university of illinois at chicago supplemental essay

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Undergraduate Admissions

Deadline Update: We want to ensure anyone applying for federal financial aid has enough time to make an informed decision regarding their college choice! For this reason, we're extending our enrollment decision deadline to May 15.

Writing Prompts for First-Year Applicants

Following are our writing prompts for first-year students applying for fall 2025 admission. Writing prompts for fall 2024 will be announced in August.

Major-Specific Prompts

You'll answer two to three prompts as part of your application. The questions you'll answer will depend on whether you're applying to a major or to our undeclared program , and if you've selected a second choice . Each response should be approximately 150 words . If you're applying through Common App, you'll find our major-specific writing prompts in the "Writing" tab of our supplemental questions after adding us as one of your colleges.

If You're Applying to a Major :

• Explain, in detail, an experience you've had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. This can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you've taken, or through something else.
• Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from Illinois and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them.

If You're Applying to Our Undeclared Program in the Division of Exploratory Studies:

• What are your academic interests? Please include 2-3 majors you're considering at Illinois and why.
• What are your future career or academic goals? You may include courses you took in high school and how these impacted your goals.

If You've Selected a Second-Choice Major (Including Undeclared ):

• Please explain your interest in your second-choice major or your overall academic or career goals.

Essay Prompts

You'll also answer one essay prompt as part of your application. Prompts are the same whether you apply through myIllini or the Common App. Select and answer the prompt of your choice from the full list found on the Common App website . Your essay response can be anywhere from 250 to 650 words total.

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Application tips

Common application, what to expect on your application.

Applicants will be required to complete these items on their Common Application:

• Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
• The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
• Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
• Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma-anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
• Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.
• Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
• Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. 
• UIC Member Profile Essay. UIC applicants will be asked to respond to a short essay regarding their program of choice or the career fields in which applicants are interested. Applicants to the Honors College or GPPA programs will also be prompted to respond to an essay for each of those programs.  
• Common Application School Report. The Common Application School Report must be assigned as part of the Common Application submission process and should be turned in along with the high school transcripts. Counselors may opt out of the recommendation section on the School Report without having an impact on the application review.  
• Letters of recommendation (required for Honors and GPPA applicants only) .  Applications to the Honors College and GPPA require two letters of recommendation. The School Report may satisfy one of those letter requirements provided it includes a full letter. Recommenders must be assigned specifically to each school, so be sure to assign your recommenders to UIC to ensure the letters are delivered.

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How to Write the University of Illinois at Chicago 2024-2025 Supplemental Essays

The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) requires prospective students to complete supplemental essays as part of their application. For the 2024-2025 application cycle, UIC has specific essay prompts that applicants need to bear in mind. Let's delve into these prompts and explore tips on how to craft compelling essays for each.

Program Choice Essay: Please provide an essay that explains why you chose your intended program of study. What interests you the most about this major? Please be specific - those evaluating these essays are highly interested in your response. If Undecided, what areas of study do you look forward to studying in college? (Word Limit: 500.0 words)

Writing quality supplemental essays can be challenging, but with strategic planning and introspective responses, you can effectively communicate your passion and suitability for UIC’s programs. Here’s a detailed guide on how to approach UIC's supplemental essay prompts:

Understand Your Chosen Program or Interests

The first step in writing a strong Program Choice Essay is to articulate clearly why you have chosen your intended major. Start by reflecting on what sparked your interest in this field. Was it a particular class, project, book, or personal experience? For instance, if you are drawn to Biomedical Engineering, you might narrate an incident where technology had a life-changing impact on someone’s health.

Sups AI can assist you in brainstorming unique personal stories or interests. With help from Sups AI, you can engage in one-on-one chats with current students who have successfully navigated this process. This assistance can provide you with both inspiration and concrete examples to enhance your essay.

Showcase Specific Interests and Goals

Clearly delineate the aspects of your chosen major that captivate you the most. If you are drawn to Social Work because of a desire to impact underserved communities, explain how specific coursework or faculty at UIC can help you achieve these goals. Demonstrate your knowledge of the program by mentioning any specialized labs, projects, or research opportunities that align with your interests.

Even if you’re still undecided, it's vital to identify areas you are enthusiastic about exploring. You can mention multiple disciplines and explain how UIC’s interdisciplinary approach and diverse course offerings will enable you to find your ideal path.

Avoid Generic Statements

It's important to avoid clichés or broad statements that could apply to any institution. Instead, detail why UIC is the perfect place for your academic journey. Do you appreciate UIC's urban setting and the professional networks it offers? Be specific about why these factors are important to you and how they align with your career aspirations.

Using Sups AI , you can receive targeted feedback on your drafts to ensure your essays are specific and personalized. This tailored guidance is invaluable in honing your responses.

Polish and Proofread

Before submitting your supplemental essays, take the time to revise and proofread multiple times. Ensure that your writing is clear, cohesive, and free of grammatical errors. Getting feedback from peers, mentors, or professionals at Sups AI can help refine your essay's quality and professionalism. They offer reviews that can help you polish your statements to perfection.

Final Thoughts

The University of Illinois at Chicago's supplemental essays are a crucial component of your application. By thoroughly addressing the prompts and providing detailed, personal responses, you can make a compelling case for your admission. Remember, resources such as Sups AI can offer indispensable support through brainstorming sessions and personalized feedback to enhance your essays.

Good luck with your application to the University of Illinois at Chicago!

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University of Illinois at Chicago | UIC’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Honors college essay 1.

Please describe in detail ways that you have sought out academic challenges and personal growth opportunities while in high school. Examples can include activities both inside or outside of your school.

Honors College Essay 2

How will your engagement with the Honors College foster your academic, personal, and professional growth?

GPPA Programs Essay

By applying to the GPPA programs, you are applying for a guaranteed seat in one of UIC's graduate or professional programs earlier than students who apply in a traditional manner. The GPPA program seeks to understand why you have chosen your intended profession and a guaranteed path into it. What makes you an ideal candidate for guaranteed admission rather than following a traditional path to your intended profession? How would a guaranteed seat contribute to your goals as an undergraduate?

Why This Major Short Response

Please provide an essay that explains why you chose your intended program of study. What interests you the most about this major? Please be specific - those evaluating these essays are highly interested in your response. If Undecided, what areas of study do you look forward to studying in college? (50-500 words)*

Common App Personal Essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Honors College

Important: info regarding hars.

First-Year Students Heading link Copy link

Within Chicago’s only public research university, the UIC Honors College connects high-achieving undergraduates with remarkable faculty and staff mentors dedicated to excellence.

Learn how to apply!

Getting Started Heading link Copy link

Selection into the Honors College is competitive. Applicants are reviewed using a set of criteria designed to consider both past accomplishments and future promise. Admitted students typically have strong academic records; well-developed essays demonstrating thoughtful reflection on the essay prompt; extracurricular involvement showing commitment and leadership; unique talents or abilities; and willingness to embrace diversity in both ideas and people.

The Honors College welcomes applications from students who choose to apply to UIC through the test-optional pathway.

First-Year Opportunities: Heading link Copy link

The UIC Honors College application process is  two-fold . Applicants must apply to UIC as a first-year student using The Common Application. The UIC Honors College application is located within the UIC First Year Supplement of The Common Application.

