  [email protected] to your address book so that important emails from us do not go to spam.

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.

UVA Supplemental Essays 2023-24

The University of Virginia , a public research university in Charlottesville, is one of the top public universities in Virginia and nationwide. As a result, many students ask themselves how to get into University of Virginia. Well, one of the most important things is UVA supplemental essays. Strong University of Virginia supplemental essays can help you stand out in the competitive UVA applicant pool.

Each year, thousands of students apply to UVA hoping to gain access to its world-renowned academic programs and research facilities. In addition to academics, UVA also hosts an array of student organizations and off-campus opportunities in a thriving college town . It’s no surprise that UVA has a highly competitive 21% acceptance rate. In light of that, the University of Virginia essay is a critical part of the UVA application. Understanding the intricate details of UVA supplemental essays and UVA requirements is crucial to getting into UVA. Luckily, we are here to help.

In this guide, we will discuss the University of Virginia supplemental essay requirements, UVA application deadlines, and UVA requirements. Furthermore, we will cover the importance of the University of Virginia supplemental essays and analyze the UVA essay prompts. Most importantly, we will provide a variety of resources to help you craft the strongest UVA supplemental essays. Let’s get started.

University of Virginia Essay: Quick Facts

Uva essay: quick facts.

• The University of Virginia Ranking Overall: #25 National Universities
• The University of Virginia Public University Ranking:   #3 Public Universities
• The University of Virginia Acceptance Rate: 21%– U.S. News identifies UVA as an extremely selective school.  
• The University of Virginia Retention Rate: 97%
• The University of Virginia Graduation Rate: 94% (the highest of any public university in America)
• Common Application Essay
• 1 (~ 300 words) The University of Virginia background essay
• 1 (~ 250 words) School of Nursing Essay for School of Nursing applicants
• The University of Virginia Admissions Application: UVA application is a Common Application member institution. Therefore, students must complete their application using the Common Application. 
• Early Action: November 1st
• Early Decision: November 1st
• Regular Decision: January 15th 
• The University of Virginia Supplemental Essays Tip: The University of Virginia supplemental essays have a very limited word count. Therefore, make sure your UVA essays are clear and concise.

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

Does UVA have supplemental essays?

Yes. In addition to your Common Application personal statement, all students applying to the University of Virginia must complete supplemental essays. Compared to previous years, UVA has reduced the maximum number of UVA essay prompts to two this year.

All students who apply to UVA are required to complete one UVA supplemental essay. This required University of Virginia essay is commonly known as the background essay. It forces applicants to consider how their background will impact their experiences at UVA. 

Even though all applicants are only required to write one UVA application essay, don’t think this makes the application process easier. In fact, having just one University of Virginia essay can be tougher for applicants than having multiple UVA essay prompts. You have only one opportunity, with fewer than 300 words, to make a good impression on University of Virginia admissions . 

In contrast, prospective nursing students can respond to two UVA essay prompts. Students applying to the University of Virginia nursing program must submit an additional University of Virginia supplemental essay. The nursing student UVA essay prompt asks students to recall a healthcare experience that deepened their interest in nursing.

Whether you must complete one or both UVA supplemental essays, we have answers to your questions. In the next section, we will dive deeper into both University of Virginia supplemental essays. 

What are the UVA supplemental essays?

The UVA supplemental essay that all applicants must complete asks applicants about their background. Specifically, applicants must explain how their experiences or perspectives will be a source of strength for themselves or their UVA peers. This UVA application essay showcases students’ ability to reveal how their personal experiences and backgrounds will strengthen the UVA community. 

The second University of Virginia essay is only for students applying to the University of Virginia nursing program. Nursing program applicants are asked to describe a healthcare-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened their interest in nursing. This essay provides students the opportunity to describe the roots of their passion and how it will positively impact UVA.

Ultimately, well-written UVA supplemental essays will illustrate how you’ll contribute positively to the UVA social and academic community. Supplemental essays allow students to prove to UVA admissions that they are the perfect fit for the university. 

UVA Common App Essay

As discussed earlier, the University of Virginia presents applicants with two distinct UVA supplemental essays. The first UVA application, known as the background essay, is mandatory for all applicants. In contrast, the Nursing School UVA supplemental essay is specifically required for those aspiring to the nursing program. However, beyond these University of Virginia supplemental essays, prospective students face an additional crucial component—the Common Application essay.

As part of the Common App, this essay—also called the personal statement —is sent to all schools on an applicant’s list. The Common Application essay provides students with a platform to share their unique identities, experiences, and aspirations. The UVA supplemental essays allow one to delve into specific aspects of one’s background and ambitions. On the other hand, the Common App essay casts a broader net with seven possible prompts . These range from overcoming a challenge to sharing an accomplishment, all to add depth to one’s personal narrative in the application.

