What is the UGA college essay prompt for this application cycle?
I've been trying to finalize my college list and the University of Georgia is pretty high on it, but I'm having trouble finding this year's essay prompt on their admissions website. I want to make sure I get a head start over the summer since the fall is usually packed with extracurriculars and AP classes.
Does anyone know what the essay question is for UGA for this application cycle, or if it's similar to past years? If you've already applied or started your essay, can you share some tips about what UGA is looking for?
I just don't want to be caught off guard when applications open, so any info would be super helpful. Also, do they require any supplements besides the main essay?
Does anyone know what the essay question is for UGA for this application cycle, or if it's similar to past years? If you've already applied or started your essay, can you share some tips about what UGA is looking for?
I just don't want to be caught off guard when applications open, so any info would be super helpful. Also, do they require any supplements besides the main essay?
5 months ago
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141 views
Anonymous
5 months ago
Great question! For the 2024-2025 application cycle, the University of Georgia (UGA) continues its policy of using the Common Application personal statement as its primary essay requirement. UGA does not require any additional school-specific supplemental essays.
This means you’ll pick one of the seven Common App essay prompts (which haven’t changed from last year). These prompts are broad—ranging from the classic "background, identity, interest, or talent" question to the "describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging..." prompt. You can find the exact prompts on the Common App website, but you won’t have to write a special UGA-only essay aside from your main personal statement.
Tip: UGA is known for valuing authenticity, intellectual curiosity, and tangible initiative. Make sure your essay shows real insight into who you are or how you approach challenges. For example, instead of sharing a generic story about "overcoming a tough class," focus on a unique moment—perhaps the time you taught a sibling algebra during a power outage, which sparked an interest in teaching.
Admissions reviewers want more than a list of achievements—they’re hoping for a story that gives a sense of your personality and how you might contribute to campus life. Students from past cycles have had success writing about service projects that connected them to their hometown or describing a turning point in a club or interest that doesn’t appear elsewhere in their application.
In summary: UGA requires just the Common App essay, and no school-specific supplements, as of the 2024-2025 cycle. If you get your main essay drafted this summer, you’ll be set up for success. If you’re applying to UGA through another application platform, check requirements, but as of now, the Common App essay is the one to focus on.
Planning ahead like this should definitely take some stress off in the fall—good luck, and let me know if you want tips tailored to any of the Common App prompts!
This means you’ll pick one of the seven Common App essay prompts (which haven’t changed from last year). These prompts are broad—ranging from the classic "background, identity, interest, or talent" question to the "describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging..." prompt. You can find the exact prompts on the Common App website, but you won’t have to write a special UGA-only essay aside from your main personal statement.
Tip: UGA is known for valuing authenticity, intellectual curiosity, and tangible initiative. Make sure your essay shows real insight into who you are or how you approach challenges. For example, instead of sharing a generic story about "overcoming a tough class," focus on a unique moment—perhaps the time you taught a sibling algebra during a power outage, which sparked an interest in teaching.
Admissions reviewers want more than a list of achievements—they’re hoping for a story that gives a sense of your personality and how you might contribute to campus life. Students from past cycles have had success writing about service projects that connected them to their hometown or describing a turning point in a club or interest that doesn’t appear elsewhere in their application.
In summary: UGA requires just the Common App essay, and no school-specific supplements, as of the 2024-2025 cycle. If you get your main essay drafted this summer, you’ll be set up for success. If you’re applying to UGA through another application platform, check requirements, but as of now, the Common App essay is the one to focus on.
Planning ahead like this should definitely take some stress off in the fall—good luck, and let me know if you want tips tailored to any of the Common App prompts!
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