• Visit the  UIC Office of Admissions  website for application requirements.
• Submit a completed  Common Application  along with the UIC First Year Supplement.
•  Please describe in detail ways that you have sought out academic challenges and personal growth opportunities while in high school. Examples can include activities both inside or outside of your school
•  In its mission statement, the UIC Honors College is described as a community of scholars whose goal is to enrich the educational experience of undergraduates and allow the faculty and students of all disciplines to interact in teaching, learning, and research. How will your engagement with the Honors College foster your academic, personal, and professional growth? Please be advised that you are required to submit an Honors College essay at time of application for full consideration.
• Electronic submission: Invite recommenders to submit letters electronically via The Common Application.  Important: You must  assign your recommenders after they have been invited for the letters to be received.

If you are interested in applying to the Honors College, but have already submitted your UIC Supplement to The Common Application  without indicating that you wanted to be considered for the Honors College, please visit this link to the UIC Admission Portal .  (To log-in, use the email and the password  you used to check the status of your UIC application.)

If you have additional questions, please contact us at Honors College Support

The Honors College will begin to review your application after you have been offered admission to one of UIC’s undergraduate colleges, where you will pursue your major.

All official communications from the Honors College will be sent via email. Please be sure to regularly check the email address filed with Undergraduate Admissions including your spam and junk folders.

We also encourage you to learn more about the following opportunities available to first-year Honors College applicants:

• Honors College curriculum and requirements
• Honors College scholarship opportunities for first-year students
• Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions (GPPA) , which provides exceptional first-year applicants a guaranteed admission to professional programs including medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, law, education, business, engineering, and more.
• Honors College Housing

If you have additional questions, please contact us at (312) 413-2260 or contact us at Honors College Support

First Year students will need to attend an in-person New Student Orientation program.  There are several orientation dates reserved for Honors College students, where you will meet with advisors from both the Honors College and your degree-granting college.

Orientation dates will be sent to students via email.

Important Deadlines for First Year Students Heading link Copy link

• Priority Deadline for Fall : November 1st
• Final Deadline for Fall : February 1st

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Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions (GPPA)

Application guide.

Make sure you apply for the intended program (Ex: GPPA Biomedical Engineering is NOT the same as GPPA Medicine)

GPPA Decisions occur on March 1st

GPPA Application Information and Tips Heading link Copy link

UIC is a part of the Common Application for Undergraduate Admission! In order to apply to the GPPA programs, all applicants must complete the Common Application, complete the UIC First Year Supplement which includes the GPPA Application and the Honors College Application (where required for GPPA), and submit two letters of recommendation.

UIC IS TEST OPTIONAL

UIC has implemented a test optional policy for first year applicants. Our review process will be modified to measure an applicant’s preparation for UIC through additional attention to the information submitted as part of the application. In the General Questions of the UIC portion fo the Common Application, applicants will select their Preferred Testing Plan. This allows applicants to indicate if they would like ACT or SAT test scores to be included in their UIC application or not. Applicants are encouraged to submit their ACT and SAT test scores if available; however, test scores are not required for admission to GPPA.  Any ACT, SAT, AP or IB scores will be reviewed if provided.

DEADLINES FOR APPLICANTS

• November 1st – Application deadline for all GPPA programs
• May 1st – Intent to Enroll deadline for student acceptance of UIC and GPPA

Applications must be completed and all materials must be received by the stated deadline.  The application deadline is 12:00 midnight Eastern Time (11:00 Central Time). Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials well in advance of the deadline. Submitting applications during business hours is also recommended so any technical issues can be addressed in a timely manner.

A complete application includes the materials submitted via the Common Application, transcripts, and official test scores (if selected as part of the Preferred Testing Plan). Letters of recommendation may be submitted via the Common Application or sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

It is preferred that letters of recommendation are submitted via the Common Application if possible. Recommenders may also email their letter directly to [email protected] as a PDF or Word document.

IMPORTANT DATES TO CONSIDER (Subject to Change) 

• August 1st – Applicants can begin applying to GPPA using the Common Application
• November 1st, – Application deadline for GPPA programs; all application materials must be received.
• November – February – Undergraduate Admissions decisions sent to applicants.
• November – February – Honors College admissions decisions sent to applicants.
• December – February – Interviews conducted by GPPA Dentistry and Medicine programs (by invitation)
• March 1st – GPPA Applicants will be informed of their admission decision on this date. Decisions will be sent by email, and will be visible in the UIC Portal.

THE GPPA APPLICATION

A complete GPPA Application consists of three parts:

• COMMON APPLICATION – Submit a completed Common Application along with the UIC Supplement. Official standardized test scores must also be received by the deadline if test scores are part of the applicant’s Preferred Testing Plan.
• GPPA Statement Prompt: By applying to the GPPA programs, you are applying for a guaranteed seat in one of UIC’s graduate and professional programs earlier than students who apply in a traditional manner. The GPPA program seeks to understand why you have chosen your intended profession and a guaranteed path into it.  What makes you an ideal candidate for guaranteed admission rather than following a traditional path to your intended profession?  How would a guaranteed seat contribute to your goals as an undergraduate?
• Please describe in detail ways that you have sought out academic challenges and personal growth opportunities while in high school. Examples can include activities both inside or outside of your school.
• How will your engagement with the Honors College foster your academic, personal, and professional growth?
• You are only required to submit two letters. The maximum is four, but you should prioritize quality over quantity and only ask those who genuinely know you.
• Letters should be from people who can attest to the applicant’s academic and professional capabilities – family members are not acceptable sources.
• Letters of recommendation can be submitted electronically via the Common Application system or directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
• The same letters will be considered for both the Honors College and GPPA. The admission committees for both programs will have access to all parts of your UIC application and can therefore review the same letters.
• Letters should address the following criteria for a candidate: “Please provide, using specific examples where possible, evidence of this student’s particular intellectual strengths and weaknesses. What distinguishes this student?”
• The selection committees prefer that recommenders address the student’s experience in the following areas as observed: academic ability, motivation, intellectual curiosity, maturity, responsibility, written expression of ideas, and research aptitude.
• School Counselor Evaluation forms may also be accepted as a letter of recommendation.

NOTES TO APPLICANTS

• You may only apply to one GPPA program.
• This does exclude transfer applicants.
• Selection to GPPA is competitive. The most successful applicants have a 28 ACT Composite or SAT Equivalent 1310 or higher. We do not ask for the writing sections of either test and we do not consider SAT Subject tests. Most successful applicants are in the top 15% of their high school class, but this is not required to apply.
• Applicants to the programs in Medicine and Dentistry must be residents of Illinois and US Citizens or Permanent Residents.
• All applicants to the Biomedical Visualization program must submit a portfolio. To determine what their portfolio should include, applicants should contact Leah Lebowitz at [email protected].
• International or domestic students with international credentials may be required to submit additional materials
• GPPA is a self-managed application process. The applicant is asked to collect and return all required materials. Please note that letters of recommendation will be accepted if mailed by the recommenders or school, but this is not the preferred method and can cause materials to arrive beyond the deadline. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure the submission of all required application materials by the stated deadline.

How to Write a College Application Essay: Tips and Tricks

If there’s anything we know, it’s that applying to college is stressful. And while every part of the process brings its own challenges, completing the written portion of your application is one of the most nerve-racking.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a short list of tips and tricks for how to write a college application essay. We’ve even provided some special advice for tackling UIUC’s written questions, just in case you decide to apply. Here we go!