In comparison to UVA supplemental essays,  the UVA Common App essay provides a greater word count of 600 words. This additional space permits an applicant to expand on what has not already been highlighted in their application. Therefore, selecting the best Common Application essay prompt can make or break one’s application. Writing a good personal statement is no easy feat and requires plenty of planning and preparation with example essays .

UVA Application Essay: Background Essay

The University of Virginia essay that all applicants must complete is the background essay. The UVA application essay prompt is as follows: 

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

When writing this University of Virginia essay, your response should offer a thoughtful exploration of a defining aspect of your identity. You should begin this UVA application essay by identifying a specific element, such as a cultural background, personal challenge, or unique viewpoint. Make your focus as specific as possible to make it easier to write a clear, concise essay.

Once you have identified your unique background or perspective, you should discuss how it will be an asset. How will it contribute to your personal growth and to building a stronger UVA community? You may have experience with caretaking that makes you an empathetic and effective leader. Or maybe you have overcome setbacks with help from others, making you both resilient and highly encouraging of your peers.

In this UVA application essay, you want to show that you have done your research on the University. Therefore, you should try to make connections to the university’s values and specific classes or organizations. Ultimately, your response should exhibit self-awareness and a deep understanding of UVA’s values. You should provide a clear roadmap for how your background, perspective, or experience will positively influence yourself and the campus community.

While there’s only one required UVA application essay for everyone, that does not guarantee an easier application. In fact, having just one essay can be seen as more challenging because you only get one shot to impress UVA admissions. You must ensure your one UVA supplemental essay is well-written, with intention behind every word. 

Keep reading for more about writing UVA supplemental essays and tips for impressing the UVA admissions committee. 

How to write UVA supplemental essays?

Crafting a standout UVA application essay can boost your application and help you get noticed by the admissions team. Your UVA supplemental essays are your chance to show your personality and explain how you can contribute to the UVA community. 

Helpful tips to make your UVA supplemental essays stand out:

1. understand the university of virginia.

When writing your University of Virginia supplemental essays, take time to learn about the university’s values, goals, and programs. Use this knowledge to show your genuine interest in and connection to the University of Virginia.

2. Be Yourself

Write your University of Virginia supplemental essay in a way that reflects who you truly are. Share personal stories and moments that have influenced your beliefs, passions, and goals. Avoid generic answers and focus on what makes you unique.

3. Tell a Great Story

Narrative essays may not be strictly required, but there’s a reason they stay popular in college admissions. Make your UVA supplemental essays interesting and captivating by telling a compelling story. Use descriptive language and engaging words to grab the reader’s attention from start to finish. 

4. Check and Improve

Before submitting your University of Virginia supplemental essays, proofread and edit your essay carefully. Look for correct grammar, punctuation, and clear sentences. Since you have a limited word count, choose your words wisely and avoid repeating yourself.

By following these tips in your University of Virginia supplemental essays, you can create a knockout UVA application essay. Remember, the UVA supplemental essays let you shine and show admissions why you’d be a perfect fit for the University of Virginia.

What does UVA look for in essays?

When considering what UVA looks for in the University of Virginia supplemental essays, the best place for advice is admissions officials. Luckily, UVA’s associate dean of admission, Jeannine Lalonde, wrote about the importance of University of Virginia supplemental essays. She also outlines what admissions officials look for from their applicants’ University of Virginia supplemental essays.

In the article, Lalonde says, “I think that [the essay] helps us get insight into the personality, voice, and style of the student. 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.” 

While the article is several years old, what she shared remains true for students wondering how to get into University of Virginia. UVA supplemental essays allow applicants to tell their stories using their unique voice and point of view. Therefore, be authentically you; ensure your personality shines through and truly connects to the University of Virginia community. 

In addition to the importance of University of Virginia supplemental essays, Lalonde also highlights three tips for approaching them. These tips may help students craft the strongest University of Virginia supplemental essays and stand out to admissions representatives.

Don’t overthink the topic

In your UVA supplemental essays, simplicity can often be the key to success. The admissions committee is interested in your genuine experiences and perspectives. Instead of selecting the “perfect” topic, focus on choosing an aspect of your background, perspective, or experience that resonates with you. By staying true to your story and not overanalyzing the topic, you can present a sincere and engaging portrayal of yourself.

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

UVA supplemental essays allow you to showcase your personality, creativity, and individuality. Unlike formal academic essays, you can infuse your voice, anecdotes, and even a bit of your sense of humor. By steering away from the formal tone of a typical school essay, you can create engaging, illuminating UVA supplemental essays. Strong UVA supplemental essays captivate the admissions committee and give them a deeper understanding of you beyond your academic achievements.

