uva application essay examples

How to Write Your Way into UVA

In college admissions, essays can serve as the tipping point. Here are some tips, pointers and actual essays that recently made the cut.

To build the 3,974-member Class of 2023, UVA admission deans culled through 40,880 applications. How big a role did the student essays play in the final decision? We asked an expert: Macy Lenox (Col ’94), associate dean of undergraduate admission. Here’s our conversation, edited and condensed.

Virginia Magazine: What carries the most weight in the final admission decision?

Lenox: What we find on the transcript is going to be the first and most important aspect of the application. [Then] we’re going to start looking at impact and contribution, and we get to that through extracurricular activities and teacher recommendations.

The essay is the one time we’re going to kind of sit back in our chair and give students the opportunity to talk to us. So they want to use that time wisely. The best essays are those that you read and you don’t just want to admit the student, you want to take them out for coffee once they get to Grounds.

With that said, will an extraordinary essay make the case for a student who is not qualified? The answer is no. One of my former colleagues used to say: It can heal the sick, but it can’t raise the dead.

Are any essay topics better than another?

There’s no such thing as a golden-ticket topic. What makes the essay is not the topic; it’s how you approach your topic and what it reveals about you.

We read a lot of essays about sports and that sort of thing. And I would say most of them are solid, and they’re grammatically correct, and there are no typos, and they’re well-organized, and they tell me something about a student. It’s going to be confirming that you can write an essay.

But this is a process where you want to stand out. And so it’s a process of not just writing a confirming essay but writing an elevating essay. Don’t tell me everything that soccer has taught you. Tell me the one thing that’s been truly transformative. Tell it to me as a story. Be descriptive. Be reflective.

Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable—you know, to talk about shortcomings or areas where you felt weak. We all have that. It’s perfectly fine to be normal. And at no point should you say, “Soccer taught me to be a leader.” That should emerge from your essay. You know: Show me, don’t tell me.

What’s one common mistake you see in essays?

So many try to be the person they think we want them to be. Stay in your lane, if you will. If you’re a funny person, write a funny essay. But if you’re not really known as a funny person, don’t write a funny essay. It’s probably not going to be funny. If you write about something you love, it’s probably going to come through.

We are comfortable with a 17-year-old voice. We typically know when we’re hearing a 40- or 50-year-old voice.

Any final piece of advice for essay-writing?

What we caution against is what we call death by committee—where you’ve had so many people contributing little pieces of an essay [that] all of a sudden you’ve got five different voices in your essay.

I definitely recommend you get other people to read your essay for advice. But when you hand it to them, the question you should ask is, “Does this sound like me?” You should never hand a pen or pencil to someone when you give them your essay. Just have them read it, and then sit down with them afterward and talk about it, and you take notes.

We say this all the time: If it dropped out of your backpack and fell on the cafeteria floor, your friend could pick it up and, even if your name wasn’t on it, know it was yours.

Enjoy meeting a few individuals from the Class of 2023. In response to writing prompts with word limits, they each submitted several admission essays (both short and long). The ones published here, lightly edited, reveal a bit of the unique selves they will bring with them to the University of Virginia this fall.

Living Out-of-the-Box

A bead of sweat trickled down my temple. A wave of excitement crashed over me. With nimble fingers I tore the wrapping paper off of the Christmas gift before me. This is it. I was sure the box contained the Razor scooter that I had wanted for months. I envisioned myself skating through the neighborhood, Skechers lighting up with each kick off the ground, low ponytail protruding from my hot pink helmet. I would rule my cul-de-sac.

When I opened the box and dug through mounds of packing peanuts, my eyes finally fell upon the treasure beneath. But I was immediately overcome with paralyzing disappointment. My short life flashed before my eyes. Something had gone very, very wrong at Santa’s workshop. The item within the box had one less wheel than it should have had. In fact, it was not a scooter at all, but a unicycle.

Disappointment faded into acceptance and ultimately enthusiasm as I imagined the possibilities. I could learn to juggle on one wheel. I could unicycle to school. I could join the circus. Abandoning my other Christmas presents, I descended to the basement, which would become my training ground for the next three frozen months. Hugging a wall, straddling the seat and lifting my feet onto the pedals, I was ready to ride. Yet I sat frozen, unsure of how to proceed. I had read the instructions, but they were remarkably uninstructive. Awkward minutes ticked by.

Eventually I built up the courage to rock back and forth. But I never made it forth; instead, the wheel shot out from under me and I landed hard on my face. Pride and dignity extinguished, yet undeterred, I mounted again. I fell again. From dawn till dusk for days on end, I wrestled with that wheel. Eventually I learned to balance, and then to pedal.

When the snow finally melted, I was riding at lightning speed around my cul-de-sac, to the awe of friends and neighbors astride their strangely complicated two-wheeled contraptions.

Yet simply learning to unicycle did not quench my insatiable desire to expand my skillset. Uni-juggling bored me, so I taught myself to play basketball atop the wheel. And thus I developed a habit of concocting unconventional combinations, which would give birth to my most epic brainchildren.

I began performing my trademark magic shows on the unicycle. Using my black top hat, I impersonated Abraham Lincoln on the unicycle, reciting the Gettysburg Address from memory. (I wondered if Honest Abe would have been able to unicycle; considering the length of his legs, I concluded not.) I taught myself to solve a Rubik’s cube on the unicycle, a feat that required utmost focus, unwavering balance, and a street with no potholes.

I began applying that out-of-the-box mentality to my life off the wheel. I fused my love for paradoxes and poetry to create poems that could be read forward and backward to convey two contradictory messages. I layered peanut butter, avocado, and bacon atop toast to create an amalgam of my favorite foods, in the process inventing the world’s most delicious and substantial open-faced sandwich.

Conquering the unicycle made me realize that conventions need to be challenged. Just because some cycles have two wheels does not make them better. And who says that poems can only be read top to bottom? I thrive kinesthetically, learning by doing, dedicating countless hours to master anything that excites me in the slightest. But I believe there is more to life than someone else’s instruction book. I prefer to write my own instructions, try the unconventional, and explore the unknown. I am a unicyclist amongst scooterers. I make my own path, usually on just one wheel.

—Elizabeth Kilgore , Madison, New Jersey

Zoom In, Focus, Get Into the Rhythm

Cap off, shutter on. I am ready. There is a rhythm to it. I stand alone with my camera, surrounded by hundreds of people. I slowly scan the field and the stands, prepared for the unexpected scenes; the irony encourages me. Friday nights offer so many opportunities to focus on one moment, on one frame, blurring out all else around me.

There is excitement in my voice and, I have been told, a notable glimmer in my eyes when I talk about those Friday nights under the lights. These evenings challenge and excite me as I zoom in on one moment at a time, one frame at a time, quickly changing perspective and refocusing as the evening unfolds.

What am I looking for? The quarterback’s nervous focus as he stares down his targets in the face of the impending blitz, drum majors attempting to maintain a determined expression among the cacophony of the halftime festivities, and parents concealing their nerves, seemingly willing the team to a touchdown with the pressure of their clasped hands alone. Through the 200 millimeters of my lens, I am searching for the special moments that prove these are more than just games for everyone in attendance.

Endpin out, rosin my bow, tuned correctly, I am ready. There is a rhythm to it. Staring at the eighth notes that dance across the marked up score, I wait for my cue, blurring out the hushed whispers from the audience. As I anticipate the moment the curtains open, allowing me to pull my bow against the string, I am reminded of last night’s football game. I remember the way I zoomed in on each face, story and play, and now place this focus into my performance. Measure upon measure, the perspectives of the notes change, following the tone of the play, and these instant adjustments exhilarate me.

I play out; I am in the dark, but I am lit up by my desire to move someone with a strong melody that I have rehearsed time after time in my living room, until calluses are built, and I can hear the melody in my sleep.

The music that sits before me and the firm hand of the conductor are the only things I take in. Through the weight of my bow and the articulation in my left hand, I am seeking to give flight to the imagination so that the audience will be as moved as the composer intended.

Cap and gown on, Pomp and Circumstance echoing throughout the room, IB diploma in hand, I am ready. I know the rhythm. I know the rhythm because I’ve practiced all of my life. Focus on what’s important. Zoom in on what is to come. Change perspective and refocus when needed. Blur out the background noise. Through the experiences I seek out, I am invigorated and motivated by the challenges that accompany each new endeavor.

—Khuyen Dinh, Fairfax Station, Virginia

Stories From the Porch Swing

The wooden porch swing at my grandfather’s old house was very talkative. It used to creak and moan, irritated with eight-year-old me for attempting to swing so high I could touch my bare feet to the porch ceiling. It hummed as my mother gently rocked back and forth, drinking coffee. It laughed along with my little sister who used to leap off the swing as it was still moving, landing on her hands and knees with a thud. It took part in the family conversations every Sunday, faintly squeaking behind the noise of us chatting and eating dinner outside on warm nights. But when my grandfather told his stories, the swing didn't make a sound.

I remember the evening I first fell in love with stories. Under the weight of both myself and my grandfather, the swing was completely silent, careful not to interrupt. Listening earnestly with my hands resting in my lap, I was silent as well. The robin that was usually chirping in the front yard was quiet for a minute. The white oak trees with their wise faces and twisted limbs stopped whispering to each other. The world was still and listening; I could hear only my grandfather’s voice and my own soft, measured breath.

My grandfather is a storyteller. He always says that it’s his innate ability to tell a story that makes him good at his job. Whether he’s standing in front of a packed, buzzing courtroom or simply sitting on his creaky porch swing, the world listens when my grandfather speaks. From an early age, this has always been what I admire most about him. He is intelligent and kind. He is fiercely strong-willed in the way he values and fights for social justice. But most of all, he knows how to make people listen. His words inspire action. From him, I developed a strong fascination with stories.

Some of my favorite stories to hear growing up were the ones about my dad’s childhood. Although we’d heard the story hundreds of times already, my siblings and I would beg my grandfather to tell us about when my dad accidentally got stuck in a tree. My grandfather would also tell us about his own childhood during the Great Depression, his time as a drafted soldier in the Vietnam War, and the long hours he worked as a graveyard shift police officer to pay for law school.

Stories can be found anywhere. They are catalysts of social change and vehicles of shared knowledge. I find them in the pages of my history textbook, in the spirited conversations of the lunchroom, and in every person I meet. My avidity for learning has bloomed from my obsession with stories. From the fall of the Romanov Dynasty to how Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin by accidentally leaving out a moldy petri dish, stories prompt my active, electrified engagement in school. They have given me an unbounded curiosity about our world.

By reading my favorite novels, traveling to unfamiliar places, and even just talking to the stranger in line at the grocery store, I continue in my search for stories. That quiet evening on my grandfather’s porch swing unleashed within me a deep-seated passion for stories that has seeped into and invigorated my intellectual pursuits.

—Audrey Hicks, Fairfax, Virginia

One Small Touch 

“J’adoube,” I said, adjusting the placement of my queen to the center of her square.

