Any intel on UVA's supplemental essays?

Hey, guys. Juggling the stress of Junior year and college apps (you know what I mean). I've been researching UVA's application requirements and can't really seem to find any specifics about UVA's supplemental essays. Does anyone know what they typically ask for, or the best approach to these?

Sure, I can help provide some guidance on UVA's supplemental essays. While the University of Virginia's (UVA) specific prompts may vary from year to year, they generally revolve around understanding your perspective, experiences, and what you'd bring to the UVA community.

For example, in past years, one of the prompts asked students to share an experience that demonstrates their interest in a particular school/program within UVA (like the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, or School of Nursing). For this, it helps to do some research about the specific programs within the school you're interested in and draw links between those resources and your own passions or future goals.

Another prompt asked students to describe an instance of cultural difference they have encountered and how it has affected them. This is an opportunity to discuss your experiences with diversity and make a connection to UVA's diverse community.

And another commonly seen prompt asks about a favorite work of literature and how it's influenced you. Here, focus on offering a deep dive into why you connect with the work and how it's shaped your perspective.

Since the prompts may vary, it's important to check the current cycle's supplements. Generally, when approaching these essays, you'll want to:

1. Be concise. UVA's word limit is typically about 250 words per prompt, so you'll need to be clear and direct.

2. Highlight your strengths. Use these essays as an opportunity to highlight your character strengths, passions, or unique experiences.

3. Connect with UVA. Try to align your responses with what UVA values and offers - whether that be a strong community, diverse experiences, or rigorous academics within specific programs.

4. Be authentic. Above all, make sure your essays reflect you as an individual. Don't write what you think they want to hear - instead, provide genuine responses that showcase who you are.