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UGA Supplemental Essay 2024-25 – Prompt and Advice

June 18, 2024

Over 43,000 students from around the world applied for a place in the UGA Class of 2028 . Further, the EA round in the 2023-24 cycle broke the previous year’s all-time high mark. This means that the UGA supplemental essay may be even more important in 2024-25 than in previous years.

Last year, the average incoming freshman took between 8-13 AP, IB, or dual enrollment courses in high school. The average student also earned a weighted GPA above a 4.0. Moreover, the SAT range for admitted freshmen was 1280-1470. The purpose of this information isn’t to engender fear in the hearts of Bulldog hopefuls; rather, we want to make sure that you take the task of presenting yourself in the best possible light very seriously.

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

Although it only has one general essay prompt (same as last year’s), UGA’s supplemental section still affords applicants an opportunity to illustrate what makes them uniquely qualified for admission. Below is the University of Georgia’s supplemental prompt for the 2024-25 admissions cycle along with our advice for composing an effective essay.

2024-2025 University of Georgia Essay Question

“The transition from middle to high school is a key time for students as they reach new levels of both academic and personal discovery. Please share a book (novel, non-fiction, etc.) that had a serious impact on you during this time. Please focus more on why this book made an impact on you and less on the plot/theme of the book itself (we are not looking for a book report).”

FYI – We are not restricting you to the exact years of 8th-9th grades, but rather the general timeframe of the middle to high school transition, which can extend somewhat further than one year on each end. Feel free to use your discretion in your choice of the timeline focused on the shift to your high school years.

(200-300 Words)

UGA Supplemental Essays 2024-25 (Continued)

This isn’t your average supplemental essay so make sure you don’t produce an average response. The highly personal nature of this prompt gives you the chance to make a strong impression on a UGA admissions officer. Since you won’t have a chance to interview at this large flagship school, this essay (as well as the main Common App essay) is one of the best chances you’ll have to forge an intimate connection with a member of the admissions committee.

You may have to dig back into your childhood bookshelves for this one. If you are having trouble, referring to the following lists may jog your memory:

Common Middle School-Assigned Texts

• The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Night by Elie Wiesel
• Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
• The Giver by Lois Lowry
• Roll of Thunder , Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor
• The entire Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
• The Call of the Wild by Jack London
• The Pigman by Paul Zindel
• Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Common 10th-Grade Assigned Texts

• Animal Farm by George Orwell
• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
• Hiroshima by John Hersey
• A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
• The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe
• Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
• The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• Walden by Henry David Thoreau
• Black Boy by Richard Wright

Of course, the book you pick may not have been assigned by a teacher, Additionally, note that the instructions give you the right to move back into 7th grade or forward into 10th grade if you wish. Remember, it can be a fiction or non-fiction text.

Big-picture thoughts on the “middle school book” essay

With a 300-word limit, you have a substantial amount of real estate to play around with here. There is enough space in which to tell a fairly substantial and detailed story. Still, in all likelihood, getting this one precisely right will involve a round or two of revision, ideally with some insight and feedback from a trusted adult or peer in the process. Some tips to keep in mind include:

• Don’t feel boxed into one particular structure for this essay. You could tell a story in multiple acts or present a slice-of-life vignette that took place in a single afternoon.
• You can use this opportunity to reveal something deep and meaningful about your personality/character.
• Make sure the content of this essay doesn’t overlap with your Common App essay. Always remember that an actual human being is going to be reading both documents; they don’t want to read two similar accounts of the same event.

How important is the UGA supplemental essay?

The essays (both the Common App essay and the supplemental one) are “considered” by the UGA admissions committee. This places them on the same tier of importance as recommendations, extracurricular activities, talent/ability, character/personal qualities, first-generation status, volunteer work, and work experience.

At UGA, three factors are “most important” in the admissions process. Those are: rigor of your coursework, GPA, and standardized test scores. However, application components like the supplemental essay can serve as a critical tie-breaker between similarly credentialed applicants.

Want Personalized Essay Assistance with your UGA Supplemental Essay?

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

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College Info , College Essays

The University of Georgia is an excellent public school ranked in the top 50 universities nationwide . If you're applying here, you'll need to submit two amazing essays. So what are the UGA essay prompts? And how can you ensure your UGA essays will make you stand out?

In this in-depth guide, we give you all the current UGA essay prompts and tips for choosing and approaching the best prompt for you. We also look at an actual UGA application essay example to give you an idea of what your own essay can and should look like.