My opponent looked at me with a puzzled gaze. As the game continued, there came a second time where saying j’adoube became necessary. But this time, after again seeing the puzzled look on my opponent’s face, I said, “It means the same thing as adjust.” This time it seemed to click in his head.

Since I began playing chess competitively, I have heard the word used less and less. J’adoube is announced by a player who is going to touch a piece to adjust its positioning but has no intention of moving it from its square. This one word changes the meaning of touching a piece. Without uttering j’adoube , a player must move the piece they touch, unless moving that piece would result in an illegal move.

The word is not something that you will find in a rulebook or necessarily learn from beginner chess lessons. I imagine that it has developed over time from chess players wanting to associate the beauty of perfectly aligned pieces on the board with the beauty of the French language.

When I hear the word whispered in my direction, I smile because to me it sounds so much better than “adjust.” J’adoube cannot win games, but by saying it, you can prevent yourself from making ill-advised moves. Like in life, saying j’adoube can neither fix the past nor change the future, but it does allow you to control the present.

—Kyle Goldrick, Jamison, Pennsylvania

Sea Creature #3

“Hi, my name is Marin and I’m a piece of coral.” These were my dignity’s last words as I realized I was cast in the ensemble of my high school’s production of The Little Mermaid . In spite of my consistency and experience within the department, I was a lowly sea-creature: a fish on roller blades. As rehearsals commenced, I attempted to decipher a complex emotion: jealousy.

My best friend of 11 years obtained a highly coveted principal role following her maiden high school audition, leaving me with the role of Sea Creature #3. I looked simultaneously something akin to a prepubescent middle school boy and an ’80s jazzercise instructor. I was mercilessly clad in a deep blue unitard, complete with unflattering biker shorts, neon pink fishnet crop top, and swim cap. My insecurities were further manifested in a pair of rollerblades.

My best friend, the mermaid I felt so inferior to, was adorned in a bejeweled crown, which seemed only to further emphasize our distance apart in the hierarchical class system that is high school theater. She was oceanic royalty, and I was a plebian parrot fish. I stood sheepishly in my unitard, in my swim cap, and in the most intense state of jealousy I have ever experienced. My humiliation was complete as I stumbled across the stage, fish puppet in hand, in front of my friends and family, while enviously watching her glide gracefully from stage right to stage left, singing angelic melodies.

Alongside me in this endeavor was someone completely unexpected: a cheeky, cherubic third grader who was cast not in the principal cameo role he’d hoped for, but as a humble sea snail. Wanting to make the most of a mediocre situation, I became the unofficial cast child wrangler for the duration of the show. Rhett and I spent copious amounts of time together doing schoolwork, eating various snack foods, and learning to rollerblade. For safety's sake, I chased him through the most remote stretches of Fairfax High School as he cleared flights of stairs, careened around corners and flung himself down steep ramps in his little plastic red and black roller blades.

We got along swimmingly. Our shared experience connected us. We were inseparable. Rhett was not open to forming friendships with cast members who treated him with condescension. I, however, proved to be a completely honest and consistent friend. I remained by his side, a third grader's loyal sidekick for the entirety of the show. I helped him with his schoolwork and he helped me forget my jealousy. I kept him entertained and he provided me with positive experiences to reflect back on. The attitude he helped me to embrace gave me reason to act with integrity: I assembled a nervous cast for a prayer circle before each performance, comforted mermaids in crisis, and even stepped away from myself to help the former object of my jealousy when she was struggling.

In the end, our small group of fish-wielding jazzercise instructors went on stage and took advantage of each and every moment we had. The tangible evidence that bad situations can reap surprising rewards came in the form of a D.C. area Cappie award for my contribution to our department and our show. My situation went from mildly humiliating to outwardly validating. The jealousy I had toward my friend for her seemingly endless opportunities dissipated daily as I discovered the sometimes hidden blessings found in humility, humor, friendship, and community. My unspoken fear that my value or worth was somehow in part determined by the role I secured in a show was completely and utterly demolished by an extremely sassy, blond, nine-year-old boy, dressed as a sea snail.

—Marin Bronaugh, Fairfax, Virginia

My Mom’s Gifts to Me

The scene is ingrained into my memory. It was 2nd grade, and my teacher asked all of the students in my homeroom to put up pictures of their family on the bulletin board. Kids scrambled to the front of the room to stick on their photograph. I was at the front of the pack, eager to show everyone my picture of my mom and me holding a parrot in Hawaii three years prior.

“Kendall, why don’t you have a dad?” a bewildered Sydney asked, almost skeptical.

Everyone froze and turned to me, expecting an answer. The teacher tried to lessen my humiliation saying, “Sydney, that wasn’t nice,” and some other impotent reprimands, but the damage was done. I looked at the other kids’ photos. Each of them the same: a mother, one kid, two kids, or three, and a father. A part of me was shattered. I believed that the absence of a father would deprive me of something; my life would never compare to kids who lived with two parents.

For a long time, that mindset remained. I was ashamed of having a single mother, so I went out of my way to act like my father was in my life. Talking to friends about “my parents” and fabricating stories about my dad were coping mechanisms I used to fit in. Attending independent schools for most of my life, it seemed like everyone’s family was intact and lived in mansions, so the possibility of people knowing that I never saw my dad was terrifying. It would be something else to set me apart.

Everything changed once I moved from California to Virginia, where I had no family or friends. This forced me to spend more time with my mom, giving me a new perspective on my situation. I began to understand the sacrifices my mom made, raising me on her own, providing me with the best of everything: education, opportunities, experiences, anything a child living with two parents would have.

I now acknowledge the privilege I’ve had growing up with a mother like her. She made a successful career for herself by promoting equity and diversity in education and has passed on her beliefs that all people are worthy of respect. This influenced my love of experiencing new people, cultures, and places. So far, I have traveled to Haiti on a service trip, and France on a cultural exchange. While both experiences had their own challenges, they contributed to my understanding of cultural competence and showed me the value of forming relationships with others abroad.

My mom also instilled in me a dignified work ethic that shows through my academics, athletics, and extracurriculars. I try my best in everything I do, mimicking the strength and perseverance she had while attending college without guidance from anyone. If that means having a softball game at 5pm, tutoring elementary school kids at 7pm, then studying and homework afterward, I do it all with my best effort.

One of my mother’s qualities that I admire most is the support and acceptance she continually shows me. Regardless of our differences or circumstances, I always know that my mom respects my individuality, something that, for many of my peers, is not true. And in turn, I try to treat others with the same amount of respect and compassion. Whether that translates as talking to a patient in distress while volunteering at my local hospital or simply comforting a friend during a difficult time, sympathy and understanding are traits that hold the highest value in my life.

The trust I’ve formed with my mom is something I doubt I would have experienced with my dad. She has taught me everything about what it takes to be a strong black woman.

If I could answer Sydney's question today, my response would be, “Because my single mom is able to fulfill the role better than any father could.”

—Kendall Davis, Arlington, Virginia

Transfixed by My Toaster

I think that the shower has been the birthplace of more innovative ideas than any other location. Maybe it’s the alone time, the aromatherapy, the water washing off the day, or the ability to watch your troubles go down the drain and step out brand new. I don’t know. But I wish I did. Because it is these very moments, times when a light clicks on or an apple falls on your head, that fascinate me. Even the smallest things, the seemingly insignificant details of our reality, carry with them a story that changed the world.

One day, I was making toast, a pretty mundane part of my day. But as I was staring at my toaster, trying to get the bread to the right degree of toastiness, I became captivated by the beauty of the machine that has become a certainty in my life. For months, I had a tab open on my phone about Charles Strite, the inventor of the pop-up toaster, and would read little bits and pieces about him any time I could. All the man wanted was an evenly cooked piece of toast and that quest, distant as it may seem, led him to create something that I now expect in my everyday life.

That’s magical to me. Every step in his life, every burnt piece of toast that he had to endure, led him to that idea. One defining piece of Strite’s life has become a part of so many others. The simple device that I am accustomed to was the result of a lifetime of experience. We may take his idea for granted, but I find it amazing that he managed to change the world in his own way.

Many creations that are now a fact of life were once brave new inventions. So what will be next? Could my writing down the simple phrase “snack pants” in the notes on my phone a little after midnight change the fashion industry forever? Could my restaurant idea “the Porque-sadilla” (a place with Mexican food and trivia) revolutionize the dining experience? Probably not. But one day some goofy idea might develop into something greater: my origin story. And every step that I took, every shower, every note, every essay that I wrote would have led me to that point. Because this is the one story that I get to live, not just read about.

And that’s what fascinates me. The people around me may seem distant at times, but they are each the center of their own story. You never know which one of the people you pass in the hallway or drive past on a busy road is going to change the world. It could be you or the person sitting next to you.

So every time that I see a small invention, I get caught up in the origin story and the beauty of the creation, and how the lives of others become part of our own, and how they connect us and bridge any physical or emotional gaps that arise, and all of this comes and washes over me simply because I wanted a piece of toast.

And so I thank Charles Strite and the inventors, pioneers, iPhone note-takers, and shower-thinkers. I hope one day to be among their ranks, a piece of their stories as they are a piece of mine.

(P.S. I have dibs on both “snack pants” and “the Porque-sadilla,” so don’t get any ideas.)

—Laura Boyle, Falls Church, Virginia

What Would I Paint on Beta Bridge?

“Write your story.” The phrase is printed across the face of a notebook stacked somewhere in my room. It materializes in my mind every time I read a different account of the same historical event. I mutter it under my breath for every word, every page I write of the novel I someday hope to publish. I would paint this phrase on Beta Bridge because I believe the most powerful actions start as words and I know the most intriguing adventures begin with a story.

To write your story is to hold your life in your hands. Your story is wholly yours, but it may impact your community and beyond, in more ways than you can imagine. The #MeToo survivors wrote their stories. The New York Times published them, and then the world reacted.

It’s important to first tell your story before you tell the story of others, and it’s even more pressing to write your story before someone else can write it for you. Winston Churchill once said, “History is written by the victors.” He was right. Someone will always attempt to distort a narrative; there will forever be stories written by liars, and sometimes those stories filled with half-truths will win. But they only have that chance at victory if the real story never makes it onto the page, let alone to the printer.

Write your story, even when the only light that hasn’t flickered out is the brightness from your computer screen.

Write your story, even when you think no one else will read it. Write your story, even when it’s only three words painted across a bridge on a university campus. Write your story, before someone else does.

—Alexa Clark, Vienna, Virginia

I laugh to myself all the time.

My sisters say it’s always the same thing: the near-silent, short puffs of exhalation, the shake of the shoulders, the slight rock back and forth. Realizing that no one else shares my amusement or (in some cases) even noticed that I attempted a joke, I’ll chortle all alone.

I am past wanting others to laugh with me. Quite frankly, it makes me sad how the best-received wisecracking almost always comes at someone else’s expense. I have noticed that it simply is not “cool” to find the joke about the hydrogen atom who was positive it lost an electron as entertaining as an unflattering imitation of a blundering freshman’s faux pas. I have noticed it, and I don’t like it.