It’s smart to get advice, but be authentic

When crafting your University of Virginia supplemental essays, seeking guidance and feedback from mentors or peers can offer valuable perspectives. However, while incorporating advice, ensure that your UVA supplemental essays remain true to your narrative and maintain the authenticity that sets you apart. Your UVA supplemental essays should reflect your true character and motivations.

By adhering to these tips in your UVA supplemental essays, you can create a compelling and authentic narrative. Additionally, these tips are applicable to any college essay, not just UVA supplemental essays. Ultimately, your UVA supplemental essays offer a platform to showcase your personal growth, strengths, and potential contributions to the campus environment.

More UVA Application Info

Of course, knowing critical information about the University of Virginia supplemental essays and UVA essay prompts is step one. However, students should also be aware of other critical UVA requirements and information that may play a role in your application. 

First and foremost, for the 2023-2024 application, the university limits the legacy factor in its admissions process. In the past, students could simply check a box indicating their legacy status on their application. Now, if students want to indicate this status, they may write about a personal or historic connection with the university. This change is incredibly important for students who are personally connected to the university by alumni or historical ties. Therefore, be mindful of how to communicate the impact of having a historical connection. Don’t just say that you have parents or grandparents who went to the university. Instead, focus on what that has meant to you growing up. How do you wish to use that connection to live up to UVA’s values and foster a greater sense of community at UVA?

Still test-optional

Another update or continued practice for 2023-2024 is that UVA will remain test-optional . As a test-optional university, students have the choice of whether or not they want to submit their SAT and/or ACT scores . UVA does super score for applicants who submit test scores and considers the best combination of section scores without recalculation. Whichever path students choose, UVA promises to consider your application carefully.

Besides understanding the legacy admissions factor and test-optional admissions options, there is also a lot of other information students may need to know prior to applying. Some of these factors include the AP/IB credit process, navigating the waitlist process, and using application fee waivers. If you are interested in finding information about these factors, you should check out UVA’s FAQ page. There, you will find a lot of helpful information about applying to the University of Virginia.

What is the application deadline for UVA?

The University of Virginia offers three distinct application deadlines to accommodate a range of prospective students. For those who are eager to submit their applications early and receive a quick decision, the Early Action and Early Decision deadlines fall on November 1st. ED is binding, with admissions decisions released in mid-December; EA is non-binding, with decisions released in mid-February. Deferred applicants from both are reviewed in the Regular Decision round. Early applicants usually have a higher chance of admittance, but they also have stronger applications on average.

In contrast, the Regular Decision deadline extends to January 15 for those requiring more time to finalize their submissions. This later date allows students to better prepare their applications in order to craft the strongest application narrative possible. Although this later deadline has a larger applicant pool than EA or ED, a particularly strong application will still stand out.

Remember that each application deadline aligns with a separate teacher/counselor deadline. Therefore, ensure your teachers and counselors promptly submit their secondary information and recommendations. Choosing a college application deadline relies on several factors such as your grades, essay preparation, and overall interest in a university. Consider the strength of your application and how much you want to go to UVA when choosing a deadline.

Additional UVA Resources from CollegeAdvisor

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of writing the best UVA supplemental essays and gaining acceptance into the college? Well, don’t fret. CollegeAdvisor has many resources tailored for UVA and University of Virginia supplemental essays. Here are a few that may help you. 

1. University of Virginia Webinar Panel

The University of Virginia panel is a recorded webinar and Q&A panel with alumni and current UVA students. They share their perspectives on campus life, academic programs, and career opportunities at UVA. 

2. University of Virginia Essay Examples

This guide will teach you about the University of Virginia supplemental essays through several UVA essay examples. The article includes UVA supplemental essays examples addressing various UVA essay prompts to teach you what a successful essay looks like. While the UVA essay examples are from last year’s admissions cycle, their advice still applies. Seeing how strong the University of Virginia supplemental essays were crafted will help you craft your own UVA supplemental essays.

3. How to Win UVA Scholarships

This article discusses two specific scholarships: the University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship and the Walentas Scholarship. The article provides information on eligibility for these two UVA scholarships, academic scholarship requirements, and how to apply for them.

UVA Supplemental Essays – Takeaways

In closing, we hope we have answered how to get into University of Virginia with a strong UVA application essay. Ultimately, the UVA supplemental essays play a pivotal role in the application process, providing applicants with a chance to distinguish themselves. In order to ensure you know how to craft the strongest University of Virginia essays, here are some key takeaways.

Importance of UVA Supplemental Essays

The UVA supplemental essays are instrumental in showcasing your unique qualities and compatibility with the university’s values. A well-crafted essay can set you apart in the competitive admissions process.

Two Types of UVA Supplemental Essays

UVA requires applicants to write two types of UVA supplemental essays. The first, known as the background essay, is mandatory for all applicants. The second UVA application essay is specifically for those applying to the Nursing School at UVA.