Feature Image: Boston Public Library /Flickr

What Are the UGA Essay Prompts?

The UGA application, which you can submit via the Common Application or the Coalition Application , requires all first-year applicants to submit two essays.

The first essay is the personal essay that's part of the Common App or Coalition App. You can find a list of the Common App prompts and how to answer them here (and you can find the same information for the Coalition App here) .

The second essay you'll submit is unique to the University of Georgia application. The first UGA essay must answer the following prompt:

The college admissions process can create anxiety. In an attempt to make it less stressful, please tell us an interesting or amusing story about yourself from your high school years that you have not already shared in your application.

This essay prompt is pretty different from what you'd expect in a college application; it offers you many possibilities, both content-wise and stylistically. But don't worry: we're going to break it down for you below!

How to Write the UGA Supplement Essay

All applicants must respond to this prompt in 200-350 words. Here it is again for reference:

As noted above, this prompt isn't like most other college essay prompts in that instead of asking about your academic goals, skills, or accomplishments, it's trying to loosen you up by having you write about something fun and unique in your life.

In other words, UGA wants to tease out your less serious, less academic side to get a better sense of who you are as a person and not just as a student. Specifically, they want to know what holds meaning in your life and what kind of experience you think is worthy enough to share with the admissions committee.

Therefore, your first UGA essay must accomplish the following:

• Should be different from what you've talked about elsewhere on your application
• Should highlight your sincerity and personality
• Should reveal something important about who you are and/or what you value
• Should NOT be too serious—remember that UGA wants an "amusing" story!

Some of these qualities might go against everything you thought you knew about college essays, but it's important here to really try to be sincere, write with an authentic voice, and not shy away from showcasing your more irreverent side.

Here are some examples of possible topics you could write about:

• A time you made a faux pas or silly mistake (in or outside of school), how others reacted, and what you did to remedy the situation and/or learn from it
• A funny misunderstanding you had with someone, such as a teacher, friend, or parent, and what this experience taught you about the importance of clear communication
• Something amusing or thought-provoking you watched, listened to, read, or did, and why you found this particular thing so fascinating (this shouldn't be any old movie or book but something a little more unique)
• A unique hobby or interest you have, how you developed it, and why it's important to you

As you can see, you have a lot of options for what you can write about for this UGA essay. That said, make sure to avoid the following topics:

• Politics, religion, or any other overly serious or potentially controversial topic
• Death, illness, or any other grave event or moment from your life
• Something everyone has experienced or heard of—your topic should be unique to you
• Anything you've already mentioned in a different section of your application
• Stories about bodily functions (UGA specifically mentioned getting too many of these stories, so have some pity on them and choose a different topic!)

A Real UGA Application Essay Example + Analysis

Below is an actual UGA application essay example written by an admitted applicant named Micaela B. This essay, which is a response to an older prompt (" Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it" ), was taken from the UGA undergraduate admissions website where it was used as "an example of what we [UGA] consider a strong essay."

Here is the essay, at just around 300 words long (the word limit):

It's unassuming, the tiled top square table with mismatched chairs, its lacquer wearing thin from dishes being passed back and forth, room for four but always crowded by eleven. It may be unassuming but its power is undeniable.

As I grew older, the after-dinner conversations grew more intriguing to me. I began to stay and listen, to the politics I didn't understand and the adult gossip I shouldn't have been privy to. The dynamic of the debate shifted almost every time the topic changed, but the one thing that was consistent was that after all the plates were cleared and the chairs were pushed back in, everyone came together for dessert; pizzelles and biscotti. No afterthoughts, no bitterness.

I admire my family's ability to embrace each other for their differences, instead of letting it break us apart. There was no greater example of the lesson in acceptance than when my family learned of the change in sexuality of one of our relatives. After the dissolution of a marriage and a traditional family, the initial resentment towards her for the challenge to our family values was difficult to digest, yet unavoidable. It was the first dispute that ever brought tears to that weathered table with the peeling laquer. Instead of allowing differing lifestyles to drive a wedge between us, our family challenged each other's misconceptions, we discussed, we cried and we accepted.

Being raised in such a racially, economically and religiously diverse community, I am lucky to have developed the skill set to empathize with the people around me and understand that not everyone thinks the same way. In fact life would be pretty boring if everyone acted in uniformity; in a more harmonious world, everyone should be able to voice their opinions and speak their minds, and still come together for dessert.