I don’t want to renounce my own unique sense of humor simply because my jokes aren’t of the trendy sort.

Why must we laugh at the girl who tripped over her hand-me-down, glaringly yellow shoes on the way in? Who cares if the boy in the front row misspelled “February” and then proceeded to badly mispronounce it? Why can’t they all laugh, instead, at the grammar joke that caused so many in the classroom to collectively roll their eyes?

I want to laugh at the harmless puns and one-liners in life, the ones that make people whoop with laughter without grimacing on the inside. Even if that means looking a tad crazy as I laugh absurdly and all alone.

—Sophia Yi, Derwood, Maryland

Hi, I’m Zainab

Tugging at my shirt sleeves, I shuffle through the empty hallways of the new school. The butterflies in my stomach feel more like wasps, for my anxiety is less a nervous excitement, and more a dreaded anticipation of what’s to come. My backpack is filled with freshly sharpened pencils, new notebooks, and my mom has packed my favorite snack. I am more than prepared to thrive at this new school, but I can’t seem to get past this crushing worry: who will I sit next to at lunchtime?

The teacher pushes open the 4th grade classroom door, and all eyes immediately turn to me. She introduces me to the class, and I suddenly develop a great fascination with my fingernails. I avoid looking directly at any of the students and I quietly seat myself near the back. Midway through the year, all the other students have already created their social circles. Out of curiosity, a couple students approach me and ask for my name. Hesitantly, I introduce myself, “Hi. I’m the new kid.”

Being in a new, unfamiliar place will eventually become a normal situation for me after having changed schools nine times by the end of senior year. It would be incorrect to say that I enjoyed uprooting myself constantly, but it would also be incorrect to say that I never learned anything along the way.

From New Mexico, I learned about the magic in color. Our insufferably quaint town was filled with artwork and culture. The intricate tiles and paintings of local artisans in the Santa Fe Art Galleries, and the swirl of color and light in the sky at sunrise during the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival inspired me to surround myself with color and create art wherever I went.

From Massachusetts, I learned how hard my parents worked to ensure that my brother and I were happy. My mother would frequently come home with bags overflowing with books from the local library to keep us occupied when our one bedroom basement apartment was buried in snow. My love for reading can be traced back to her. She could turn our apartment into a wizard’s lair or a fairy forest during the cold, snowy days.

From Texas, I learned about the fragility of human life. My friend’s dad was battling with cancer, and her family became a big part of our life since they needed our support. He passed away on Christmas Eve, and while the world continued on and most people woke up to presents and holiday festivities, my friend woke up to the reality of her father’s death.

From Virginia, I learned about the importance of family. My social life was nonexistent, so instead of going out on the weekends, I stayed home for movie nights, thought-provoking conversations with my dad, and teaching my little sister her first nursery rhymes. By becoming more present in my family’s daily lives, I was able to escape my own self-centered bubble.

All these places collectively taught me two things. First, never knowing if this is the last time you ever see someone or go somewhere, you begin to appreciate everything more, including the little things in life. Second, I learned how to be adaptable and how to relate to others. In the early moves, I tended to dwell on everything I’d left behind, never stopping to reflect on what I’d gained. I’ve picked up flavors of people and places from all around the country, seeing that there is beauty in change, even if it took me more than a few moves to see it.

So, when I moved to my new school last year, instead of immediately labeling myself as “the new kid,” I started with a smile and “Hi! I’m Zainab. Is anyone sitting here?”

—Zainab Faisal, Ashburn, Virginia

UVA Admission Essays Are Posted. Learn How to Write Your Best One

• By Rob Seal , [email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

1.  Don’t overthink the topic

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

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

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

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

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

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

2018-2019 First-Year Application Essay Questions 

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

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

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

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

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

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July 12, 2018

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How to Write the University of Virginia Essays 2020-2021

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

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

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

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

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

University of Virginia Supplemental Essay Prompts 

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

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

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

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

Selecting a Prompt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Words

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

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

Want help on your college essays to get into your dream schools? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses, as well as our Essay Manager.

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How to Write the University of Virginia Supplemental Essays: Examples + Guide 2023/2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What are the uva supplemental essay prompts.

• How to write each supplemental essay prompt for UVA
• Prompt #1: "Connections" essay
• Prompt #2: "Community contribution" essay

The University of Virginia (UVA) is a popular choice for students who want it all—and that means you’ll have to make the most of your supplemental essays to set yourself apart. The challenge: distinguishing yourself with just two short prompts, and proving that you are the right person to take advantage of what the University of Virginia has to offer despite no obvious “Why us?” prompt. 

You’ll find an extensive, by-the-numbers look at UVA’s offerings, from enrollment and tuition statistics to student life and financial aid information on its Common Data Set . For deep insights into how this university envisions its role and how it wants to grow and evolve, read its academic strategic plan . Reading through this will give you a strong idea of what UVA values.

If you’re up to the challenge, the tips and examples below will help you make the most of UVA’s two supplemental essay prompts.

Optional: 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)

In around 250 words, please answer the following question. 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)

How to Write Each Supplemental Essay Prompt for University of Virginia

How to write the uva supplemental essay prompt #1.

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; optional)

This prompt is all about connection (it’s in the first sentence!), but it’s not JUST about connection. While the essay readers want to know how you’re connected to UVA, the other part of this prompt is about how this connection will help you contribute to their school community.

Here are some tips for how to address both parts of this prompt:

Be very clear about how you’re connected to UVA. Instead of just saying, “my parents went there,” let your readers know about the memories and stories your parents have shared that influenced your decision to apply. What is it that you’ve learned about UVA through your personal connection that’s made you want to spend the next few years of your life roaming its halls? The key is to be detailed and specific. 

The second part of the prompt invites you to be self-reflective, so take advantage of the opportunity to do so! Once you’ve established your connection to UVA, let your readers know how you will use this specific connection to make a contribution to the school. Maybe you have a family member who works at UVA in admissions, for example, and through that connection and the things you’ve learned about how students transition into college life you’ve decided you want to work with 1st generation college students in some way. Again, the key is to be specific in connecting your personal connection to the space you want to carve out for yourself. 

Wherever you can, shine a light on your values. When discussing how you want to leave your mark on UVA, let your values drive this part of your response. For example, if you participated in a UVA leadership program, explain what you learned, how it shaped you, and why leadership is important to you. Your values will likely emerge organically as you address the second part of the prompt, but just to make sure, read through your draft looking just for your value statements. 

Check out the guidance for the next prompt for more details on “how will you contribute” essays.

How to Write UVA Supplemental Essay #2 + Example

This is essentially a “how will you contribute” prompt, specifically focusing on how your background/experiences/etc. will “serve as a source of strength.” Through this essay prompt, UVA wants to understand how your life experiences have prepared you to contribute to their diverse student community. Let's break down the key components of the prompt to guide your approach.

Which of your life experiences have had the most impact on your personal development? This essay offers the opportunity to delve into specific experiences that have shaped your perspective on life, education, and more.

How will you contribute? Make sure your answer to this question is clear. How have these experiences positioned you to make an impact at UVA? What do you bring to the school and community (in ways that maybe others don’t)? While it doesn’t have to be truly unique, it’s great to aim in that direction: the best response will highlight a contribution that only you (or maybe you plus a few other applicants) would think to make.

Here’s how to brainstorm possible essays:

Again, one important aspect with this prompt is its focus on your contribution to the UVA community.

Another detail to note is UVA’s encouragement to show where you come from—the people, places, and things that have shaped who you are today. This is your chance to connect your unique upbringing, in a very broad sense of the word, with what has helped make you unstoppable. So take it.

While there are many things outside of “community” that might fit this prompt, if you’re looking for a way to brainstorm ideas, that’s a good place to start. (Especially since “community” and “individual background, perspective, or experience” tend to overlap a lot. But keep in mind that you’ll want to include some “how will you contribute” details in your essay—this isn’t just a “tell us about a community” prompt.)

For a full guide to “community” essays , head there, but here’s the short version:

STEP 1: DECIDE WHAT IDENTITY/COMMUNITY YOU WANT TO WRITE ABOUT

Create a “communities/identities” chart by listing all the communities you’re a part of. Keep in mind that communities can be defined by...

Place: groups of people who live/work/play near one another

Action: groups of people who create change in the world by building, doing, or solving something together (Examples: Black Lives Matter, Girls Who Code, March for Our Lives)

Interest: groups of people coming together based on shared interest, experience, or expertise

Circumstance: groups of people brought together either by chance or external events/situations

STEP 2: USE THE BEABIES EXERCISE TO GENERATE YOUR ESSAY CONTENT

You’ll find detail on the BEABIES Exercise + a chart you can use at that link.

STEP 3: DO SOME “HOW WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE” RESEARCH

You’ll want to offer a few specific ways that show how the experience/s you’re discussing in your essay will allow you to contribute to UVA. The easiest way to do this is to do some “Why Us”-like research and find ways you’ll engage with and contribute to the college community. 

STEP 4: PICK A STRUCTURE (NARRATIVE OR MONTAGE)

Step 5: write a first draft.

I was in 4th grade when I saw Syrian refugees on the side of the highway in Istanbul. There was heavy traffic as usual, so I was able to really take in the scene. There were generations of them: babies held tightly by mothers, siblings holding hands, and elders taking one step at a time along the highway. I could tell they had gone through hardships, but I was too young to understand the complexities of it.  Over time, I’ve learned that the refugee situation is getting worse throughout the Middle East. But I’ve also realized that there is a lack of knowledge about what is really going on. So many people correlate the Middle East with terrorism, but most people forget the impact that terrorism has on civilians. In order to combat this, I started the Middle Eastern Student Association at my predominantly white high school, where Middle Easterners are the smallest percentage of the population. We don’t only educate people on the refugee crisis, but also Middle Eastern culture, and more specific human rights violations like the detaining of Iranian environmentalists. I am now also the co-head of my school’s Senior Diversity Committee, so I can focus my efforts on a wide range of issues as I address our senior class. This will strengthen our class’s understanding of equity and inclusion, ranging from socioeconomic status to diversity in thought, and improve civil discourse. At UVA, I plan to continue my work with this community by joining Middle Eastern Leadership Council under Turkish Student Association. I’d love to take it even further and start a Queer Middle Eastern Club to provide a space to talk about the complexity of how the culture that we celebrate can clash with being true to ourselves. — — —

Tips + Analysis

Make sure to clearly identify your background and/or perspective. You might choose to focus on your racial background, your educational background, your socioeconomic background—don’t feel limited here. Maybe you’re going to write from the perspective of being a woman, or being part of the LGTBQ+ community. Whatever it is, just make sure it is clear for your readers. This student clearly identifies themselves as Middle Eastern, so readers know right off the bat that it is this background that will serve as the focus of this essay.