Background Essay

The UVA background essay prompt challenges you to articulate how your background will serve you or your peers at UVA. This essay offers an opportunity to reveal personal growth, resilience, empathy, and alignment with UVA’s values.

Nursing School Essay

For nursing applicants, the UVA supplemental essay describes a healthcare-related experience or significant interaction that deepened their interest in nursing. This University of Virginia supplemental essay enables candidates to highlight their passion for nursing and their unique motivations.

Tips for UVA Supplemental Essays

Crafting standout UVA supplemental essays requires a balance of authenticity and strategic storytelling. Research UVA’s values, show genuine interest, and make connections between your experiences and how you’d contribute to the UVA community.

University of Virginia Common Application Essay

Alongside the UVA supplemental essays, the Common Application essay holds significant weight. It’s a platform to showcase your identity, experiences, and aspirations, presenting a broader perspective than the targeted UVA supplemental essays.

Understanding the role of UVA supplemental essays and adhering to these tips can enhance your application’s impact. Good luck, and happy writing!

This article was written by senior advisor Ashley Hollins . Are you looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. Our team will discuss your profile during your meeting 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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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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August 2, 2024

University of Virginia Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2024-2025

The University of Virginia has released its supplemental essay prompts for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle . In addition to The Common Application ’s Personal Statement, applicants to UVA’s Class of 2029 must answer one essay question. Additionally, like last year, an optional essay question is hidden at the bottom of the “General” section that we at Ivy Coach encourage students to write — even though it is the most inappropriate question posed by any of our nation’s elite universities this admissions cycle. So, what are this year’s essay prompts for Virginia’s flagship university?

2024-2025 UVA Essay Topics and Questions

Required essay prompt.

Students should answer the following prompt in around 250 words:

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.

In the wake of the United States Supreme Court’s ruling outlawing Affirmative Action , America’s colleges are maneuvering around not being able to lawfully consider an applicant’s race in the college admissions process by capitalizing on a loophole penned in the majority opinion by Chief Justice John Roberts .

As Chief Justice Roberts wrote, “Nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.”

This essay is an opportunity for applicants to discuss how their race has impacted their lives. Or they could write about their faith, their community, their sexuality, or their gender identity — the possibilities are endless. 

Optional Essay Prompt

Students should answer the following prompt in up to 100 words:

If you have a personal or historic connection with UVA, and if you’d like to share how your experience of this connection has prepared you to contribute to the university, please share your thoughts here. Such relationships might include, but are not limited to, being a child of someone who graduated from or works for UVA, a descendant of ancestors who labored at UVA, or a participant in UVA programs.

Like last year, we at Ivy Coach deem this optional essay question the most  outrageously inappropriate  prompt posed by any highly selective university during the 2024-2025 admissions cycle. Why’s that?

In our experience, most UVA applicants will not choose to write a response to this optional essay prompt because they’ll think they need to be legacies , students who attended fancy schmancy UVA summer programs , or the descendants of enslaved people. Yes, the question is as jarring as it seems and, for the first two groups of people (legacies and summer camp attendees), it caters to the privileged.

It’s why we encourage  all  applicants to answer this optional essay question by writing a Why UVA essay — one filled with specific reasons why they wish to attend Virginia’s flagship. Their response should include enduring aspects of the university — programs, institutes, activities, culture, traditions, etc. — rather than names of professors and classes, which can easily be found and replaced like a game of Mad Libs from one college to the next.

So, yes, we are saying even if an applicant has no familial connection to UVA or didn’t attend a UVA summer enrichment program, they should write this essay to make their case for admission. Essays give students an opportunity to tell their stories. Legacies and summer program attendees should not be afforded more space than everyone else. Shame on UVA!

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with UVA Essays

If you’re interested in optimizing your case for admission to UVA by submitting essays that compel admissions officers to wish to offer you admission, fill out Ivy Coach ’s free consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to outline our college counseling services.

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6 Awesome UVA Essay Examples

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UVA is a pretty selective school, so writing strong essays is essential to improving your chances. By reading former applicants’ essays and seeing what they did right and what they did wrong, you can learn how to better impress UVA admissions officers!

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

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

Essay Example #1: College of Arts & Sciences

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

Cringing when thinking about human sacrifice in “Vida y muerte en el Templo Mayor,” I puzzled over the motive behind the Aztec practice of killing a person to appease the gods of nature.

 After a lengthy discussion with Mexican friends, I learned that Aztec civilization considered humans just one part of the natural world, rather than the dominant species. Only when the gods of nature are satisfied, they believed, can worldly creatures live in peace.