1. Write about what they ask about.

Sometimes when you’re writing an application response, it can be easy to lose sight of the topic at hand. Since you only have so many words to respond, it’s imperative you don’t stray too far from what the prompt specifically asks you about.

One way to make sure you’re staying on track is to directly reference the prompt in your response. This shows you understand what’s being asked and you’re going to tell colleges exactly what they want to know, which can set your essay apart from other applicants.

Tips & Tricks for UIUC

In our UIUC College Essay Prompt Example blog , we wrote a sample response for the following myIllini essay prompt: “Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? Who or what do you turn to when you want to learn more?”

In our response, we included lines like, “The question of which came first captivates me because it is a question without an answer” and “ When I want to learn more about this concept, I turn to my grandfather.” Both of these sentences include phrases from the prompt directly in the answer.

2. Directly reference your own experiences. 

Colleges will ask you a variety of different questions in their prompts. No matter the topic, it’s important to be specific about the experiences you’ve had that are unique to you and your educational experience. By including personal details, colleges see that you have a genuine interest in the major you’ve picked. Make sure to clearly explain both what the experience was and how it had an impact on you.

One of UIUC’s short-answer questions specifically asks you to reference your own experience, so it’s important to provide concrete examples relevant to what you’re writing about.

We wrote another blog with examples for both UIUC major-specific prompts . In the examples, our lovely (and definitely real) applicant wrote about their experience at a DNA lab and how that affected their decision to apply for the *fake* DNA Analysis major at UIUC.

While you might not have taken the same path to your chosen major as our totally-a-real-person applicant, it’s important to be specific about the experiences you have had.

3. Be concise.

You might think you need to use a lot of words to say what you need to say (just ask John Mayer), but often less is really more. Too many words can confuse the reader and actually detract from the point of your essay.

A good way to ensure you’re being concise is to put your paper through a hardcore spring cleaning. In other words, take what you don’t need and throw it out. Once you get a first draft, read through and cut out any unnecessary words. You might even find whole sentences that seemed important at the time but sound repetitive or irrelevant when you give them a second glance.

Being concise is something good to keep in mind when writing anything, but we want to emphasize this point specifically for our major-specific prompts . You only have 150 words apiece to respond, so you’ll want to make those words count.

4. Edit, edit, edit!

You know the feeling you get when you hear you own voice on a recording and think, “Oh gosh, I can’t believe I sound like that!”? The same thing can happen when you reread something you wrote. That’s why it’s so important to take time to edit your responses before you submit them.

Wait a minute, didn’t we just talk about going back over essays for spring cleaning? Why yes, we did! Checking for brevity is a big part of editing, but if you want to submit the best version of your essay, there are other things to watch out for, too—like spelling, grammar, and clarity, just to name a few.

The best way to start is to start early. The sooner you have a complete draft, the more time there is to walk away and reevaluate your work with fresh eyes. After taking a break, you might catch errors you otherwise would’ve never seen.

Another technique is having a teacher, friend, or parent review your response. They can catch spelling/grammar mistakes you might miss and can give you a nudge in the right direction if you’ve strayed from the topic or lost your voice.

5. Be yourself.

We know you’ve heard this a millions times before, and we know it sounds like corny, cliché advice, but letting your voice shine really does make a difference in your writing. For most of the application process, you tick boxes and answer the same questions as thousands of other applicants. The written portion is your chance to show colleges who you really are (bleh, another cliché).

If you get the urge to fill you essay with cookie-cutter fluff you think colleges want to hear, remember that thousands of other kids are going to write the same cookie-cutter fluff. But there’s only one person who can tell your story.

For the full essay, there are many prompts to choose from, so pick the one that means the most to you. Write about why you really want this major, a story that actually affected you, or a topic you’re truly passionate about. When you choose to write about something meaningful, it will not only be easier for you to brainstorm ideas, but will also provide a more genuine glimpse of who you are.

As you write, keep in mind that whatever essay you end up with will be the best essay for your application because it is uniquely you. If you apply these tips and tricks on how to write a college application essay and try your best, you’re going to knock the socks off all of your applications. Good luck!

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Very insightful, helps remove the fear of trying to write the perfect essay

This is really helpful for getting applicants started on the essay. Indeed it is very insightful and valuable for students to read over!

I am so touched!! This is the first school that I fell in love with from the website. I think it makes me deeply feel that the school sincerely wants to help the students, especially those who are confused

So happy to see that their are blogs helping us students, really shows this school cares!!

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UChicago Supplemental Essays 2024-25 – Prompts and Advice

July 8, 2024

UChicago has long been known for its “provocative” essay prompts, viewing them as a chance for “students to talk about themselves, their tastes, and their ambitions.” The University of Chicago admissions committee invites you to approach the UChicago supplemental essays with “utter seriousness, complete fancy, or something in between.” While writing this “uncommon essay” sounds like a real lark, we have to keep in mind the sobering facts that UChicago admits just 4% of applicants, and the mid-50% SAT range of those who enroll is 1510-1560. This level of competition places the UChicago essay prompts squarely in the spotlight.

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

When applying to an institution like the University of Chicago that rejects 19 of every 20 applicants, you’ll need to put maximum effort into every area of the application, including the two UChicago supplemental essays. Below are UChicago’s supplemental prompts for the 2024-25 admissions cycle along with our advice for composing a winning essay.

UChicago Essay Prompts – Question 1  (Required)

How does the University of Chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future? Please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to UChicago.

For the absurd level of uniqueness in the prompt choices in Question #2, Question #1 is as common as they come—the good ol’ “Why Us?” essay, Chicago style!

How to write a winning “Why University of Chicago?” essay

• Specify how you will take advantage of UChicago’s endless resources, both inside and outside of the classroom.
• Cite specific academic programs, professors, research opportunities, internship/externship programs, study abroad programs, student-run organizations, etc.
• Show evidence of how your past/current endeavors will carry over onto the University’s campus community.
• Lastly, note any special talents and passions that you bring to the University of Chicago.

Examples of items to include in a “Why UChicago?” essay

Examples of items that quality “Why UChicago?” essays may touch upon include:

• Two-thirds of UChicago professors live in Hyde Park, making for a particularly cohesive campus.
• 80% of undergrads elect to participate in undergraduate research .
• Additionally, the quarter system allows students to explore a greater number of courses each year in a more in-depth manner.
• 85% of UChicago classes enroll fewer than 25 students.
• The school has 160+ research centers, institutes, and committees.

UChicago Supplemental Essays (Continued)

• Many students win Rhodes, Marshall, and Fulbright Scholarships after graduation.
• The Jeff Metcalf Internship Program also offers 3,500 paid internships.
• UChicago has 450 student organizations .
• The university sponsors 66 study abroad programs in 31 cities ; many include chances to study with UChicago professors around the globe.

Of course, these are just a small sampling of the thousands of possible features that could be part of a successful essay, but we hope this helps your brainstorming session take flight!

Question 2: Extended Essay (Required; Choose one)

Before offering a few words about how one might address each of the following prompts, we want to stress to future UChicago applicants that there is no right way to talk about color-infused expressions, demoted planets, or Fermi estimation problems. What matters is that your response to any of the following prompts demonstrates your excellence and creativity as a writer. If the first five prompts don’t appeal to you, there is no downside in constructing your own via option #6.

University of Chicago Supplemental Essays

Essay option 1.

We’re all familiar with green-eyed envy or feeling blue, but what about being “caught purple-handed”? Or “tickled orange”? Give an old color-infused expression a new hue and tell us what it represents.