Focus on your strengths! This prompt asks you to discuss both your personal strength and the strength you can provide to others, so make sure you are clear and direct about what “strength” means to you (we encourage you to think creatively about this term). “Strength” has obvious connotations that spring to mind, and it’s not bad to include some of them, but also try to go for the less obvious. Is your strength in working behind the scenes to get things done? Great! Is your strength in bringing people together? Wonderful! Where your strengths lie, identify them, explain HOW your personal experiences have contributed to these strengths, and then explain how these strengths will help people other than yourself.

Show your contribution. Link your experiences to specific opportunities at the school that will allow you to engage with and contribute to the community. UVA values diverse perspectives—help them see how yours adds to the college through specific ways you want to share your world view. 

And here’s an example written for Vanderbilt but could easily be adapted to work for UVA.

Nothing has taught me more about patience than working at RAD Camp last summer, where I was paired with a 12-year-old with Down's Syndrome, Talon. I learned to maintain a balance between being firm and decisive in my demeanor and remaining fair. Once, Talon refused to get out of the pool after everyone had left. Running short on options, I promised to let him watch monster trucks if he complied, and he finally acquiesced. We bottle-flipped and watched monster trucks for 2 hours. I discovered how to maintain boundaries while being kind. I also discovered how to divide my responsibilities between the larger group and Talon. Although I was solely responsible for him, I also had to ensure that group activities ran smoothly, so I would ask an adult to watch him while I was away. I realized that the adult staffers quickly resorted to using physical force to get him to comply, but I was determined to find a better way. In an effort to connect with him and build trust, I began to bring him to my camp jobs and took care of him while leading group activities. I also became more composed in the face of frustrating situations. At night, Talon refused to sleep. He'd run around opening doors, turning on lights, and spitting in the faces of unsuspecting victims. After he spit directly in my face for the fifth time, I breathed deeply and calmly worked with him until he fell asleep underneath my arm. Each night, I laid across the doorway to keep him from running outside and getting lost in the woods. I'm grateful to Talon for helping me realize the importance in maintaining a balance in my actions and striving to embrace my best qualities. At Vanderbilt, I could further my passion for helping kids with special needs. I’m amazed at Vanderbilt’s engineering students, who spent three sleepless days designing inventions, such as guitar pick holders and custom fishing equipment, to benefit children with special needs. This project was part of Vanderbilt’s TOM Makeathon, and as a student who seeks to create devices that enhances my community, I could be a critical member of this program. Seeing the smiles on the kids' faces as they explore beyond their boundaries reminds me of the good that comes from taking action. As an enterprising student, I know that I’m a perfect fit for Vanderbilt. (399 words) — — —

Be vulnerable. It can be hard to talk about the situations you’ve been in that helped you build personal strength because it requires you to be vulnerable. But a successful response to this prompt needs at least a little bit of vulnerability. This student does an amazing job of reflecting on their mistakes and the learning process they had to go through, which in turn shows readers their strengths (resilience, compassion, humility, open-mindedness). You don’t have to share anything that makes you really uncomfortable, but the more personal you can be, the better. 

Remember that it isn’t JUST about you. Yes, a lot of your essay should be, but it’s really important to make sure you’re addressing every point the prompt raises. This one isn’t just about your strengths… it’s also about how you will use those strengths to uplift those around you (your fellow UVA students, if all goes well!). This student gives very specific details about how they will use the strength they’ve gained to continue to help children with special needs. Instead of just saying, “I want to help kids,” the writer lets us know they hope to do so by designing devices adapted to the needs of these children. 

Show them you know them. The prompt lets you know that UVA’s essay readers want to know how you will help your community at THEIR school, so show them you’ve done your homework. This student references a specific program and then explains how they hope to be part of it, showing their thoughtfulness about why they would be a good fit at THIS school. Whenever you have the chance to show readers you’ve done the work of really learning about their school culture and offerings, grab it. 

Special thanks to Jessica for writing this blog post.

Jessica has a Ph.D in English from the University of Southern California and teaches English at a Los Angeles-area independent school, where she has also been English department chair and a class dean.  Sandra Cisneros is her hero, and she loves books, her awesomely-sarcastic family, the beach, cozy sweaters, and more books. Oh, and her sweet pitbull/lab mix named Ruby. 

Top values: Curiosity, equity, wonder

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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 .

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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University of Virginia (UVA) Supplemental Essays 2023-24 Prompts & Advice

August 16, 2023

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, over 56,000 students applied (up 10% from the previous year) 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 2023 version of UVA and an SAT in the 96th 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 2023-24 admissions cycle along with our advice for composing winning essays.

2023-2024 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, community influence.
• Racial background.
• Sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Second, 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? Lastly, will your background make it possible for you to advocate more effectively for specific populations? Alternatively, has your experience or background provided you with a perspective that will benefit and support you as you move on to college? 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.

Describe a healthcare-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying nursing. (300 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. 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 are 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.

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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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September 14, 2023

2023-2024 University of Virginia Supplemental Essay Prompts

The University of Virginia has released its supplemental essay prompts for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle . In addition to The Common Application ’s Personal Statement, applicants to UVA’s Class of 2028 must answer one essay question. Additionally, 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?

2023-2024 UVA Essay Topics and Questions

Required essay.

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

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.

We at Ivy Coach deem this optional essay question the most  outrageously inappropriate  prompt posed by any highly selective university during the 2023-2024 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 shmancy 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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University of Virginia (UVA) Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the UVA essay prompts? With tips from an Ivy League graduate, CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the UVA supplemental essays will show you exactly how to write engaging UVA essays and maximize your chances of admission. If you need help crafting your UVA supplemental essays, create your free  account  or  schedule your no-cost advising consultation  with an Admissions Specialist by calling (844) 343-6272.

UVA  essay guide quick facts:

• With an acceptance rate of 23%,  US News  ranks UVA as the #25 research university in the nation.
• US News categorizes UVA as a  most selective  university.
• We recommend answering all UVA essay prompts—optional UVA essays included—thoroughly and thoughtfully.

Does the University of Virginia have supplemental essays?

Yes—all students must complete several UVA supplemental essays to be considered for admission. Accordingly, UVA requires all applicants to complete two required UVA essays in addition to the personal statement that you’ll encounter within the  Common App  or the  Coalition App .

One of your UVA supplemental essays will relate to the specific college where you have chosen to apply, such as UVA’s  College of Arts and Sciences ,  School of Architecture ,  School of Engineering ,  School of Nursing , or  School of Kinesiology . Your other UVA essay will relate more to your own identity.

How many essays are required for the University of Virginia?

There are two required UVA supplemental essays. The first of the UVA essays addresses your chosen field and major. The second of the UVA supplemental essays centers around your own identity. Both required UVA supplemental essays can make a major difference in admissions.

Are the University of Virginia essays important?

Yes, the University of Virginia supplemental essays are an important aspect of your application. In fact, all of the UVA essays give admissions officers a different perspective on what you’ll bring to UVA. So, think of the UVA essay prompts as an opportunity for you to show the admissions team what makes you unique and why you belong at UVA.

With an acceptance rate of just 23%, UVA is a competitive school. The UVA essay prompts give you the chance to stand out from the crowd by offering AOs a glimpse into who you are and what matters to you. To maximize your admissions odds, you’ll want to spend as much time perfecting your UVA supplemental essays as possible!

How do I write a supplemental essay for the University of Virginia?

The best UVA supplemental essays will do two things. First, they will showcase your personality, identity, and values. Second, they will draw connections between your interests and UVA itself. In short, admissions officers should finish reading your UVA supplemental essays with a clear understanding of who you are and why you belong at UVA.

Remember, your UVA supplemental essays are your chance to help admissions officers get to know you. A strong sense of personality and voice, therefore, will make your UVA essays shine. As you consider the UVA supplemental essays 2021, look for the unique stories you can tell that will help your application stand out.

In order to prepare for the UVA essay prompts, you might research UVA’s extracurricular offerings, courses, traditions, and campus culture. As you look through UVA’s website, think about what specific opportunities UVA could offer you. For example, if you are interested in medicine, you might discuss your desire to do research at UVA’s nationally recognized hospital. You could also strengthen your University of Virginia supplemental essays by describing one of UVA’s 800+  student groups . Or, you might also choose to focus on a tradition like the  Lighting of the Lawn  that you witnessed years ago and that made you excited to apply.

Whichever topic you address in the UVA essay prompts, make sure to emphasize why you want to attend UVA over any other school. By describing the specific reasons why UVA interests you, you can show the admissions team that you’ve thought carefully about your application. These details will also make your UVA essays more authentic.

How do you answer the University of Virginia essays?

In a word—authentically!

As you approach the UVA essay prompts, make sure you center your answer around your unique perspective. Avoid vague or broad statements; instead, focus on specific details about UVA (and about you!) that matter most. The strongest UVA essays will give readers a window into an applicant’s inner life while also showing them how this applicant would fit into the UVA community.

Let’s break down the UVA supplemental essays and discuss strategies to help your essay stand out. We’ll begin with the first set of prompts, of which you will choose  one .

UVA Supplemental Essays 2021 – Question 1

What is your favorite word and why? (250 words max)

At first glance, this UVA essay prompt might seem frivolous. Remember, however, that the UVA supplemental essays are intended to help the admissions team learn more about who you are. So, if you choose this question, use the first of the UVA essay prompts to show the admissions officers what makes you unique!

As you approach the UVA supplemental essays, you should think less about the actual word you choose and more about what this choice of word reveals about you. In other words, think about words that are unique, appropriate, and significant to you. Don’t choose a word just because it will stand out. Instead, focus on why a specific word matters to you. For example, you shouldn’t choose the word “lullaby” if it had no deeper meaning to you. Remember, your goal in this UVA essay is to help the admissions team learn more about your identity.

Begin your response to the first of the UVA essay prompts by stating your favorite word. Then, offer some context on why this word—and the ideas that it represents—matters to you. Finally, end the first of your UVA essays by applying your chosen word to your identity, background, or values.

UVA Supplemental Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Have you conveyed your favorite word in a clear manner?
• Does your chosen word represent your curiosity and depth?
• Have you conveyed to the reader why this word is important to you?

UVA Supplemental Essays 2021- Question 2

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. (250 words max)

In the UVA supplemental essays, you have the chance to emphasize parts of your personality that the admissions team would not normally see. So, how do you make your University of Virginia supplemental essays memorable and genuine? If you choose this second of the UVA essay prompts, you’ll have a great chance to showcase what makes you unique.

This UVA essay should help your reader envision you—quirks and all—as a member of the UVA community. Think about something special that defines you. For instance, you might wear a lucky jersey before every game or always draw hearts over your lowercase i’s. Like the first of the UVA essay prompts, the success of this UVA essay depends less on what you discuss and more on how you discuss it.

All of your UVA supplemental essays should help your reader learn something new about you. So, whatever quirk you describe in your UVA essay, make sure this quirk reveals something important about your identity. Don’t include meaningless details; instead, focus on specific and significant things you do that make you unique.

• Does the quirk you describe reveal something important about you?
• Does your essay convey your quirk in a clear manner?
• Have you conveyed to the reader why it is part of who you are?