That’s when I recognized how I’ve been looking at the world from an anthropocentric model. Whether in the Four Heavenly Kings of Chinese mythology, or in the Bible story of Noah’s Ark my Christian grandma told, these stories revolve around humans’ survival and prosperity, and nature is just a backdrop.

The Aztec “nature-centric model,” truly challenged my perspective. Humans might not be as superior as we think; everything may not be about us. Reflecting on my motivations for advocating sustainability, I’m guilty of preserving the Earth for the sake of our human offspring, not for the Earth’s own sake.

The Aztec perception of humans’ relationship to nature inspired me to reconceptualize my own perspective. I expanded my framework from humanity to all creatures: why not consider the elephants our siblings, or the trees our cousins?

I reject the Aztec practice of human sacrifice, but their belief that we are but a tiny part of nature resonated deeply with me. Rather than protecting Earth with self-interest and fear, I now treat Earth with empathy and love.

What This Essay Did Well

This UVA essay is well-structured and well-written. It answers the prompt while providing valuable personal information about the applicant.

With the introduction, the student achieves the most important part of this essay: answering the prompt. This student identifies their topic of discussion— “Vida y muerte en el Templo Mayor,”— quickly, but keeps it interesting through using a complex sentence structure.

Rather than stating it explicitly, the author shows their desire to understand other cultures and positions themself as open-minded, as they took the time to have “lengthy discussion with Mexican friends.” 

The student also relates the story back to their interests and perspectives. They share how this book caused them to reflect on the way they’d been advocating for sustainability, and view their advocacy more holistically to benefit the earth itself rather than just humans. Presumably, this student is declaring environmental studies or environmental science as a major. That means that, while readers are learning about the student’s values, they also learn that values are the central motivation behind this student’s career choices. This self-reflection is important and looks great to admissions officers!

The conclusion of the essay perfectly summarizes the growth that the student has described. It shows the self-reflection that they have experienced, with some of their beliefs staying the same and others changing.

What Could Be Improved

While overall this essay is a great example, this paragraph is its weakest link:

That’s when I recognized how I’ve been looking at the world from an anthropocentric model. Whether in the Four Heavenly Kings of Chinese mythology, or in the Bible story of Noah’s Ark my Christian grandma told, these stories revolve around humans’ survival and prosperity, and nature is just a backdrop. 

That’s because this paragraph makes the error of telling, not showing . The student uses the summarizing phrase “that’s when I recognized” (which should generally be avoided) then continues to tell readers what they learned. Rather, the student could have provided a piece of dialogue from their discussion with their friend or used self-reflective questions to show us the message of this paragraph.

An example of how this paragraph could be improved:

“So you’re telling me that your culture doesn’t view humans as the main characters?” I asked my friend, still slightly baffled. When I got home, I went down a Google rabbit hole, obsessively researching Aztec beliefs. I landed on a page about the anthropocentric model. Had I been learning this model all along without even knowing? I thought about my Christian grandma’s stories—Noah’s arc, the Four Heavenly Kings, Genesis. They all revolve around humans’ survival and prosperity, and nature is just a backdrop.

This revised paragraph is much more captivating and would have strengthened the overall essay.

Essay Example #2: School of Architecture

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

During my freshman year, my studio art class arranged a field trip to the National Portrait Gallery. To say I was excited was an understatement. Although I have lived near DC all my life, I never had the chance to visit its art museums. This trip would be my first time. 

When we arrived, I stood in the courtyard, waiting for directions. I don’t remember what spurred me to look up, but when I did, the sight of a floating steel and glass canopy above amazed me. It was unlike anything else in the room. The undulant form of the ceiling reminded me of being underwater, looking up to see waves dancing. What struck me the most was how its sleek and modern design juxtaposed the gallery’s Greek revival architecture. 

I’ve gone back several times since then, each time appreciating something new from the ceiling—in the shelter, it provides from the outside elements to the beautiful grid of shadows it leaves on the ground and walls on sunny days. Inspired by the relationship between the ceiling and the rest of the gallery, I have sought out ways to combine contrasting styles like classic vs. modern, organic vs. geometric, hard vs. soft, and fine art vs. crafts in my art. I’ve become hyper-aware of the physical spaces I occupy and their functional yet artistic characteristics. While studying architecture at UVA, I hope to continue exploring these relationships and apply them to my architectural style. 

This essay clearly answers the prompt and provides a tangible example for readers. 

From the intro, it is clear that the experience will be visiting the National Portrait Gallery. 

The writer uses a simple writing style for most of the essay, but shows that this straightforwardness is not due to lack of ability or effort, but is intentionally authentic. Through the phrase “ I don’t remember what spurred me to look up” the writer lets readers know that they aren’t going to tell us anything that isn’t true. This value placed on authenticity is important and tells us a lot about the student.