An applicant can quite easily take this in a very serious or seriously humorous direction. Our only suggestion is that your rule doesn’t include the phrase, “If it’s yellow, let it mellow.” Or, it can. This is the UChicago supplemental section. Anything goes. Get weird.

Essay Option 2

“Ah, but I was so much older then / I’m younger than that now” – Bob Dylan. In what ways do we become younger as we get older?

As with all UChicago questions, you can take this in a serious or off-the-wall direction. For example, as we get older, many of us need additional physical and/or mental support, similar to young children. Alternatively, we may adopt a “younger” attitude as we get older, perhaps not caring as much about what others think about us, or vowing to live life more spontaneously. Or, you could get a little wild and talk about how the version of yourself in any given photograph will seem younger and younger the older you get. Overall, if ruminating on Bob Dylan lyrics appeals to you, knock yourself out. If not, keep moving down the list of prompts…

Essay Option 3

Pluto, the demoted planet. Ophiuchus, the thirteenth Zodiac. Andy Murray, the fourth to tennis’s Big Three. Every grouping has something that doesn’t quite fit in. Tell us about a group and its unofficial member, why (or why not) should it be excluded?

A few years back, UChicago offered a prompt for imagining that the moon was made of cheese or Neptune from soap. To that prompt, we advised that it didn’t matter if you wrote about a quasar made of Jergens Enriching Shea Butter or Jupiter’s moons constructed from Bored Ape NFTs—your imagination and writing ability are what matters here. The latter half of that advice remains applicable to this prompt. There are an endless number of interesting groups that may be worth unpacking, so if you happen to have one in mind, go wild. The explanation will be far more important than the group itself.

Essay Option 4

“Daddy-o”, “Far Out”, “Gnarly”: the list of slang terms goes on and on. Sadly, most of these aren’t so “fly” anymore – “as if!” Name an outdated slang from any decade or language that you’d bring back and explain why you totally “dig it.”

If you, as a ridiculously busy applicant, have time to spare, this is a pretty fun prompt to ponder. The only downside is that—since this is so specific— you may not be able to reuse your composition for any other college to which you are applying. That said, if you’ve always felt called to muse about the near-constant use of “Booyah” in the ’90s or reflect on a Spanish slang word from the 70s that your grandmother still says on a regular basis, your day has come.

Essay Option 5

How many piano tuners are there in Chicago? What is the total length of chalk used by UChicago professors in a year? How many pages of books are in the Regenstein Library? These questions are among a class of estimation problems named after University of Chicago physicist Enrico Fermi. Create your own Fermi estimation problem, give it your best answer, and show us how you got there.

This essay affords applicants a chance to flex their intellectual muscles and show off a talent for navigating complex answers. As illustrated in the built-in examples, the estimation problems may be straightforward (number of book pages in a library) or zany (total length of chalk used in a year). Your explanation of how you arrived at your answer is where the real creativity comes in.

Essay Option 6

And, as always… the classic choose your own adventure option! In the spirit of adventurous inquiry, choose one of our past prompts (or create a question of your own). Be original, creative, thought provoking. Draw on your best qualities as a writer, thinker, visionary, social critic, sage, citizen of the world, or future citizen of the University of Chicago; take a little risk, and have fun!

If you elect to go with an archived prompt, you can locate some past entries around the internet such as here and here . There are also a number of past prompts listed directly on the UChicago admissions website . A good number of applicants we have worked with avail themselves of the flexibility offered by this restriction-free offering.

How important are the UChicago essay prompts?

The University of Chicago lists six factors as being “very important” to the admissions committee and the essays are among them. In addition to the essays, UChicago most heavily weighs the rigor of your secondary school record, recommendations, extracurricular activities, talent/ability, and character/personal qualities. Clearly, the Common App and supplemental essays are among the most important considerations for the University of Chicago in its decision-making process.

UChicago Supplemental Essays – Personalized Assistance

Lastly, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your UChicago supplemental essays, we encourage you to get a quote  today.

Ready to start working on your essays? You might consider checking out the following:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• College Essay

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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UIUC Essay Example: Analysis + Breakdown

What’s Covered:

University of illinois at urbana-champaign supplemental essay prompt, uiuc essay example, breaking down this uiuc essay example.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a metropolis among the corn crops, is home to 50,000 students, 92 majors, over 1200 student clubs, and innumerable opportunities. This twin city town has consistently been ranked one of the top ten best college towns because of its active nightlife, award-winning restaurants, and walkable downtown. The University of Illinois (UIUC) also offers niche and quirky classes like Designing an Escape Room, The Fantasy of Harry Potter, and The Aesthetics of Japanese Tea Ceremonies. All these attributes combined create one of the top universities in the country.

The 59% acceptance rate is more selective than some other colleges, with half the applicants admitted to UIUC having an SAT score between 1220 and 1480 or an ACT score of 27 and 33.

In addition to a high GPA and great extracurriculars, you need to write a short essay on how you chose your intended major. If you haven’t decided on your major yet, UIUC allows you to simply explain your academic interests. The UIUC admissions officers are just looking to learn more about you!

If UIUC sounds too good to be true, you’ll have to get in and see it for yourself ! This post will help you to stay focused on the prompt, avoid cliches, and write a convincing supplemental essay.

Explain your interest in the major you selected and describe how you have recently explored or developed this interest inside and/or outside the classroom. You may also explain how this major relates to your future career goals. If you’re applying to the Division of General Studies , explain your academic interests and strengths or your future career goals. You may include any majors or areas of study you’re currently considering. Limit your response to 300 to 400 words.

Note: the prompt is slightly different for the 2021-2022 cycle. See our UIUC essay guide for an in-depth breakdown of the prompts.

By asking this classic essay prompt, UIUC wants to know why you’re studying what you’re studying. For many students, the answer is easy – a lifelong dream or a legacy profession – but other students simply have a passion for social sciences or dance and want to see what those majors may have in store. Changing your major is commonplace but passion usually stays put. If you’re struggling to put words on the page, talk about what you want to do in the future, even if the major is only a stepping stone.

Admissions officers will be looking for students that will be committed and ready to learn. They want students who will go to class and engage with the class material, not someone who likes philosophy so they skip class to sit around and think. Be sure that your essay signals your commitment to bettering yourself through education.

The key to this type of essay prompt is to offer your perspective and show the admissions officers how you’re going to change the world with a degree from UIUC. It’s critical to be earnest and genuine; the more unique and passionate your answer, the more likely you’ll get in.

Avoiding Cliches

If you’re going to write a compelling essay that will get you accepted, you’ll need to avoid a few classic pitfalls of essay writing. The most important rule is not to be trite. Don’t be overly flattering towards the admissions officers because you barely have enough space as it is. Also, don’t fill up the word count with an ode to the university that leaves you with a sentence and a half to say why you like supply-chain management. Take the space and write about your interests.

Good topics for this essay would focus on pivotal moments in your educational journey: how a theory changed your way of looking at the world and inspired you to further your understanding; how your ability to overcome a challenge changed your perspective on a major and you now see its beauty; or how a major aligns with your values. All these topics focus on you , the author, and not the experience. Admissions officers care less about external events (purchases, parties, accolades, abuse) and more internal ones (learning, growth, spirit, soul).