UVA Supplemental Essays 2021- Question 3

Student self-governance, which encourages student investment and initiative, is a hallmark of the UVA culture. In her fourth year at UVA, Laura Nelson was inspired to create Flash Seminars, one-time classes which facilitate high-energy discussion about thought-provoking topics outside of traditional coursework. If you created a Flash Seminar, what idea would you explore and why? (250 words max)

This third of the UVA essay prompts asks you to think about your interests through the lens of UVA’s culture. Like the other UVA supplemental essays, the third of the UVA essay prompt asks you to illustrate both your own identity and how you would fit in at UVA. If you’re invested in joining an intellectual community, then, you might choose this prompt!

While this UVA essay might seem purely academic, you don’t need to approach it this way. According to the prompt, UVA’s Flash Seminars revolve around “thought-provoking topics outside of traditional coursework.” The term “thought-provoking” can mean many things. As you prepare for this UVA essay, think about which topics you would love to discuss with a room full of intellectually engaged UVA students.

Complementary topics

The topic you choose for the third of your University of Virginia supplemental essays should complement the other aspects of your application. This doesn’t mean you can’t describe an interest that you haven’t already addressed! However, keep in mind that your responses to the UVA essay prompts should work together to give the admissions team a complete understanding of your identity, background, interests, and values. Every topic you discuss in your University of Virginia supplemental essays, therefore, should contribute to this understanding. This means that if you’ve spent your whole application describing your interest in poetry and desire to study literature, you might want to think twice before writing an essay about neuroscience (unless, of course, this topic appears elsewhere in your application).

Once again, make sure this third of your UVA essays focuses on why your chosen topic matters to you. As you structure your response, first, describe the topic that you’d explore in a Flash Seminar. Then, discuss why this topic matters to you. What about this topic excites or inspires you? What about it would you want to discuss in a Flash Seminar? How might the UVA community deepen your understanding of this topic?

In this UVA essay, you don’t necessarily have to discuss your opinion on your chosen topic. However, you can focus on how you would contribute to class discussions at UVA. The UVA supplemental essays are meant to exhibit your personality and individuality. In reading your UVA essay, therefore, the admissions team should understand how you will positively contribute to your UVA cohort.

• Do you choose a unique topic to discuss in a Flash Seminar?
• Does your chosen topic enhance the rest of your application?
• Do you clarify why this topic matters to you?
• Does your essay show how you would contribute to the intellectual life of UVA?

UVA Supplemental Essays 2021 – Question 4

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? (250 words max)

Like the other University of Virginia supplemental essays, the fourth of the UVA essay prompts asks you to use UVA’s traditions to showcase what makes you unique. For this UVA essay, it might help to do some research: you might look up the  Beta Bridge  to get inspiration. However, don’t get hung up on the messages other students have painted; instead, choose a message that represents who you are.

Your topic should reflect your core values and identity. It might even relate to the qualities you’ve shown in your other University of Virginia supplemental essays. Maybe you want to share advice to future students or a phrase that connects to you. So, whatever message you choose for this UVA essay, make sure that you explain the meaning and reason for your choice. Additionally, keep in mind that Beta Bridge is used to “share information with [UVA’s] community.” The message you describe, therefore, should be impactful to a broader audience than just yourself.

Begin the fourth of your UVA supplemental essays by stating your chosen message. Then, describe the reasons why this message matters to you and what you think it would contribute to the UVA community. Don’t be tempted by clichés—the best responses to the fourth of the UVA essay prompts will be genuine and unique.

• Does your chosen message reflect your identity and values?
• Do you describe the significance of the message you would write on the Beta Bridge?
• Do you detail what this message means and what would it mean to others that view it?
• Does your essay reveal the kind of community member you would be at UVA?

UVA Supplemental Essays 2021 – Question 5

Rita Dove, UVA English professor and former U.S. Poet Laureate, once said in an interview that “…there are times in life when, instead of complaining, you do something about your complaints.” Describe a time when, instead of complaining, you took action for the greater good. (250 words max)

Of all the University of Virginia supplemental essays, this might be the most conventional. Simply put, this UVA essay asks you to describe a time when you chose to act to solve a problem and, in doing so, served your community.

While the other UVA supplemental essays focus on your interiority, the fifth of the UVA essay prompts allows you to share a distinct story of a time you made a difference. Choose an event that illustrates your commitment to helping others. The event you choose should also help your readers visualize how you will continue to enrich your community within UVA. Begin your UVA essay by explaining the problem you faced and how you solved it. How did solving this problem contribute to your community? What challenges did you face? How did this experience influence the broader ways you operate as a leader and community member?

If you haven’t done a lot of community organizing or leadership work, this prompt might seem intimidating. However, it doesn’t have to be. Strong UVA supplemental essays can address a wide variety of topics! You might have done something as large-scale as organizing a protest against police brutality or something as small-scale as lobbying your school district to serve meals during the pandemic. When it comes to the UVA supplemental essays, the most important thing is that you show your commitment to serving others in your community—whatever the scale.

• Does your essay describe how you helped others by solving a problem?
• Do you reveal how you’ll be an impactful community member at UVA?
• Do you clarify why your solution to this problem influenced the greater good?

UVA Supplemental Essays 2021– College-Specific (Arts & Sciences)

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

Generally speaking, the college-specific University of Virginia supplemental essays should show the UVA admissions team why you belong in a particular college at UVA. The best college-specific UVA supplemental essays will help the admissions team envision you on their campus. In short, use this UVA essay as your chance to show off your thoughtfulness, intellect, and dedication to your chosen field.

Pay attention to the specific language used in the first of the UVA essay prompts. UVA asks you to discuss an intellectual concept that has “surprised, unsettled, or challenged you.” This UVA essay isn’t asking you to describe your favorite book or song; instead, it asks you to discuss how you engaged on an analytical level with a particular idea or piece of work.

Keep it concise

First, describe your topic. Since you only have 250 words, you shouldn’t feel obligated to include a longwinded anecdote about your interests (though you can always include a brief story to help engage your reader). Then, move into why and how this topic “surprised, unsettled, or challenged you.” For instance, you could discuss how a novel by an author from another cultural background made you think about global issues in a different light. Or, you might discuss how a particular scientific discovery challenged your understanding of the world. Strong UVA essays will help the UVA admissions team understand how a student engages intellectually with the world.

Finally, while you can mention UVA’s specific offerings, don’t feel obligated to answer this prompt as you would a “Why UVA” essay. With only 250 words, don’t focus on the classes you hope to take at UVA or the reasons you think you’d be a good fit. Instead, show the admissions team why your thoughtfulness and intellect would make you an asset to their campus.

• Does your UVA essay describe one (and only one) concept or piece of work that surprised, unsettled, or challenged you?
• Do you explain why this concept surprised, unsettled, or challenged you?
• Does your essay foreground your intellect and critical thinking skills?
• Does your essay show why you’d be a good fit at UVA’s College of Arts and Sciences?

UVA Supplemental Essays 2021– College Specific (Kinesiology)

Discuss an experience that led you to apply to the kinesiology major. (250 words max)

When trying to choose your topics for any of the University of Virginia supplemental essays, do some research. The college-specific UVA supplemental essays address why you want to attend a particular college at UVA. Students who know specific details about the programs they’ve chosen will write the best UVA essays!

This particular UVA supplemental essay prompt asks what specific experience sparked your interest in  kinesiology  at UVA. Avoid general statements, such as “I’ve always been interested in kinesiology and that’s why I want to pursue a major in the field.” This UVA essay prompt asks you to “discuss an experience”—that is, you’ll want to cite a specific event or circumstance that made you interested in kinesiology. For instance, you might talk about how being a dancer made you interested in the body’s ability to create fluid movements. The strongest UVA supplemental essays will address the specific reasons why kinesiology interests you.

To enhance your response to this prompt for the University of Virginia supplemental essays, research what makes UVA’s kinesiology program unique. For example, you might relate the program to your own experiences to emphasize a personal connection to the program and to UVA. Avoid repeating general information—everything you share should come back to your own interests and experiences. However, with only 250 words, don’t spend the majority of this UVA essay describing UVA. Instead, focus your UVA essay on the specific reasons why you want to study kinesiology.

• Does your UVA essay illustrate the specific reasons why you want to study kinesiology?
• Do you discuss a particular experience that sparked your interest in kinesiology?
• Does your essay help your reader envision you in UVA’s kinesiology program?
• Is your essay about you?

UVA Supplemental Essays 2021– College Specific (Architecture)

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

Like the other college-specific University of Virginia supplemental essays, the UVA essay prompt for the College of Architecture asks what experience provoked your interest in the major.

Start by doing some research on the  College of Architecture . Think about any experiences you’ve had that align with UVA’s architecture program. If you do not have vast established experience with architecture, don’t worry! UVA doesn’t expect you to have a full architecture portfolio; instead, the admissions team just wants to know what experience has sparked your interest in architecture.

Think about what sparked your interest in studying architecture at UVA. To get some ideas for your UVA essay, you might brainstorm on any experiences you’ve had that relate to architecture. Strong UVA supplemental essays can come from a wide variety of places, so don’t discount any of your experiences! Perhaps you often binge shows on HGTV, or maybe you have every copy of Architectural Digest. Maybe you had an inspiring internship with a designer or structural engineer that made you want to pursue architecture. Whatever topic you choose, make sure you emphasize your personal connection to architecture alongside your desire to study in UVA’s program.

Want some extra help creating your UVA School of Architecture application? Check out CollegeAdvisor.com articles on  choosing an architecture program  and  applying to architecture schools . Listen to the UVA School of Architecture’s Dean discuss their strengths and values in this video below.

• Does your UVA essay describe a specific experience that sparked your interest in architecture?
• Do you use specific details to tell your story?
• Do the interests you describe in your essay align with UVA’s offerings?

UVA Supplemental Essays 2021– College Specific (Nursing)

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

Like the other college-specific University of Virginia supplemental essays, the College of Nursing prompt asks you to describe an experience that fostered your interest in healthcare.

As you choose a topic for this UVA essay, try to highlight an experience that shows depth. For example, avoid superficial experiences like watching Grey’s Anatomy; instead, you might focus on a shadowing experience you had in a lab or a meaningful conversation you had with a healthcare provider. You may also research the opportunities available at UVA to see what aligns with your interests. While you shouldn’t spend your whole essay discussing UVA’s programs, you should still have a strong sense of the school’s offerings to make your UVA essay as strong as possible.

Keep in mind that you don’t need to discuss formal medical experience in this UVA essay. On the other hand, think about any ways you’ve interfaced with the medical profession. This could be through formal classes, informal conversations, or anything in between; anything that piqued your interest in healthcare can make a great topic for this UVA essay. For instance, if you took a public policy course that showed you the disparities within the current healthcare structure, highlight that in your essay. Finally, remember that while your choice of topic matters, the most important element of your UVA essay is how your topic relates back to you and your interests. The best UVA supplemental essays will be the most authentic!