The student uses elaborate language to emphasize the important part of their story. The description of the ceiling—“ The undulant form of the ceiling reminded me of being underwater, looking up to see waves dancing”— is interesting and engaging. It creates an image of the ceiling in the reader’s mind, but also makes the reader want to hear more!

This final paragraph ties it all together. We learn that the National Portrait Gallery’s architecture isn’t just cool, but is inspirational for this student. Additionally, through this paragraph, admissions officers learn that this student has thought out their decision to apply to UVA’s Architecture school. They are familiar with architectural styles and already think like an architect. A student who is ahead of the game and passionate about their field of study is very important to admissions officers!

The essay could be considered unengaging at times, but there is also beauty in its simplicity that gives it an authentic feel. It lacks the bells and whistles that often accompany college essay writing and just tells the writer’s truth. While this wouldn’t be a great essay if you’re applying to creative writing, it works well for this writer and this writer’s intentions!

Still, the intro paragraph could be improved through editing the second sentence: “ To say I was excited was an understatement.” Because this writer engages with a simple style (with little imagery or elaborate descriptions), they can use descriptive language strategically to emphasize certain scenes, emotions, or aspects of their story. Because they are applying to Architecture, their excitement about art is important and this excitement could have been emphasized through more elaborate language. This would also make the essay more engaging from the start and draw the reader’s attention.

Essay Example #3

We are a community of quirks, both in language and in traditions. Describe one of your quirks and why it is part of who you are. (250 words)

I haven’t let another person cut my hair in four years. Bangs, layers, a fringe, a bob, I have been my own hairdresser. With only me, a mirror, and scissors in hand, I enjoy having complete control over my appearance. Cutting my hair is liberating; it’s like removing dead weight off my shoulders. Messing up isn’t a concern, as I know my hair will grow back. I am proud of the freedom I have with my hair, but I haven’t always been this way. 

 In traditional Quechua culture, women have long, braided hair. One braid indicates that a woman is single, while two means she is married. Growing up surrounded by women who kept their hair long, I desperately wanted to stand out but was too afraid to break tradition. I love my Quechua heritage, but as a young girl, I thought it was silly to have braids when I wasn’t even allowed to date. Why did it matter if others knew I was single?

Eventually, my parents agreed to let me cut my hair, and for a moment I’d been looking forward to for so long, I wanted to be the one to do it. Like every time I’ve cut my hair since then, I felt like a new person. Looking back to who I was then and who I am now, I know 12 year old me would think I look cool, and she’s the only person I want to impress.

This essay is fun and interesting! Readers learn about the student’s personality, family history, and values. It is well-structured, engaging, and original.

For a short essay, a lot of words are given to this introduction. That being said, this introduction also provides a lot of the essay’s content. First, the student identifies their quirk—cutting their own hair. This topic is interesting and automatically makes readers think “oh, that’s cool!” but then the student takes it a step further by engaging readers with a small cliffhanger—“ I haven’t always been this way.” Cutting your own hair isn’t a quirk that inherently requires a deeper meaning, but this student draws us in by letting us know that there is one.

This essay’s second paragraph is where we get to know the student, which should always be a priority when writing any college essay. We learn about the student’s Quechua heritage and how it affected their childhood. We also learn about the student’s capacity for self-reflection, which seems to have existed from a young age—“ I thought it was silly to have braids when I wasn’t even allowed to date. Why did it matter if others knew I was single?”

Finally, the last paragraph brings things full circle and draws a connection between the young girl’s confusion about Quechuan braids and the current writer’s passion for cutting their own hair. The last sentence of this essay is particularly powerful—“ I know 12 year old me would think I look cool, and she’s the only person I want to impress.” 

The beginning of the final paragraph is the only part of this essay that could use some rewriting. This essay is generally well-written, so the confusing sentence structure of “ Eventually, my parents agreed to let me cut my hair, and for a moment I’d been looking forward to for so long, I wanted to be the one to do it” throws off the essay’s flow. Similarly, it is difficult to parse through the sentence “ Like every time I’ve cut my hair since then, I felt like a new person.” 

After improving the language of these two sentences, this would be a top-notch essay! This student’s personality really shines through.

Essay Example #4

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

“I hope your kids have my curly hair,” quipped my mom. “As long as they have my eyes, I’m happy,” joked my dad. While my parents were casually bantering with me at the dinner table, I was closeted as bisexual, and my mind started to reel. Eventually, I knew I wanted to have kids, and the nuclear family I had previously envisioned began to crumble. What if I couldn’t have genetically related children with my partner?

As I grappled with this question, I discovered that biomedical engineering could provide me with an answer. Gene-editing technology CRISPR-Cas9 could allow for a same-sex couple to have genetically related children. This tool works as a precise pair of molecular scissors to cut out targeted DNA sequences in an organism’s genome. In China, researchers experimented with CRISPR and obtained live bipaternal and bimaternal mice.