Your essay should be cohesive. You are encouraged to tell personal stories about what piqued your interest, but you don’t have enough space to make it lengthy, so be succinct. Also, be sure to avoid being too personal. For example, if you’re telling a story that involves your family, avoid discussing family drama or personal details about a particularly crazy family member, if that’s not relevant to your personal growth (remember that the focus should ultimately be on you!).

The best way to brainstorm for this essay is to make a list of the things you like about your major. Jot down 10 attributes that are enthralling about your major, the field it’s in, and/or the future that it affords. Here are some questions to ask yourself to get the ideas flowing. If none of those fit the bill, then try to imagine what you would miss out on if you were to choose a completely different major. 

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a problem with stepping on bugs on the sidewalk. Why would you kill it when you could just as easily step over it? Or help it across the street?

This philosophy lies at the heart of urban planning and community development. Although stop signs and sidewalks are vitally important, I believe that the whole study boils down to making the world a better place by interacting with the people in your community and helping out those in need. I’ve unknowingly been preparing for this major all throughout my high school career.

It first started with a 100-hour volunteerism scholarship I was interested in, and it ended with me being a part of the circus. Well, it ended with me volunteering to play drum rolls at the YMCA circus camp, to be precise, but it really taught me how to engage little kids and make them feel safe. After 100 hours, I was fairly well-versed in this whole social capital building endeavor. Following this experience, I got a job at a team-building course to further refine my skills. My contribution in clubs, sports, and mentoring programs is helping foster community.

UIUC’s nationally-ranked urban planning program will deepen my love of community development and humanitarianism. I’d be honored to be in this program, learning from amazing and world-renowned faculty & researching and implementing asset-based community development. While rural Illinois will always be home, I’m ready to make the most of the opportunities offered in Champaign. I’m excited to make UIUC feel like home, not just for me but for everyone. I’ll use the knowledge and skills I gain to better the world.

This essay is structured to take the reader on a journey. The first two paragraphs end with a cliffhanger to keep the reader engaged and the final two paragraphs end declaratively to show their importance. The first paragraph grabs the reader’s attention by being unique and asking an uncommon and quirky question. This is very effective because this essay will stand out among those that jump right into the content. Because the word count is so low, the paragraphs are relatively short. Small paragraphs are easier on the eyes and do not overwhelm readers.

The author could more deeply answer the prompt by describing how they will make the world a better place, rather than offering that general thought as a conclusion. Because this essay is written in a light and fun tone, the admissions officers get a sense of the student’s personality, which they will keep in mind when reviewing the rest of the application. For this reason, it is important that you write in a professional tone that matches your personality.

Section Breakdown

Since this intro seems so distant from the prompt, some admissions officers may not find it useful, making this a risky start if not executed well. However, because the question is very closely related to what the author wants to do, it is effective. The most important part of an engaging opening line is not to hold back. Don’t ask a guarded question. Be bold and confident when grabbing their attention. This is also effective because most readers will want to find the answer to this quirky question and will naturally read on.

The author uses a “set-up/punchline” formula to get the reader’s attention. By setting up a silly question and delivering a heartfelt answer, the author has successfully woven comedy and gravity into their first two paragraphs. The author should avoid phrases like “I believe” and “I think” because they are redundant. Of course you think that, you wrote it! The word count is precious, don’t waste it on the obvious. An important note is that the author is displaying their passion for the chosen field in the second sentence by summarizing the core beliefs of the major.

Again, the author chooses a lighthearted tone. This is effective because it is present throughout the essay. Writing can seem stilted if the tone is switching from paragraph to paragraph. Subtlety is key in college essays because you want to show admissions officers all that you have done, but you still want to be humble. The above example is covert because the activity that is “bragged about” acts as a key part of the educational journey. 

Be sure to weave in your accomplishments, but don’t linger on them too long. “Helping foster community” is a very weak and non-descript way to conclude a paragraph. The author should have been more specific about what they mean.

The author misses a crucial opportunity for a slam-dunk move: they should have cited a specific faculty member instead of broadly writing “world-renowned faculty.” This would have shown that they researched the program and were well-versed in what the program offers. 

The author is able to tie together all four paragraphs in the final paragraph with callbacks. It is crucial to give examples of how the degree will help you, and then show how you will help others with it. Although this takes planning, it is extremely effective.

What is less effective is the final sentence. Because it is so generic, it leaves little impact and weakens the entire essay. The author should have either taken this last sentence out completely or extended it to say “better the world by doing x,y,z…”

This essay is ultimately very strong and helped the author gain acceptance to UIUC as well as departmental scholarships. The author’s ability to maintain a fun, yet serious tone throughout the essay is commendable. They also did a great job of using varied vocabulary to engage the reader. 

There are sections that could be tighter and more succinct, but the author balances these shortcomings with relevant personal anecdotes and a coherent and fluid essay organization. The author’s passion for the field is clear, and well illustrated with an explanation of their related values, instead of a simple description.

If you want more help with this type of writing, check out our essay breakdown for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Where to Get Your Essay Edited for Free

It’s vital to get a second set of eyes on your UIUC essay before you submit. That’s why we at CollegeVine have a free peer essay review tool, allowing you to submit your essay and get feedback from another student. Editing other students’ essays will also help you improve your own writing skills!

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College of Nursing

Congratulations on deciding to take the next step!

The application link is at the bottom of this page. Please read the whole page before you begin the application.  This content outlines all the materials and resources you need on hand to complete your application.

There are some differences in the process depending on whether you are a current UIC student or not. We hope you'll find it all clear as you move through the process.

Application deadline is January 15. Candidate interviews take place from September to February. Final decisions will be sent to applicants between September and April.

Not ready to apply? Learn more!

Essay questions heading link copy link.

Within the application, you’ll be prompted to answer the following essay questions. We recommend that you draft your responses to the questions before beginning your application. Responses should reflect clear thought and show proper use of grammar and punctuation. Once submitted, you will not be allowed to edit your responses.

The questions:

• What is your understanding of the role of the professional nurse and why have you chosen to pursue nursing as a career? (max. 250 words)
• The mission of the UIC College of Nursing is to transform health, healthcare, and policy through knowledge generation and translation, and education of future leaders from diverse backgrounds. Our vision is to be a preeminent leader in advancing global health and nursing. Please comment on how you can contribute to the UIC mission and vision as a student and alumni. (max. 250 words)
• What does it mean to have a commitment to diversity? How would you develop and apply your commitment to diversity at UIC? (max. 250 words)
• Describe a stressful or challenging situation you have experienced and how you dealt with it. Looking back, would you do anything differently? Please explain. (max. 250 words)
• Many nursing students find being a full-time nursing student demanding and rigorous. How will you balance your family, work, and other commitments with full-time nursing study? (max. 250 words)

Resume Heading link Copy link

The application will prompt you to upload your resume, which should reflect the following information, if relevant:

• Previously earned degrees
• Employment history
• Volunteer or public service activities (numbered list with name of organization/activity, responsibilities, and dates of service)
• Previous nursing courses
• Computer skills
• Proficiency in any language other than English. Please indicate proficiency level as weak, good, excellent, fluent or native.

Prerequisite Self-Evaluation Form Heading link Copy link

Non-uic students only.

The self-evaluation ( download ) will indicate to the College of Nursing which of the prerequisite courses have been completed and which are yet to be completed.

Applicants can use this downloadable PowerPoint as a guide to prerequisite information.

Recommendations Heading link Copy link

Within the application, you will be required to name and provide contact information for two recommenders, who will then receive (at the email addresses you provide) invitations to submit recommendations on your behalf.