• Do you cite specific experiences that fostered your interest in nursing?
• Does your essay clearly represent your inspiration for pursuing nursing?
• Do you illustrate a deep engagement with the healthcare field?

UVA Supplemental Essays 2021– College Specific (Engineering and Applied Sciences)

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

The Engineering and Applied Sciences portion of the UVA supplemental essays ask you to describe an engineering venture that serves the common good and why it inspires you. In evaluating this UVA essay, therefore, the admissions team wants to see that you’ve thought deeply about how engineering can contribute to the world.

Think about why you want to study engineering. What do you want to make, and how will the things you make help improve the world? What feats have shown you what engineering can do for the world? Remember, the engineering feat you choose doesn’t need to be large-scale. Also, if you’re struggling to find a topic, perhaps look at engineering projects that have made an impact on your own community.

Once you’ve chosen your topic for this UVA essay, it’s time to start drafting. Remember that the most important aspect of this UVA essay is  why this engineering feat inspires you . Don’t get sidetracked by describing the intricate methodologies behind your chosen topic; instead, tie your essay back to you. Like the other University of Virginia supplemental essays, this UVA essay should connect to your experiences and emphasize your desire to study engineering at UVA.

• Does your essay make it clear why you want to study engineering?
• Do you explain why your chosen feat contributed to the public good?
• Does your response clarify why engineering matters to you?

Additional Tips for Writing your University of Virginia Supplemental Essays

• Create a checklist for your UVA essays.  Try and keep an outline handy as you write each supplemental essay. Make sure that you answer each of the UVA essay prompts in full by breaking down each question.
• Prepare in advance.  UVA’s Regular Decision deadline is January 3rd, which is coming up soon! You should begin looking at the UVA essay prompts as early as possible to ensure enough time for careful editing.
• Avoid overthinking.  Since most of the UVA essay prompts give you the freedom to express yourself, many students overthink what they should write. This can impede students’ ability to craft authentic University of Virginia supplemental essays.
• Get multiple perspectives.  It’s always good to have a second pair of eyes checking your UVA essays for tone, grammar, and clarity. For example, you might ask your counselor, teacher, or a CollegeAdvisor.com Admissions Expert to read over your University of Virginia supplemental essays to help make them as strong as possible.

UVA Supplemental Essays 2021 – Final Thoughts

Completing the UVA supplemental essays can seem like a daunting challenge, but don’t be discouraged from applying. Instead, view these UVA supplemental essays as an opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions team. Well-written UVA essays can make a huge difference in admissions, especially if you’re applying with lower grades or test scores.

While doing your research on UVA consider reading the not-so-secret  blog  written by the Associate Dean in the Office of Admissions.  Dean J  shares important application information, as well as tips and tricks on completing your UVA supplemental essays.

Use resources like the blog and this guide to help you approach the UVA essay prompts with a solid strategy and a timeline that gives you a few months to create a draft and allow for revisions. Good luck!

This 2021-2022 essay guide on UVA was written by  Arianna Lee , Dartmouth ‘17. Want more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on UVA or help crafting your UVA essays? Create your free  account  or  schedule a complimentary advising assessment  by calling (844) 343-6272.

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University of Virginia (UVA) 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 5

You Have: 

University of Virginia (UVA) 2023-2024 First-Year Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words, 1 optional essay of 100 words, 1 essay of 250 words for applicants to the School of Nursing only

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Community

In around 250 words, please answer the following question:

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..

Odds are that this isn’t the first “diversity” essay prompt you’ve come across this year—even if the prompt doesn’t explicitly use that word. If it is, however, please read on. UVA wants to accept students from a range of backgrounds who will contribute to an inclusive community. The prompt uses the phrase “source of strength” twice; this tells us that they want to hear about not only what makes you you , but also how these characteristics will support you and those around you. What you focus on here can be reflective of larger cultural constructs or specific to you and only you. Is there anything you can teach your classmates about your hometown, traditions, culture, orientation, identity, race, or ethnicity that they might not already know? Maybe you began practicing meditation and discovered Buddhism during your sophomore year and you hope to spread some wisdom and mindfulness on campus next fall. Perhaps you were raised on a farm and have a very special relationship to all living things (plants, animals, people, etc.) around you. How will you incorporate this element of your identity into your college experience? Show admissions that you’re eager to make your mark in their community.

Students applying to the School of Nursing are required to answer this question in around 250 words.

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

This prompt asks applicants to detail a specific experience to prove their interest in their chosen field of study, nursing. It is a bit closer to a traditional why essay in that students should make sure not just to discuss the experience that led them to pursue nursing, but also to connect that experience to their larger goals for the future. Perhaps you were diagnosed with diabetes as a child and the nursing care you received inspired you to go into the field yourself. Maybe your grandfather was a nurse and you were awed by his skills when your grandmother fell off a ladder. If there are elements of the UVA program that support your particular interest or connect to the experience you choose to highlight, definitely build those bridges to show admissions you are familiar with the programs UVA has to offer, and have already considered how your experiences will help you achieve future academic success.

Optional: 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)

Now that UVA is no longer explicitly considering legacy in their admissions process, admissions has added this question to identify not only those whose parents went to UVA, but also those whose ancestors labored at UVA. This reflects the university’s ongoing reckoning with its own founding, which included the use of enslaved labor. Here, anyone with personal or historic ties to the university, including students who attended summer programs there, can describe their unique connection. If you don’t have a connection, that’s okay! Most people won’t. If you do, however, read on.

This question doesn’t just ask you to state your tie, it asks you to explore how that connection has primed you to contribute to the community. Maybe your mom was an RA and has shared all the steam tunnel routes with you, so you can initiate your roommates into this UVA tradition. Perhaps one of your ancestors built the iconic Rotunda, and you look forward to educating your classmates about their legacy. Maybe you attended a summer program and fell in love with the Jeffersonian architecture, inspiring your passion for historic preservation. Remember, your job here is to explore how your personal connection to UVA will make you a contributor to campus life. 

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How to ace u. virginia’s supplemental essays: guide & examples | 2022-2023, school supplements.

Brad Schiller

Oh, the quirk!

If you’re anything like us, you love quirk when you find it in Wes Anderson movies , in cool little tea shops , or when hanging out with your favorite aunt.

But in college essay prompts? Quirk can be a little scarier when found there. 

Fear not, however! Though U. Virginia has become, after an essay prompt overhaul , the Reigning Lord of College Application Essay Quirk, we have everything you need to get you through this.

Look over the prompts below — don’t despair — and then meet us below the table of contents for a concrete, brisk, and to-the-point method for giving UVA what they’re looking for. 

The first prompt has a ~100 word limit (Note: this article just covers the College of Arts & Sciences, though our method should help you with any of these.):

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.

The second prompt (choose two out of 11 options, about 50 words each): 

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

(For help with all aspects of your college application, head to our College Essay Help Center .)

 In this article:

The U. Virginia admissions team wants authentic, but unusual answers that showcase your intellectual curiosity 

On brand with the “quirk” thing, we get warm fuzzies from U. Virginia’s admissions office. 

The Admission Dean’s TikTok page is charming and insightful, and as college essay nerds , we’ve pored over it with interest. By combining what we see there with our knowledge of how admissions offices work , we’re offering some guidance on how to approach these unusual supplements. 

All colleges are ultimately looking for students who will succeed in college and beyond . That’s what the essays are for. Essays showcase potential when they talk about experiences, ideally ones that show one or more of the 5 Traits Colleges Look for in Applicants :

• Drive (grit)
• Contribution
• Intellectual Curiosity
• Diversity of Experiences

As the UVA dean talked about how UVA overhauled their recent application questions based on a review, her deciding question was: Which prompts gave them “some of our favorite and most insightful essays?”

What we see from this is that UVA wants two things: 

(1) to do the same assessment of students’ potential for success as any other college (“insightful”), and 

(2), to have fun in doing so (“favorite”).

In the comment section of the same video , the Dean implies she doesn’t like the “favorite word” question because it “gives us some of the more contrived answers (leadership, dedication, etc).” (Spoiler, though - it’s still there, the first of the 11 options.)

What we’re learning from this exchange is that U. Virginia wants answers that show a lot of personality — answers that reveal what’s unusual, rare, or unique about you. (You might even say, what’s “quirky” about you.) And not answers that make you “look good.”

All that being said, don’t forget the balance you’re trying to strike. The dean notes that academic performance is the most important piece of your application — we at Prompt take this with a grain of salt ( see more here ), but it does indicate that UVA isn’t just looking for a flock of delightful Zooey Deschanels : they want students who love learning (intellectual curiosity), will do well in college and beyond and who showcase real, interesting answers. 

Before you choose a prompt, decide what unusual interests/experiences (that show off the 5 Traits) you want to showcase  

Despite UVA’s unusual take on essay prompts, our essay-writing method still applies: you must start by figuring out what you want to say. 

Only when you have a good idea of which of your high school experiences show off the 5 Traits should you consider the prompts — you want to slot your best stuff into them (not have them distract you from what best shows your potential). 

So invest some time in brainstorming. Write down a long list of your: 

• Academic interests
• Extracurricular activities and interests
• Self-learning or independent projects you’ve undertaken
• Work experiences or substantial domestic obligations
• Any other skills you’ve developed or meaningful experiences you’ve had

If you create a free Prompt account , you can develop these ideas through our brainstorming modules. 

Once you’ve taken that time, you can better navigate what experiences show off your college potential. The very best should go into your personal statement . (Re-write your personal statement if that’s not so!)

But the “next-best” after that should find their way into your UVA answers. 

College course prompt — Show off your intellectual curiosity [Example included]

The most important thing in your first answer is to make sure your response focuses on actions you’ve taken that show intellectual curiosity . 

Do not speak in the abstract about course material that really might interest you, but for which you don’t have a track record. Also, don’t speak in the abstract about a great college course you’d like, but neglect to add the work you’ve done in that field already! 

Instead, use your time to show how you’ve been a curious, interesting, dynamic person in high school (and will likely continue to be one in college). 

The prompt again is:

In addition, here’s UVA’s unofficial note on word count:

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.

Every UVA student should take an urbanism course: better-designed cities are our most powerful tool against climate change, against homelessness, and for alleviating poverty. As a housing activist in local elections, so much of my work is to educate my peers (and elders!) on basic facts, such as the “High Cost of Free Parking” (a book by Donald Shoup) and “How Our Government Segregated America” (a book by Richard Rothstein). Yet these facts have an outsized impact on our everyday lives and the world we want to create. 

• Word count: 88
• This entry shows a student who is full of intellectual curiosity — they’ve read at least 3 books outside of school! — and a dynamic person who takes initiative (being a housing activist at a young age, trying to educate others, organizing a book club). The student also seems like a contributor with strong values.
• The response also answers every part of the prompt — (a) what would the course be about and (b) why — right in the first sentence.
• In addition, the response focuses on how the course connects directly to work the student has undertaken already. 
• Finally, the answer isn’t “quirky” per se, but it’s not your run-of-the-mill stuff either. The student has plainly developed this somewhat unusual interest and runs with it. Your answer can be very different but should have that same whiff of authentic passion or interest. 