CRISPR’s potential to change the world thrills me for reasons beyond my future family. With CRISPR, researchers began to cut out human DNA sequences associated with neurodegenerative diseases, blood-related disorders, and cancer. CRISPR is on the cusp of revolutionizing the medical industry, and I want to be part of innovating and discovering new uses for the technology.

Maybe one day, I’ll share a meal at the dinner table with a husband and a child who shares our features, laughing as we talk about our day. At UVA Engineering, I will acquire the tools necessary to pioneer research that could make this possibility a reality for millions of same-sex couples around the world.

This essay does a great job infusing a personal story into an engineering feat that inspires them. The intro opens with an anecdote, which is engaging and brings us closer to the writer by showing some vulnerability, as the student shares their thoughts and fears with us.

We learn about CRISPR in easy-to-understand terms. The writer lays out how it works, what it’s done so far, and how it could benefit society.

The final paragraph brings the essay full circle, with the student imagining their future family, made possible by CRISPR and the impact it could have for other same-sex couples.

There honestly isn’t much that the writer could’ve done to strengthen this essay. It’s already extremely engaging, personal, well-written, and easy to understand.

Essay Example #5: College of Arts and Sciences

College of Arts and Sciences – What work of art, music, science, mathematics, literature, or other media has surprised, unsettled, or inspired you, and in what way? (250 words)

Every ten years the state and congressional district lines open up to the public; the only piece of art influenced by the fluctuating votes of human souls. The bold black lines, separating communities with luscious green lawns from those with concrete playgrounds, are redrawn redirecting millions of dollars and sparking waves of protests on state capitol steps. In its sum, the wonky headphones and salamander shapes reflect the imperfect art of gerrymandering. Within its components, the fabric is sewed with the sweat and tears of communities. From ones with family obligations rendering them unable to advocate for themselves to communities a five-minute walk from the state capitol. 

In its final form, the line strokes between streets, bayous, and freeways surprise me. Instead of equal representation and distribution of power, districts group communities voting in accordance to a political party with communities who do not vote – essentially maintaining an iron grip on power. To challenge it, I have gone into non-voting communities helping register voters and have taken the time to listen to families terrified of the political process. One of my most cherished memories was meeting an elderly man who had immigrated to the U.S. and became naturalized but never registered to vote. For years, he watched his community change and never understood why he could not stop the process. Now, every time I see the district lines, I sense the unsettled doubt that within each district resides one person taken advantage of and never nurtured with civic love.

The subject of this essay—gerrymandering—is a surprising choice for this essay, as most people wouldn’t consider it a “work of art, music, science, mathematics, literature, or other media,” but more of a concept. Still, the author makes it work by likening the gerrymandering lines to a work of art.

The writing in this essay is very descriptive and rich with imagery, with phrases such as “luscious green lawns” and “salamander shapes.” We can clearly visualize how unusually these districts are drawn.

The author also incorporates a personal connection through their work in registering voters. We see that they care about helping others participate in the political process and exercise their civic rights/duties.

One of the biggest weaknesses of this essay is that it spends nearly half the space describing gerrymandering, leaving not enough room to discuss how it’s impacted them personally.

The intro paragraph helps us visualize gerrymandering very well, but the wording of many sentences is confusing (some are even not grammatically correct, and it doesn’t seem that this was a conscious decision, such as this line: From ones with family obligations rendering them unable to advocate for themselves to communities a five-minute walk from the state capitol) . It takes a few sentences to even realize what the topic of the essay is, and that is a critical flaw when admissions officers need to read essays quickly. 

The author should’ve introduced their topic more simply, especially since gerrymandering is an unexpected subject for this essay. They could’ve also cut out several lines to focus more on the work they’ve done in their communities. The story about the immigrant man is underdeveloped and vague; the writer could’ve shared more specific details about their interaction or even included some dialogue.

The impact of this topic on the student’s identity and future goals is also unclear. Do they plan to try to work to end gerrymandering or increase access to voting? The last sentence of the essay is a missed opportunity: Now, every time I see the district lines, I sense the unsettled doubt that within each district resides one person taken advantage of and never nurtured with civic love . This line is not only difficult to understand, but ends on a sad note rather than looking towards the future with how the student hopes to make an impact.

Essay Example #6

We are a community with quirks, both in language and traditions. Describe one of your quirks and why it is part of who you are. (250 words)

I sit at a booth at California Pizza Kitchen as my legs swing back and forth, barely scraping the floor. With a mischievous grin, I grab a red crayon and scribble on the black-and-white coloring book with my own mission in mind. One times two equals two, times two equals four, times two equals eight, and so on. After I fill the page, the napkins in the dispenser in front of me become my canvas. When I finish, red numbers sprawl across the workbook and neatly ordered napkins on the table, mimicking a college professor’s chalkboard. My masterpiece is complete.