Here's what makes this UGA essay work:

• It opens with a captivating description: This essay, especially the first two paragraphs, is undeniably attention-grabbing. The vivid image of the "tiled top square table" and how it is "always crowded by eleven" thrusts us directly into Micaela's boisterous life, making us feel as though we're sitting right there beside her and her family.
• It's tightly focused and easy to follow: From the beginning, we can tell that the crux of this essay is family, specifically the challenges that come with being a member of a large, diverse group. The story here really begins to open up by the third paragraph, where Micaela relates a surprising event—the "change" in a relative's sexuality—and shows how her family learned a valuable lesson in acceptance as a result.
• It's got a positive spin: Even though the essay discusses the challenges for a family to come together, it ultimately ends on a high note. This reveals to us a lot about Micaela's character, especially her commitment to harmony and her open-mindedness toward others.

4 Essential Tips for Your UGA Essays

Now, it's time to wrap up with some final helpful tips for your UGA essays.

#1: Be as Specific as Possible

Specificity is key to producing an effective and compelling college essay. In both your UGA essays, make sure you're being as specific as you can be: use real names of people or places, describe the emotions you felt at the time, and tell us what was said, both by whom and to whom.

Details are what will ultimately make the UGA admissions committee be able to more easily relate to your experiences, passions, and point of view. So don't forget to include them!

#2: Use an Authentic Voice

The essays are the time for your personality to shine, so don't hold back— use your natural voice to tell your story. It's OK to tell some jokes or emphasize your love of flowery language with a few poetic metaphors, for example.

That said, essays don't give you free rein to be impolite or to completely break the conventions of English grammar, so know what your limits are as you write.

#3: Write Concisely

You only have up to 350 words for the supplemental UGA essay, so it's important to focus on being concise. If one of your rough drafts exceeds the word limit by a lot, you can try to trim it down by deleting any irrelevant or wordy passages.

#4: Remember to Edit and Proofread

Finally, don't forget to edit and proofread your UGA essays! As you edit, spend time looking for the following:

• Irrelevant passages, phrases, and/or sentences
• Redundant words, phrases, and/or descriptions
• Awkward-sounding or misplaced phrases/passages
• Errors in spelling, grammar, and/or punctuation

Once you've done your own edit of your UGA essays, give them to someone to look over, such as a teacher, parent, or older sibling. Ask this person to proofread the essays and to offer you any advice they might have on how you can improve them in terms of organization, examples or details, word choice, etc.

What's Next?

Applying to other colleges in the eastern United States? Then check out our in-depth guides for tips on how to write the Georgia Tech essays , the Duke essays , and the Johns Hopkins essay .

Lots of colleges use the Common App and require an essay submitted through this system. Read our guide to learn all about the Common App essay prompts and how you can ensure your essay will impress admissions committees.

Still want to know more about UGA? Take a look at our UGA admissions requirements page to get info on the GPA and test scores needed to secure admission to this popular school.

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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University of Georgia’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Impactful book short response.

The transition from middle to high school is a key time for students as they reach new levels of both academic and personal discovery. Please share a book (novel, non-fiction, etc.) that had a serious impact on you during this time. Please focus more on why this book made an impact on you and less on the plot/theme of the book itself (we are not looking for a book report).

We are not restricting you to the exact years of 8th-9th grades, but rather the general timeframe of the middle to high school transition, which can extend somewhat further than one year on each end. Feel free to use your discretion in your choice of the timeline focused on the shift to your high school years.*

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

University of Georgia 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Action: Oct 15

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 1

You Have: 

University of Georgia 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations 

The Requirements: 1 essays of 200-300 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Oddball

T he transition from middle to high school is a key time for students as they reach new levels of both academic and personal discovery. Please share a book (novel, non-fiction, etc.) that had a serious impact on you during this time. Please focus more on why this book made an impact on you and less on the plot/theme of the book itself (we are not looking for a book report).” (200-300 words)

This prompt asks you to discuss a book that made a big impression on you as you navigated the transition from middle to high school. At CEA, we always recommend that you choose an unexpected work in order to stand out from the pack, but ultimately, you should aim for authenticity rather than uniqueness. If Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was the book you turned to in the beginning of freshman year, where you found not only fantastical escape, but also an accurate reflection of the struggles of fitting in (even if you weren’t the “chosen one”), then write about that! But a word of warning if you choose a more commonly read book such as those from the Wizarding World: your essay has to go above and beyond if it has any chance of making an impression on the admissions department at UGA. 