11 prompt options — Be authentic, but show off the 5 Traits [Examples included]

Here are the instructions again:

Students will … write responses to two prompts out of eleven 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.

One tip for deciding which two prompts to answer : write all of them (at least, sketch out your answer) and see which of your answers end up being strongest in terms of showing your potential/the 5 Traits. It shouldn’t take long to dash each answer out, using your brainstormed list of experiences. Then, you can refine the two you think are best. 

Caveat : many of our answers use the same content and take it in different directions. This is only to show you how these questions work. Please make sure your answers show off different, if complimentary, facets of your experience . Don’t recycle facts the readers already know from other parts of your application. 

Alright — on to the examples. 

[1.] What’s your favorite word and why?

My favorite word is “density.” In urban planning, it means “more homes, closer together.” Something magic happens under those circumstances: people can walk places (car usage plummets), people can heat their spaces efficiently (fuel usage plummets), people can support local businesses, racially and economically diverse people can live together (a boon to social mobility). 

• Word count: 54
• Important : definitely don’t go for a “contrived” word like “leadership,” or “dedication” (read our first section above if you want to know why!)
• Here, the student chose an unusual word with which they have an authentic relationship.
• This answer shows off intellectual curiosity as well as contribution values like caring for the environment and social equity. 

[2.] We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions. What is one of your quirks?  

Constantly looking up the ownership and value of various properties. Doing this is a great way to see where a city is best using its land — and where it’s wasting resources, such as huge parking lots near subway stops. I also like that looking these facts up educates people on important issues (environmentalism, equity) while showing that we often have more power as citizens than we think.  

• Word count: 67
• Again, the answer shows off intellectual curiosity as well as contribution values like caring for the environment and social equity. 
• Again, the answer does seem more “authentic” than “contrived.”

[3.] About what topic could you speak for an hour?

On the origins of The Nutcracker . In a recent research paper, I compared the original E.T.A. Hoffmann story to the ballet, defending what many critics dismiss as a saccharine production: in the original, Clara (aged 7) marries the dis-enchanted Nutcracker and is praised as beautiful. In the ballet, Clara bravely kills the Mouse King — and has an exciting, imagination-rich adventure. 

• Word count: 62
• Yeah, we got sick of the urbanism thing, too. So, here’s one more thing that might work. 
• This essay shows the student’s intellectual curiosity . (And it’s fine that it doesn’t really exemplify another of the 5 Traits, although of course, you might weigh which topics let you show off more than one.)
• One caveat to this choice : it’s really hard to discuss a topic richly in 50 words. In this instance, we had to flatten/elide some details. If you find that you can’t be accurate about your topic in the limited space, see if you can better configure that answer for a different prompt. 

[4.] Take us to your happy place.

The Nutcracker ballet has meant “Christmas” to me ever since I danced in our local production as a kid during my parent’s divorce. The production provided a warm, safe, beautiful anchor for me in a rough time. I still love it so much that I devoted a research paper to comparing E.T.A. Hoffmann’s original story to the ballet (arguing in favor of the ballet’s, yes, feminism).

• Word count: 68
• Importantly, this answer ties back to a recent experience — you want all your answers to talk about high school experiences (even if, as with this one, you also touch on your childhood), as that’s what most interests admissions readers.
• As with the answer above, this answer does a nice job of showing intellectual curiosity . It also touches on diversity of experiences .

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

Hair & makeup. My white mom wasn’t up to my hair; I learned from my Black grandmother and I particularly loved that it was bonding time for us. Just like her, I’ve always loved hair and makeup. Today, though my grandmother died, I find that I can bond with friends by doing their hair and makeup (with or for them, whether they’re into it or not). I’d love even greater prowess, though.

• Word count: 71 
• This answer shows a student who’s a real contributor , bonding with their grandmother and being someone who seems to make friend groups better. In a more minor way, it also has some diversity of experiences .
• Again, this answer comes off as authentic, not “contrived” as the U. Virginia dean might say. 

‍ [6.] What is the last gift you gave someone that wasn’t bought with money?

I noticed a beautiful empty frame in one of the homes where I babysit. I learned from the mom that she just felt too overwhelmed to fill it. My mission was clear: I took her two young kids out to the park for a “photo shoot.” Photographing little kids is hard! But I got a great picture, had it printed, and put it in the frame on Mother’s Day. Big hit.  

• This answer also shows a student who’s a real contributor . Actually, this is a great prompt to showcase contribution , especially if you think that’s something lacking in your application elsewhere.
• In addition to contribution, this answer shows creativity , initiative , and drive . This present took some doing, but the student made it happen. 

[7.] What website is the internet missing?

There is no website that shows:

• How many people want to live in a city but are priced out;
• How their inability to live there hurts their lives; and
• How much they’d contribute by being able to live there (in reduced emissions, and greater quality of life).

This comes close, but not enough. 

• Word count: 53 
• This answer shows both intellectual curiosity and contribution . The author is well-informed on an important subject, and shows how much they care about its human costs. 
• This answer would be stronger if the student had an activity list description of the work they do that’s related to this knowledge (ie: if they’re part of a housing activist group and it’s listed there) so that the admission readers can place it in greater context. 

‍ [8.] After a challenging experience, how do you recharge?

Recently, the “affordable housing” ordinance I pushed for with my activist group failed to pass. We’d put in so much time and effort and were demoralized that affordable housing remains too hard to build. I found that it was hanging out with this group that buoyed me again. They felt what I felt and they soon started having hope that I found contagious. 

• This answer shows contribution — a person who loves their group, hanging out with their group, and giving back to it — as well as drive , given the hard work referenced by the challenge and resilience to bounce back.
• Warning: This prompt seems like an easy one to answer without going deep on the 5 Traits. Make sure your answer shows more than how long you can stay in a hot sauna: make sure it shows something strong about your character.

[9.] Tell us about a place you’d like to share with everyone, but also keep to yourself.

There’s a coffee shop where I take the kids I babysit: it has a sandlot they love in the back, great Vietnamese coffee, and used books you can borrow while you sip! I love this place and want it to be hugely popular; sadly, it’s getting that way! 

• Word count: 48
• Warning : We struggled with coming up with a (madeup) scenario that would work for this prompt while also showing off the 5 Traits. (This answer isn’t great for that.) This might be one of the more difficult prompts to do well on; or, you might have the perfect experience that this prompt allows you to show off. 
• This answer isn’t great, but it does show a creative person who loves to read and seems good at their job (babysitting). All good things to admissions readers. 

[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?

I would paint a picture of immigrants being welcomed in Charlottesville with the message “Build homes so immigrants can live here.” An important aspect of the housing crisis and cities’ failure to build enough housing is that cities that consider themselves “welcoming” to immigrants absolutely are not: immigrants can’t afford to live there. 

• Word count: 53
• Warning: This answer is okay, but it’s a little combative and it’s also maybe a bit more controversial than you might want to include in an application where you don’t know the political leanings of the reader reviewing your application. While you can touch on political activism (whatever it is), try to keep your answers as uncontroversial and positive as possible. 
• That being said, this answer demonstrates intellectual curiosity and contribution . 

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

As an activist, opponents regularly enrage me. But I want to listen, learn, and be able to correct my own views or those of others. Recently, I talked with someone who said new homes shouldn’t come at the expense of parking. I’m proud that - for once - I calmly listened, asked a lot of questions to fully understand her views, and was able to correct one meaningful error. 

• Word count: 65
• This answer shows intellectual curiosity , as well as great contribution skills - getting along with people and wanting to get along. It shows someone who is humble about their faults but driven to improve.
• Warning: That’s “empathetic” (showing empathy), not “emphatic” (talking loudly)! This prompt is actually pretty good for showing off your valuable “people person” skills. 

Helpful info on all the “other” stuff you’ll consider as you apply to UVA (and other schools)

A few helpful resources for the non-supplement parts of your application:

• Common App : UVA requires the Common App. Read our guide to acing everything to do with writing your Common App application . 
• Whether to submit test scores: UVA remains test-optional for Fall 2023. Our test-optional article will guide you through the tricky waters of making this decision. 
• Early options: UVA offers Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision . Read our Early Admissions article so you know how to approach this decision. 

BTW, here’s our guidance for approaching any college supplement + here’s where you can find our guides for almost every college’s supplements . 

Feeling inspired? A great place to start is at our College Essay Help Center . 

More articles on Prompt.com’s admissions-boosting methods:

• Work with a college essay coach
• Strong essays increase your chance of admission by up to 10x
• Don’t let influencers influence your college essays
• Should I apply test-optional?
• Early admissions: Everything you need to know
• College Essay Help Center

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• UVA Darden School of Business Essay Tips and Examples

June 16, 2023

Denise Potter

The University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business has long highlighted the strength of its community, the way students collaborate both inside and outside the classroom to learn and grow, and the value of bringing people from diverse backgrounds and with differing mind-sets together, and the school’s application essay prompts focus on all these ideas. Candidates must provide three short essays—which the school interestingly refers to as “short answer questions”—of 100 to 300 words. As a whole, the essays cover applicants’ personal, educational, and career objectives while touching on aspects of Darden’s particular character and ethos. Read on for our analysis of Darden’s 2023–2024 prompts.

UVA Darden 2023–2024 Essay Tips

Essay 1: Community of Belonging – What would you want your classmates to know about you that is not on your resumé? (100 words)

Before you start writing, do some foundational research into what the Darden community is like and how it functions. The school is known for having a very collaborative, close-knit student body, so the admissions committee understandably wants to know that you are not only aware of this fact but also ready to engage with and contribute to the community. So, in a mere 100 words (just a little longer than this paragraph), you must reveal that you have a perspective, attribute, background, and/or talent that will enrich and support the student body in some way. 

Although the prompt refers to your future classmates broadly, an important element of the Darden MBA experience that you must keep in mind as you craft your response is its learning teams. These are carefully selected groups of five to six students, assembled with the intent of creating an eclectic mix of personalities and backgrounds. This group meets in the evenings to tackle the next day’s case work together (and if you are not familiar with the case method, now is the time to do your homework on it as well!). Learning teams are a core element of the Darden program, in part because some cases are so voluminous that students must take a divide-and-conquer approach and teach one another the material. In the classroom, students discuss and debate the material at hand, exchanging ideas, knowledge, and proposals and actively working through the lessons together. In short, the learning experience at Darden is intense and complex, requiring strong teamwork skills and contributions but also providing support and camaraderie. Also, much of what occurs outside the classroom at the school is spearheaded and facilitated by the students, rather than the administration. 

So, perhaps you are a great debater and can clearly see and elucidate multiple sides to a story. Or maybe you have a talent for diffusing tense situations with humor and so can keep a tired and stressed group of ambitious students with strongly held but opposing views in a good headspace and cooperating civilly. Perhaps you are a certified Reiki practitioner and can help your classmates manage their stress and energy levels. Or you might have an interesting and/or novel extracurricular talent, interest, or background and could create or contribute to a club through which to share it with your fellow students (consider, for example, the school’s popular School of Brew ). Within reason, the skill or trait you choose to highlight here does not matter as much as establishing that it would make you a positive addition to Darden’s MBA experience. 