At five years old, I cherished multiplying numbers by two until I reached numbers in the millions, and my love for simple math became a staple of my personality. When I entered high school, I was delighted to discover my passion for mental math reflected in the activities I pursued:

( 310 total seconds – 162 seconds ran) / 2 laps left = 74 seconds per lap. During a 1600m dash, I recalculated the average pace I needed to meet my goal after every lap and adjusted my stride accordingly. 28 rows * 36 seats per row = 1008 total seats. During a chorus class, I calculated the number of seats in the auditorium we sang in with enthusiasm.

My arithmetic may not always serve a practical purpose, yet I find comfort in making sense of the little things in my life. The math problems penned with a red crayon may seem trivial to some, but they represent my curiosity seeking a better grasp of the world around me.

This essay paints the student as intellectually-engaged and ambitious. We see all the different ways they incorporate mental math into their life.

The anecdote at the beginning shows us exactly what it may be like to spend time with the student in an everyday setting, which helps admissions officers visualize what the student may be like on-campus.

While well-written, the essay falls a bit flat since the student spends almost all the allotted space describing the quirk rather than discussing what it means to them.

They also explicitly tell us the significance of their quirk by saying it “represent[s] my curiosity seeking a better grasp of the world around me.” This is redundant since they already show their curiosity through the details they reveal, such as counting the number of seats in the auditorium during chorus.

The topic of this essay may simply not be ideal since there isn’t much of an emotional backstory, unlike the third essay example where the student cuts their own hair. As you’re selecting a quirk, you should ensure that there is an opportunity for you to share your identity, emotions, and thoughts more deeply.

Where to Get Your UVA Essays Edited

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

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

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June 28, 2022 Elizabeth Benedict 2022-23 College app essays , 2022-23 Common App essay , 2022-23 Common App essay prompts , UVa Supplemental Essays 2022-23 0

Big news from Virginia: The UVa Supplemental Essays for 2022-23. UVa is one of the first universities to announce its supplemental prompts for the upcoming cycle. ( Cornell announced its a while back — same as last year’s), and the list is not quite the same as the list for the last many years.

There are 3 very short essays — one that’s about 100 words and two that are 50 words. , verbatim from the uva blog:, “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 exactly 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 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., students will then write responses to two prompts out of ten options in about 50 words each. again, the common app boxes allow students to go a little over the stated limit. some of these are old favorites and some are new., 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 someone 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”, writing short can be more difficult than writing long. but you have all summer to mull these over and give them your best effort., my website is full of resources for college admissions 2022-33 and college applications. please take a look around., to find out more about what i can do for you and your application essay,  please click here .  to learn more about my values as a college admissions essay coach, please  click here ..

For general information on how to choose colleges, please click here.

If you’re interested, I can help with  college selection .

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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).

Ut Prosim Profile: 2024-2025 Short Answer Questions

The Ut Prosim Profile is required for all degree-seeking applicants. Each question has a word limit of 120 words for your response. The Ut Prosim Profile is your opportunity to let us get to know you beyond what is on your application or academic materials. We encourage you to use your own voice and answer each prompt as fully as possible. Once you submit your application, your responses to the Ut Prosim Profile questions are final and cannot be updated.

Please take your time to form responses that you feel confident about and help to support your application for admission.

Virginia Tech's motto is "Ut Prosim" which means 'That I May Serve'. Share how you contribute to a community that is important to you. How long have you been involved? What have you learned and how would you like to share that with others at Virginia Tech?

Virginia Tech’s Principles of Community supports access and inclusion by affirming the dignity and value of every person, respecting differences, promoting mutual understanding and open expression, and strives to eliminate bias and discrimination.   Have you had an experience when you or someone you know were not being included? Did you reach out to anyone for assistance, direction, or resources? Were you able to affect change and/or influence others? Did this experience change your perspective and if so, how?

Share a time when you were most proud of yourself either as a role model or when you displayed your leadership. What specific skills did you contribute to the experience? How did others rely on you for guidance? What did you learn about yourself during this time?

Describe a goal that you have set and the steps you will take to achieve it. What made you set this goal for yourself? What is your timeline to achieve this goal? Who do you seek encouragement or guidance from and how do they support your progress as you work on this goal?

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.

Acceptance Rate

Undergrad population.

• Liberal Arts (59)

* Tuition filtering is based on out-of-state fees

Agnes Scott College 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Alvernia University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide  

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UVA Supplemental

I wrote the revised UVA supplemental for the 2022-2023 admissions, but on the common app it shows the supplemental from last year. Anyone know if they will update it or if they actually didn’t change it and I wasted my time?

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