• One recommender should be able to speak to your scholastic ability.
• The second recommender can be a professional or academic reference.
• Personal references from friends, relatives or co-workers will automatically be disregarded.
• It is your responsibility to verify submission of all electronic recommendations by the application deadline.
• Hard copies are not accepted and can only be submitted by the recommender via the method described to them in the invitation.
• Applications without two recommendations are considered incomplete.

Official Transcripts Heading link Copy link

Non-UIC Students Official transcripts must be mailed to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the following address by the application deadline.

UIC Office of Undergraduate Admissions 1200 W. Harrison St. SSB 1100 (MC 018) Chicago, IL 60607-7161

Transcripts received after deadline will result in your application being considered incomplete.

UIC Students An Academic History file, in PDF format, is required to be uploaded with the application.

The Application Heading link Copy link

• Non-UIC students Use this UIC Web Application, which requires a non-refundable application fee
• UIC Students Use this College of Nursing Internal Application Request

Need More Information? Heading link Copy link

Submit this form and an Enrollment Advisor will contact you to answer your questions.

Submit this form and an Enrollment Advisor will contact you to answer your questions. Heading link Copy link

Applynow.uic.edu heading link copy link, cost & financial aid, for international applicants, disclosures & appeals.

University of Chicago 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Action/Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 2

University of Chicago 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 2 essays of 1-2 pages each

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Oddball

This is it, the infamous UChicago supplemental application. These quirky prompts have been a rite of passage for generations of applicants, so before you dive in, just remember: if they could do it, so can you! Your goal in writing your UChicago extended essay should be the same as ever: to reveal something new to admissions. It might even help to have a few ideas in mind before reading through your options. These prompts are so specific and strange that, in the end, the key is just to follow your instincts. What speaks to you right away? What inspires you?

Question 1 ( Required )

How does the university of chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to uchicago..

Think of this run-of-the-mill Why Essay as the overture to your magnum opus (i.e. the Extended Essay). Chicago wants you to cover all the bases—“learning, community, and future”—so as with any Why Essay, you’d best buckle down and do your homework. The more specific details you can incorporate into your essay, the more sincere and personal it will feel (and be!). Explore both academic and extracurricular opportunities. How will you pursue your interest in oceanography? With a major in Biology and a semester in Australia? What research opportunities will you pursue? Will joining the Club Crew team help you feel more connected to aquatic life despite your midwest location? One thing you won’t find on the school website, though, is that third piece, that “future” thing. Think about where you’d like to be five or ten years from now—your career or the impact you’d like to have or even just a geographic location. How will a UChicago education help you get there? How will your scholarly and social pursuits help you grow? Show admissions how UChicago is the bridge between the person you are and the person you hope to be.

Question 2: Extended Essay ( Required; Choose one )

Essay option 1, we’re all familiar with green-eyed envy or feeling blue, but what about being “caught purple-handed” or “tickled orange” give an old color-infused expression a new hue and tell us what it represents., – inspired by ramsey bottorff, class of 2026.

This is a great question for artists, those of you with synesthesia, or anyone who’s been down the rabbit hole of seasonal color theory on social media. If you have strong associations with different colors or are language-obsessed, then this is a great chance to combine logical and creative thinking to breathe new life into these old sayings. Look at a rainbow or color wheel and see if any feelings or ideas jump out to you. Maybe you feel a certain calm when you see fuchsia, so “out of the fuchsia” might mean a solution that came from deep meditation, a practice introduced to you by your late grandfather. Perhaps you associate sky blue with familial love, and “a blue thumb” would mean someone who is very in tune with their family, culture, and traditions. Ultimately, your argument will (hopefully) show admissions how your brain works and pepper in a few insights as to the kinds of things you hold dear along the way.

Essay Option 2

“ah, but i was so much older then / i’m younger than that now” – bob dylan. in what ways do we become younger as we get older, – inspired by joshua harris, class of 2016.

This prompt will surely appeal to the philosophers among you, as it invites you to consider the trajectory of a person’s lifetime. With such a broad field to choose from, your answers can vary from the biological (some of our blood cells regenerate every four months , so they are always younger than the rest of us) to the comedic ( embracing cartoons that you used to pretend you were too old for ) to the profound (dementia patients reverting to childhood). As you brainstorm, make a list of all possible examples of this phenomenon and choose the ones that get you excited and that you can weave together into an essay that reveals what matters to you. Remember, admissions wants to see both creative thinking and strong analytical capabilities while learning what makes you tick. If anyone else could put their name at the top of your essay, you haven’t identified the right topic yet.

Essay Option 3

Pluto, the demoted planet. ophiuchus, the thirteenth zodiac. andy murray, the fourth to tennis’s big three. every grouping has something that doesn’t quite fit in. tell us about a group and its unofficial member, why (or why not) should it be excluded, – inspired by veronica chang, class of 2022.

If you love finding patterns, solving puzzles, or identifying what holds groups together, this is the prompt for you! As you go through your daily life, start observing and jotting down instances of “the odd man out.” As your list increases, see which ones jump out to you. Maybe you have the perfect explanation for why Washington, DC can’t become a state. Perhaps you’re ready to defend the tomato’s inclusion as a vegetable even though it’s technically a fruit. As with the other prompts, your choice can be as serious or frivolous as you like, as long as it is well reasoned and creative! 

Essay Option 4

“daddy-o”, “far out”, “gnarly”: the list of slang terms goes on and on. sadly, most of these aren’t so “fly” anymore – “as if” name an outdated slang from any decade or language that you’d bring back and explain why you totally “dig it.”, – inspired by napat sakdibhornssup, class of 2028.

As language nerds, we at CEA love this prompt, which is perfect for pop culture buffs, linguistics fans, or those of you whose parents think their generation’s slang is “da bomb!” You can approach this either by choosing an old slang term you like and expounding upon it or by identifying gaps in our current English language use and finding a term to fit; what ideas or emotions are we leaving unexpressed without some crucial piece of missing slang? Sure, we can say something is “all that,” but do we need to indicate it’s “all that and a bag of chips ”? Maybe! Note that the prompt also allows you to choose slang from other languages, so those of you with multicultural backgrounds can highlight that through your choice of phrase. Bonus points if you weave in multiple examples as the prompt does so effortlessly!

Essay Option 5

How many piano tuners are there in chicago what is the total length of chalk used by uchicago professors in a year how many pages of books are in the regenstein library these questions are among a class of estimation problems named after university of chicago physicist enrico fermi. create your own fermi estimation problem, give it your best answer, and show us how you got there., – inspired by malhar manek, class of 2028.

Finally, a prompt for the mathematically inclined! The key here is to think of an estimate that is aligned with your interests. If you’re an electrical engineering nerd, maybe you want to estimate the number of circuits in UChicago’s Physics Building. If you love anime, maybe you’ll estimate the number of pen strokes in an episode of your favorite show. If you’re into fashion, perhaps you’ll estimate the number of stitches sewn into Janelle Monáe’s Met Gala gown. As with many questions on your math tests, this prompt asks you to show your work, so be sure to share every step you took to arrive at your answer. Remember, the goal is not necessarily to get the answer right, but rather to learn more about you and how your brain works. Don’t be afraid to get weird!

