Discover the big questions you’ll explore this year—and how innovation can supercharge your answers.

UVA.
The
upgraded way.

UVA Supplemental Essays
— The Class of 2027 Guide —

  • Start your Supplemental Essay Success below by previewing this guide’s three sections:

    Information ⋄ Inspiration ⋄ Innovation

    Discover strategies designed by an Ivy Alum and over three hundred success stories!

  • — The University of Virginia —

    Explore The Three Sections
    Inside This Upgraded Guide

    — Preview The Guide —

  • — Information —

    In this section, explore essential information and updates regarding this college’s Supplemental Process for this application year! Preview strategies to streamline your overall application process.

    — 1 of 3 —

  • — Inspiration —

    In this section, read successful supplemental essays from our own Accepted Alumni! See the ideas, values, and missions that stand out to admissions at even the most selective colleges.

    — 2 of 3 —

  • — Innovation —

    In this section, learn success-proven methods to streamline your application and essay-building process. Discover methods designed by an Ivy alum with over 300 student success stories!

    — 3 of 3 —

  • — The UVA Guide —

    Find aligned inspiration,
    discover time-saving innovation,
    and build inspiring supplemental essays.
    Ready to start your success story?

    — Scroll Down To Explore —

  • — Essential Essay Information —

    Through Guide Section 1 of 3—Information—explore essential information for this college’s Supplemental Process for Class of 2027 Applicants. Preview strategies to streamline your application-building process!

Supplemental Materials


New Changes & Key Updates

Supplemental Updates


For Class of 2027 Applicants

Essential Supplemental Updates


— University of Virginia —

  • — Essential University of Virginia Updates —

    No More Supplemental Essays for High School Class of 2027 Applicants!

    For Class of 2027 Applicants, University of Virginia no longer requires its traditionally-required Supplemental Essays. University of Virginia has eliminated all Supplemental Essays previously required for its application process for this year!

    — Key Specifics To Keep In Mind —

    While these changes to this college’s Supplemental Essay requirements are much-welcomed by many this year, be sure to keep these essential Insider Insights in mind as the application season progresses:

    Specialized Program Supplementals

    Even for colleges that have removed their general Supplemental Essays for Class of 2027 Applicants, some may still require Supplemental Questions, Specified Portfolios, and/or Interviews for Specialized Programs—including Honors Colleges, Nursing Programs, Fine Arts Programs, Accelerated Degree Programs, Dual-Degree Programs, and more. Be sure to verify all materials needed for success in your own specific application process through your personal Common Application Account.

    Portal-Based Supplemental Materials

    Some colleges may no longer require Supplemental Essays via the Common Application this application year, but it is possible that some colleges may add “Hidden” Supplemental Components or expressions of Continued Interest within the Student Applicant Portal, which is accessible after each official application has been submitted via the Common Application. Always be sure to thoroughly explore your Student Application Portal for every college you apply to throughout senior year! 

    Always Confirm Via The Common App

    Be sure to check, double-check, and triple-check all Common Application Sections specific to this college as you build your application. Verify all required and optional supplemental materials and college-specific requirements via your Common Application Account My Colleges Section.Under the College Name in the Common Application My Colleges Section, carefully review every college-specific section to confirm every application element you may need to successfully apply to University of Virginia. 

    — No Required Supplemental Essays —

Supplemental Length


250 Word Maximum

Supplemental Style


Extracurriculars & Experiences

Nursing Supplemental Prompt


— University of Virginia —

  • — School of Nursing Supplemental —

    UVA School of Nursing Supplemental Essay Prompt:

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

    — 250 Word Maximum —

Application Essay Information


— University of Virginia —

Supplemental Strategy


Class of 2027 Applicants

Supplemental Essay


Insider Information

  • — The University of Virginia —

    A successful University of Virginia Application does not include College-Specific Supplemental Essays—so students should focus on crafting stand-out content throughout their Personal Statement, Comprehensive College Resume, and more!

    Below, learn more about the Supplemental Essay Process for the majority of colleges that are selective—like The University of Virginia—and start your college admissions success story! Planning ahead can bring more colleges within your reach—including UVA!

    — The Class of 2027 Way —

  • — Supplemental Essay Examples —

    Through Guide Section 2 of 3—Inspiration—read Successful Supplemental Essays from our Accepted Alumni! Discover ideas that stand out to admissions at UVA, and find inspiration for your own success story.

Accepted Alumni


Essay Example

Supplemental Style


Unique & Uncommon

Supplemental Essay Example


— University of Virginia —

  • Featured Supplemental Essay Prompt For UVA Applicants:

    If you could create a college course that all UVA students would take, what would it be about and why? 110 Word Maximum.

    Successful Supplemental Essay Example From Our Accepted Alumni Student:

    “Attack on Titan: Insights into Human Nature”

    We would interdisciplinarily explore a popular Japanese manga, Attack on Titan (a literary masterpiece, in my opinion!). Students would read the piece, analyzing first its literary components—from strategic panel depictions to cliffhangers to its central antihero.

    Along with literary perspectives, we’d examine ways the manga grapples with sociological phenomena: humanity’s innate desire for freedom, coercion, social class power differentials, even the natural cycle of hatred.

    We would also analyze the piece’s historical and philosophical insights, from fascism of World War II to gray areas in morality. We would discuss how reading diverse voices can help us unpack biased representations, Western-centric perspectives, and more.

  • — Supplemental Essay Strategy —

    Through Guide Section 3 of 3—Innovation—learn success-proven methods to streamline your entire supplemental essay process. Our methods are designed by an Ivy Alum and 300+ student success stories!

UVA.
The
upgraded way.