To learn more about Darden and the characteristic elements of its MBA program, download a free copy of the mbaMission Insider’s Guide to the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business Administration .

Essay 2: Inclusive Impact – Please describe a tangible example that illuminates your experience promoting an inclusive environment and what you would bring to creating an inclusive global community at Darden. (300 words)

In business school—as in life in general—you will encounter people who think differently from you, operate according to different values, and react differently to the same stimuli. And success in an endeavor often involves considering and incorporating others’ input and standpoints. Via this essay, Darden hopes to learn how you view, approach, and engage with such differences. Once enrolled in the school’s MBA program, you will be surrounded every day by people who are unlike you in a multitude of ways, and you will need to work in tandem with and alongside these individuals when analyzing case studies, completing group projects, and participating in other activities both inside and outside the classroom. The school is clearly seeking evidence that you are capable of listening, reflecting, learning, and growing and that you are interested in people and input that come from outside your usual frame of reference. And by asking you to share a time when you “promot[ed] an inclusive environment,” Darden is requesting actual evidence of this open-mindedness in action. 

At mbaMission, we love when admissions committees request examples, because they invite essays that use a narrative structure, and we believe such essays tend to be not only more revelatory but also more interesting to read (always good when trying to make an impression on someone who reads literally thousands of essays each year!). To illustrate, you might start by launching directly into your story and immediately highlighting the actions you took to enhance inclusivity in a given situation: “When I realized that some of our new hires were reluctant to take part in our company’s weekly ‘wine wind down,’ I committed myself to finding out why and what could be done to ….” 

Darden will understandably want to know the outcome of the incident you describe, so you need to relate the results of your actions, but the admissions committee is even more interested in knowing what your motivations were, what decisions you made, and what steps you took to effect change. In other words, you must illustrate the values and thought process behind your efforts, in addition to clearly conveying your actions and their outcome. 

Keep in mind, however, that the incident or situation you share should claim only one half of this essay. The admissions committee is also interested in learning about how you expect to apply your mind-set and dedication to inclusivity once you arrive on campus.  

Essay 3: Careers With Purpose – At this time how would you describe your short-term, post-MBA goal in terms of industry, function, geography, company size and/or mission and how does it align with the long-term vision you have for your career? (200 words)

At one of mbaMission’s annual conferences, Darden’s Executive Director of Admissions Dawna Clarke shared with us that one of her favorite expressions is “You don’t know what you don’t know” and that she keeps this maxim in mind when considering Darden applicants’ career goals. MBA students encounter an incredible (and often surprising) number and breadth of professional opportunities while in business school, and given Dawna’s extensive admissions background, she knows only too well that candidates can and do change their minds and trajectories along the way. This understanding is behind the intro to this prompt (“At this time,…”), but Darden nonetheless wants to know that you have given this aspect of your MBA experience very serious thought, have thoroughly researched your options, and are approaching business school with a strong sense of purpose—that you have a fitting and attainable goal in mind and can articulate it clearly. By providing the level of detail the essay question demands (“industry, function, geography, company size and/or mission”), you will be able to convince the school that you have done the necessary background work and are fully cognizant of where you want to go after graduating. 

Note that the admissions committee asks specifically about your short-term goal, which is often a pretty practical one, compared with applicants’ typically more idealistic long-term goals. So, first make sure that the path you have chosen is a sensible one for you. Ask yourself, “Will a Darden MBA help me get from where I am now to where I want to be?” If, for example, you are a journalist and have dreams of working at a hedge fund after you graduate, the admissions committee will probably not respond very positively to your plan, because hedge funds tend to be the domain of math PhDs and seasoned finance professionals. The school wants to feel that you will be able to achieve your aspirations after completing its program, so you want to avoid goals that could sound farfetched. Instead, as a journalist, you would need to identify a far more realistic path, but one that is true to who you are. Being ambitious is great, but the goal you present must be connected to reality, and to demonstrate that connection, you will have to spell out why your objective is a reasonable one for you. Establishing briefly that you have the skills and knowledge to enter your target field will make that logical connection for your admissions reader, reassuring them that you can be a happy and productive graduate. 

One’s career goals are often part of a traditional personal statement, so we encourage you to download your free copy of the  mbaMission Personal Statement Guide , which helps applicants write this style of essay for any school. This complimentary guide offers detailed advice on approaching and framing these subjects, along with multiple illustrative examples. Be sure to  claim your copy today .

The next few questions are not technically essay prompts, but they are part of the Darden application and should be treated/approached with the same level of thought and effort.

The Batten Foundation Worldwide Scholarship provides all Darden students in our full-time MBA program with an opportunity to participate in a Darden Worldwide Course . Darden has an incredible network of alumni and partners around the world, and, in a typical year, the School connects with over 80 countries. If you could choose any location in the world, where would you want to travel? (5 words) 

And why (50 words).

First, we want to make sure you fully understand what this essay prompt is revealing. At the aforementioned mbaMission annual conference, Dawna explained to us that because of this generous Batten scholarship, every single Darden student can now afford to participate in an international course at some point during their two years in the program. Business school is an experience rife with opportunities, and Darden wants to make sure no barriers stand in the way of its students taking advantage of this particular one: the chance to study abroad and explore new horizons. While this essay prompt might initially strike you as hypothetical, let us reassure you that it is very much grounded in reality. In addition, the admissions committee has noted on its blog, “Th[is] question is intentionally broad. While we encourage you to review our Darden Worldwide Course offerings, you are welcome to go beyond the locations where we deliver a course when crafting your response ” (emphasis added). So really plumb your interests and identify a location that truly excites you—then write about it!  

You can reveal yourself to be adventurous, curious, or intellectual by pinpointing which country most entices you. Then clearly and succinctly (your response must fit a delineated box, so no longwinded travelogues!) convey your enthusiasm for this choice and explain how the opportunity would enhance your Darden education and experience. 

( Note that the previous paragraph is exactly 50 words long! )

If there is further information you believe would be helpful to the Admission Committee, please provide it. (250 words)

We tend to believe that the best use of the optional essay is to explain confusing or problematic issues in your candidacy, and this prompt offers an opportunity to do just that. So , if you need to , this is your chance to address any questions an admissions officer might have about your profile—a poor grade or overall GPA, a low GMAT or GRE score, a gap in your work experience, etc. In our mbaMission Optional Essays Guide , we offer detailed advice on how best to take advantage of the optional essay, with multiple examples, to help you mitigate any problem areas in your application.

However, because Darden does not stipulate that you can only discuss a problem area in this essay, it does open the door for you to discuss something that is not addressed elsewhere in your application but that you feel is truly critical for the admissions committee to know to be able to evaluate you fully and effectively. We caution you about simply trying to fill this space because you fear that not doing so would somehow count against you. Remember, by submitting an additional essay, you are asking the admissions committee to do extra work on your behalf, so you need to make sure that time is warranted. If you are using the essay to emphasize something that if omitted would render your application incomplete, take this opportunity to write a very brief narrative that reveals this key new aspect of your candidacy.

The Next Step—Mastering Your UVA Darden Interview

Many MBA candidates find admissions interviews stressful and intimidating, but mastering this important element of the application process is definitely possible—the key is informed preparation. And, on your way to this high level of preparation, we offer our  free Interview Guides  to spur you along! Download your free copy of  The UVA Darden Interview Guide  today.

To learn more about the essays for other top business schools, visit our  MBA Essay Tips and Examples Resources Page .

2023-2024 Business School Essays MBA Essay Tips University of Virginia (Darden)

Tags: business school essay MBA application essays UVA Darden

Upcoming Events

• Apr 25, 2024 Assessing Your MBA Profile (Online)
• May 19, 2024 Admissions Q&A with Booth, Fuqua, Sloan, Tuck & Yale (Online)

Upcoming Deadlines

• Apr 12, 2024 UCLA Anderson (Round 3)
• Apr 15, 2024 USC Marshall (Round 3)
• Apr 29, 2024 Toronto Rotman (Round 4)
• Apr 29, 2024 UNC Kenan-Flagler (Round 4)
• Apr 30, 2024 Georgetown McDonough (Round 4)

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2023–2024 MBA Essay Tips

• Berkeley Haas School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• BU Questrom School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Cambridge Judge Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Chicago Booth School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Columbia Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management Essay and Examples
• Dartmouth Tuck School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Duke Fuqua School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Emory Goizueta Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• Esade Essay Tips and Examples
• Georgetown McDonough School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Harvard Business School 2+2 Deferred MBA Program Essay Analysis 2024
• Harvard Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• HEC Paris Essay Tips and Examples
• HKUST Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• IE Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• IESE Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• INSEAD Essay Tips and Examples
• International Institute for Management Development (IMD) Essay Tips and Examples
• Ivey Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• London Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• Michigan Ross School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• MIT Sloan School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
• Northwestern Kellogg School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
• Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• NYU Stern School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Ohio Fisher College of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Oxford Saïd Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• SMU Cox School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Stanford Graduate School of Business Application Essay Tips and Examples
• Texas McCombs School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management Essay Tips and Examples
• The Wharton School Essay Tips and Examples
• Toronto Rotman School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
• UCLA Anderson School of Management Essay Tips and Examples
• UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Essay Tips and Examples
• USC Marshall School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• UW Foster School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management Essay Analysis, 2023–2024
• Villanova School of Business Essay Tips and Examples
• Yale School of Management Essay Tips and Examples

Click here for the 2022–2023 MBA Essay Tips

MBA Program Updates

• Berkeley-Haas
• Boston University (Questrom)
• Cambridge Judge Business School
• Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)
• Columbia University (Columbia Business School)
• Consortium for Graduate Study in Management
• Cornell University (Johnson)
• Dartmouth College (Tuck)
• Duke University (Fuqua)
• Emory University (Goizueta)
• George Washington University (GWSB)
• Georgetown University (McDonough)
• Harvard University (Harvard Business School)
• IE Business School
• IESE Business School
• Indian School of Business
• Indiana University (Kelley)
• Ivey Business School
• London Business School
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)
• New York University (Stern)
• Northwestern University (Kellogg)
• Notre Dame (Mendoza)
• Ohio State University (Fisher College)
• Oxford University (Saïd Business School)
• Penn State Smeal College of Business
• Rotman School of Management
• Saïd Business School
• Southern Methodist University (Cox School of Business)
• Stanford University (Stanford Graduate School of Business)
• University of California Los Angeles (Anderson)
• University of Cambridge (Judge)
• University of Chicago (Booth)
• University of London (London Business School)
• University of Michigan (Ross)
• University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler)
• University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
• University of Southern California (Marshall)
• University of Texas at Austin (McCombs)
• University of Virginia (Darden)
• Vanderbilt University (Owen)
• Villanova School of Business
• Yale University (School of Management)