Essay Option 6

And, as always… the classic choose your own adventure option in the spirit of adventurous inquiry, choose one of our past prompts (or create a question of your own). be original, creative, thought provoking. draw on your best qualities as a writer, thinker, visionary, social critic, sage, citizen of the world, or future citizen of the university of chicago; take a little risk, and have fun.

We love all the prompts from the past —there are so many quirky ones! If this year’s questions aren’t inspiring you, don’t be afraid to peruse the archives to find one that stands out to you. If you belong at UChicago, there is no doubt you will find a prompt that sparks a story within you. 

We’d also like to note that this is a great opportunity for recycling essays. If you wrote a strong longform essay for another school, see if any of the old prompts work in your favor, or make up your own question custom-built for your essay. Good luck! 😊

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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the UIUC essay prompts? With tips from an Ivy League graduate, CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the UIUC essay prompts will show you exactly how to write engaging essays for your UIUC application and maximize your chances of admission.

For help navigating the lower-than-average UIUC acceptance rate and more CollegeAdvisor.com resources, click  here . Want help crafting your UIUC supplement essays? Create your free  account  or  schedule your free advising consultation  by calling (844) 343-6272.

UIUC  Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• The UIUC acceptance rate is 63%— U.S. News  ranks UIUC as a competitive school.
• We recommend answering all UIUC essay prompts comprehensively and thoughtfully.

What is UIUC known for?

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is known for providing an excellent public education, as evinced by the impressive UIUC ranking. According to US News, UIUC is one of the top fifty universities in the country.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign  website  provides more detailed information on who they are as a university. When completing the UIUC essay prompts, it can be very helpful to read the website beforehand. This will help you familiarize yourself with the type of language they use when they discuss their programs and what they look for in applicants.

Their website explains that UIUC prides itself on “pioneer[ing] innovative research that tackles global problems and expands the human experience.” They also write that their “transformative learning experiences, in and out of the classroom, are designed to produce alumni who desire to make a significant societal impact.”

UIUC has 29 Pulitzer Prize-winning alumni and faculty. The UIUC community includes over 51,000 students from all fifty states and over 100 countries. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s mission is as follows: “The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is charged by our state to enhance the lives of citizens in Illinois, across the nation and around the world through our leadership in learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development.” Their vision statement confirms that UIUC strives to be “the preeminent public research university with a land-grant mission and global impact.”

You can read each of the detailed blurbs on their faculty, academic resources, research, the arts, and their undergraduate education experience on the UIUC website. Regarding their undergraduate experience, UIUC states, “the fundamental promise at Illinois for nearly 150 years has been to provide our undergraduate students with truly transformative educational experiences. Whether these experiences take place in the classroom, in the surrounding community, or around the globe, our students leave this campus with the skills, knowledge, and drive to become leaders in their fields and to lead lives of impact in the world.”

What is the acceptance rate at UIUC?

The UIUC acceptance rate is 63%, according to  U.S. News . Compared to the UIUC acceptance rate, the national average for college acceptance rates is  68% . The UIUC acceptance rate, therefore, signals that UIUC is a relatively competitive school.

What does the UIUC acceptance rate mean? Well, a few things. First, when you’re building your college list, you’ll want to keep the UIUC acceptance rate in mind. It’s important to apply to a combination of “reach,” “target,” and “safety” schools. UIUC would likely fall in either the “target” or “safety” category, based on the UIUC acceptance rate.

Want to learn more about how to use data like the UIUC acceptance rate in building a college list? Check out our blog articles on  acceptance rates ,  college rankings , and  building a college list .

Wondering how else you can use the UIUC acceptance rate? Think of it as an incentive to write the best essays possible. Given the UIUC acceptance rate, you should respond comprehensively to the UIUC supplement essays to submit the strongest application you can. The UIUC application process is competitive, and while the UIUC acceptance rate is lower than the national average, it shouldn’t discourage you from applying.

What is the ranking for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign?

The UIUC ranking is #47 in  National Universities  and is ranked #15 in  Top Public Schools , according to U.S. News.

In terms of specific programs, the UIUC ranking is #6 in  Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs , and the UIUC ranking is #3 in  Best Undergraduate Accounting Programs .

These are just some of the UIUC rankings to keep in mind as you approach writing your UIUC essay prompts. However, a school’s rankings should not be the only thing you take into consideration when compiling your college list. Don’t take the UIUC ranking too seriously! As you build your college list, consider other factors beyond the UIUC acceptance rate. This includes the school’s location, programs, campus culture. The UIUC rankings should not be the only important factor in your decision to apply to UIUC.

Keep in mind that the best college for you may not be the one you expected! There are a lot of different resources available when it comes to researching colleges; be sure to consult a few to ensure you create a comprehensive list. At the end of the day, the UIUC rankings mentioned above—like all college rankings—are simply a tool. Don’t get hung up on the UIUC rankings; instead, just focus on finding the best school for you.

Need help creating a college list? Check out our resources on the  college list process .

Does the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have essays?

Yes. Depending on which platform you use to apply to UIUC ( Common App ,  Coalition App , and  myIllini ), you’ll have to complete a personal statement, as well as several UIUC essay prompts. The questions that you answer depend on whether you’re applying to a major or an undeclared program. Given the relatively low UIUC acceptance rate, we recommend that you answer the UIUC essay prompts thoughtfully and authentically. This will help your application stand out. Strong responses to the UIUC essay prompts will maximize your chances of admission.

Need tips on writing your Common App essay? Check out our  blog article .

How many essays does the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign require?

The UIUC application includes two optional UIUC essay prompts. Although the UIUC essay prompts are both optional, we recommend you respond to all UIUC essay prompts that apply to your situation in order to strengthen your UIUC application.

With the competitive UIUC acceptance rate, your responses to the UIUC essay prompts can make a major difference in your admissions results. Remember, your UIUC supplement essays are your chance to show the admissions team what makes you unique. By completing the UIUC essay prompts, you can maximize every opportunity the UIUC admissions team gives you.

UCIC Essay Prompts – Question 1 (Optional)

Explain any challenges (outside of COVID-related) you have faced throughout your academic career, including the dates or timeline below. (300 words maximum)

How to write the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign essays

Of all of the UIUC essays prompts, this one is a great opportunity to discuss an obstacle you have faced during your academic career and how you overcame it. You should address how this obstacle helped you grow as both a person and a student. You also want to avoid centering this UIUC application essay on COVID, as the prompt specifically asks you to avoid writing about that.

Since the UIUC essay prompts allows you to include specific dates, you might choose to discuss an event, situation, or challenge which affected you over an extended period of time. You might write about a months-long battle with a serious illness that either you or a family member went through. Your essay may describe that have been unhoused for a period of time during your academic career. You may have had to take over for your parent or guardian as being the primary caretaker for your home, or you might have had to work a full-time after-school job which took away time from your academics.

When writing this UIUC application essay, you want to explain the circumstance in detail. Then, turn to what you learned from this circumstance, how you grew from it, or what has changed with regard to this obstacle. If it is a long-term situation you have been experiencing, you will want to address how you have learned to manage or balance this situation and how you will continue to manage it when you arrive at UIUC.

This UIUC supplement essay is optional. If you truly don’t have a significant challenge that has influenced your academic career, you shouldn’t feel pressured to complete this UIUC application essay. However, if you have an important experience to share, this UIUC supplement essay gives you a great chance to share more about your background with the admissions team.

UIUC Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Does your UIUC application essay avoid COVID and COVID-related circumstances?
• Do you describe the experience and then address your actions to change the situation?
• Does your UIUC application essay demonstrate personal growth in response to your chosen obstacle?

UCIC Essay Prompts – Question 2 (Optional)

If you have a low grade or a drop in grades that you have not already explained, do so below. (300 words maximum)

Although we typically recommend that you complete all optional supplemental essays, the second of the UIUC essay prompts presents an exception to that rule. If your application is academically strong without a low grade or a drop in grades to explain in this UIUC application essay, then you do not necessarily need to respond to this prompt. Use your best judgment to decide if you can justify writing this optional UIUC supplement essay.

For example, if you got an A- in a class for your overall grade, and all of your other grades are A’s, you might be tempted to explain your A- using this UIUC essay. However, admissions officers may consider this an unnecessary addition to your UIUC application. This question is designed to explain drastic or surprising discrepancies or changes in your academic record.

Different Topics

Your response to this UIUC application essay should also address a distinctly different topic than your previous UIUC supplement essay, as noted in the prompt. If your drop in grades was already explained by answering previous UIUC essay prompts about a significant challenge you faced, then you do not have to rewrite that response with slightly different wording for this UIUC application essay.

If, however, the academic challenge you wrote about in the first UIUC supplement essay does not relate to a low grade you received, you should complete this UIUC application essay. You could talk about losing a loved one or a personal struggle your family faced socially or economically. Again, many of these topics could be responses to the previous UIUC application essay as well, so you should make sure you do not write the same essay for both UIUC essay prompts.

• Do you use straightforward language to explain your situation?
• Do you address a different topic than your previous UIUC application essay?
• Does your essay teach admissions officers something important about yourself and complement the rest of your UIUC application?

UIUC Supplement Essay Guide — Final Thoughts

Completing these UIUC essay prompts can seem daunting, especially in light of the UIUC acceptance rate. However, don’t let that discourage you from applying. The UIUC supplement essays are a great opportunity to show the admissions team who you are and what your circumstances have been.

Given the lower than average UIUC acceptance rate, these essays can boost your application if you have a lower than average GPA or  SAT score . Use this guide as a step-by-step aid when approaching the UIUC essay prompts, and start earlier than you think you should. Each of the UIUC essay prompts can make a major difference in admissions.

Want more tips from UIUC’s undergraduate admissions team on how to approach the UIUC essay prompts? Check out this video from two admissions counselors below.

Remember to complete the “optional” UIUC essay prompts if you feel they apply to your situation. Completing the optional UIUC application essays can strengthen your UIUC application and contend with the UIUC acceptance rate. Don’t be afraid to ask for revisions from someone; it’s helpful to have another set of eyes checking your UIUC supplement essays for grammatical errors, tone, and clarity. Good luck!

This 2021-2022 essay guide on UIUC was written by  Laura Frustaci , Harvard ‘21. It shows you exactly how to write engaging essays and maximize your chances against the UIUC acceptance rate. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on UIUC and the admissions process, click  here .

Want help crafting your UIUC supplement essays? Create your free  account  or  schedule a free advising assessment  by calling (844) 343-6272.

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5 UChicago Supplemental Essay Examples

• essay topic
• college application essays

The University of Chicago is one of the most competitive U.S. universities known for its economics, statistics and mathematics undergraduate programs. But for college applicants, the school is probably best known for its out-of-the-box, creative supplemental essay prompts.

To apply to UChicago , students must submit an additional supplemental essay – what’s referred to as the Extended Essay. UChicago releases 5 new essay prompts inspired by their students every year, along with a set of past prompts applicants can choose from.

While students are encouraged to be creative, how creative can you (or should you) be? For those interested in applying to UChicago , here are a few examples of essays that worked:

Prompt from 2016-2017 season:

Vestigiality refers to genetically determined structures or attributes that have apparently lost most or all of their ancestral function, but have been retained during the process of evolution. In humans, for instance, the appendix is thought to be a vestigial structure. Describe something vestigial (real or imagined) and provide an explanation for its existence. —Inspired by Tiffany Kim, Class of 2020

University of Chicago ‘21

“People often ask me if I’m scared that I’ll go deaf in the other ear, too. The thought echos in my head sometimes, and it’s certainly an ear-y thought, but I’m not too worried. In some ways, losing a part of my hearing has made the world louder. Instead of focusing on what I lost, I began to appreciate what I always had. Every moment—whether it be the off-tune singing of my little brother in the shower, or the melodious chords from my ukulele—is something to note.”

Prompt from 2015-2016 season:

Joan of Arkansas. Queen Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Babe Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Mash up a historical figure with a new time period, environment, location, or occupation, and tell us their story. — Inspired by Drew Donaldson, Class of 2016

University of Chicago ‘20

“The ball flies to Scottie Pippen, he pulls up, but the shot bounces out. The crowd goes silent. But Rodman grabs the rebound, hooks it to Jordan who scores a three pointer. Everyone in the stadium goes wild, except one man: Napoléon Bonaparte.  “All according to plan” he whispers to himself.

Little does the public know, Napoleon instructed his stars to keep the game close. In reality his superstars could have won easily.  But he needs to attract national attention for the next part of his plan.  

As a child Napoleon obsessed over pop culture. He couldn’t believe the power celebrities held in society; people would trust them with their children, beliefs, and even their spending. After Reagan’s election, he strived to tap into this power. Napoleon would conquer America.”

Prompt from 2014-2015 season:

A neon installation by the artist Jeppe Hein in UChicago’s Charles M. Harper Center asks this question for us: “Why are you here and not somewhere else?” — Inspired by Erin Hart, Class of 2016.

University of Chicago ‘19

“I am here because I can’t be in two places at once. That’s definitely a law of physics or some kind of science I don’t know much about, but that’s the short answer to why I’m not somewhere else, or lots of other places. To know why I’m here, on Earth, in America, in California, in Berkeley, at my house sitting on my favorite worn leather couch, with light from three windows making it hard to see my laptop screen, is a longer story.”

In French, there is no difference between “conscience” and “consciousness”. [...] All of these require explanation in order to properly communicate their meaning, and are, to varying degrees, untranslatable. Choose a word, tell us what it means, and then explain why it cannot (or should not) be translated from its original language. — Inspired by Emily Driscoll, Class of 2018

“Raising the issue of translatable versus untranslatable words is futile; new words should enter a language because of a cultural need to express a specific idea, not just because they can be translated from other languages. Terminology is always a function of development: when a new concept – be it tangible or intangible – enters a society, the language evolves and adapts so that its speakers can discuss the new topic.”

What’s so odd about odd numbers? — Inspired by Mario Rosasco, Class of 2009.

“Why was Six Afraid of Seven?

In the beginning there was zero, and then there was One. Zero and One ruled the universe with undisputed power; together they formed the perfect union. Perfection diminished when One began to feel superior to Zero, and departed his company to rule alone. He quickly discovered the powers of addition, and created Two. Two was to be his new companion, to help oppress the rest of the numerical universe. One began training Two in the dark magic he had discovered. However, Two found One to be a little unhinged, and he sensed a certain instability.”

———-

Interested in reading these students full personal statements, and their creative responses to UChicago’s supplemental essay? Unlock all of them in one go with  our curated package ! 

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About The Author

Frances was born in Hong Kong and received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She loves super sad drama television, cooking, and reading. Her favorite person on Earth isn’t actually a member of the AdmitSee team - it’s her dog Cooper.

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