If, however, there is another less-mainstream book that struck a chord with you, we encourage you to select that one to elaborate upon. No matter your choice, as you contemplate the prompt, ask yourself: Which characters have inspired you? Which plotlines have stayed with you long after you closed the book? How did you apply what you took from the story to your own life?

Regardless of the book you choose, try to give yourself as much time as possible to reflect on its impact and the role it played in helping you navigate your introduction to high school. As always, it’s your job to tell admissions a story, one that reveals information about who you are, what you care about, and/or what inspires you.

About Kat Stubing

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How to Write the University of Georgia Essays 2016-17

Check out the university of georgia application essays for 2017-2018.

So you have decided to apply to the University of Georgia, where the only thing hotter than your ardor for the Georgia Bulldogs will be your animus toward the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, or the Georgia summer heat. While UGA is known for its passion for football, it also offers a Southern retreat into the lively college town known as Athens.

UGA boasts a wide array of pre-professional career tracks into any one of its specialized colleges, such as the renowned Terry College of Business, the College of Veterinary Medicine, or the School of Social Work. Whichever field of study you end up choosing, there is little doubt that you will not have the classic Southern college experience, along with about 27,000 other undergraduates, while at UGA.

Part of being a public institution of higher education — as opposed to many of the private institutions that we at CollegeVine write about — means that UGA may make their final admissions decisions based on factors like GPA and test scores, and soft factors like essays are given less weight. Though ensuring your stats are up to the university’s standards is the most important thing you can do to increase your chances at admission, strong essays can also have a significant impact on your application.

About 52% of applicants were admitted in 2015, with the middle 50% of admitted first-year students having SAT scores ranging from 1290 to 1440, and admitted Honors students having scores ranging from 1480 to 1530. In terms of the ACT, the middle 50% of admitted first-year students ranged from 27-31, and those admitted to the Honors College were usually 32-34.

Below, our essay specialists have created a guide to help you write your essay for the University of Georgia.

University of Georgia Application Essay Prompts

Here are the four essay questions for this admissions cycle, with Essay 1 being required (200-300 words) and Essays 2-4 being three options from which the applicant can select two (150-200 words).

As the instructions explain, you must write two essays, and the topic for one of them can be chosen from any of three different essay prompts. Note that none of them require you to write an exorbitant amount, with the longest possible response being 300 words (or about half a page), single-spaced.

For all these essay prompts, you may find it helpful to write out longer responses with everything you could possibly include in them and weed down your responses from there until you’re within the maximum word count. This can help you ensure your responses contain all essential information and no fluff.

Now that we’ve discussed a general approach to getting around tight word limits, let’s tackle these prompts one by one.

(Required) The UGA faculty has defined the qualities that the student body should demonstrate in the Admissions Philosophy Statement. After reviewing this, help us understand which of your qualities will add value to our community of scholars. (200-300 words)

The first prompt requires you to have read the UGA Admissions Philosophy Statement and given it some thought. Principally, it calls for a University of Georgia scholar to commit to the conservation and enhancement of our society’s intellectual, cultural, and environmental heritage. While this statement echoes the concepts of many upstanding colleges, it also emphasizes more uncommon sentiments, such as an understanding and respect of foreign cultures, as well as commitment to citizenship.

Ideally, it would be great if you had regularly participated in some activities prior to applying that attested to your commitment to what the Philosophy Statement demands. This does not mean you need to have traveled abroad to teach English or opened a soup kitchen, as long as whatever activity you took part in rendered efficacious results, and was worth the effort.

This question also forces you to demonstrate the amount of high-level introspection you have done, such that you are able to relate and connect your personal qualities to your activities to effectively answer the prompt. A tale only of what you have done will not go as far as explaining what the experience meant to you, how it changed you, and how that change will cause you to impact the UGA community in a similar manner.

Describe a problem, possibly related to your area of study, which you would like to solve. Explain its importance to you and what actions you would take to solve this issue. (150-200 words)

Should you choose to write a response to the second prompt, you will need to demonstrate a significant amount of technical information about a field you are very familiar with and translate it into colloquial terms within 150-200 words. This is a challenging essay to write, since you will have to be your own fact-checker in whatever you are writing about; however, if you are truly passionate about the subject, then this essay will not be too difficult.

Often, the kind of knowledge necessary to concisely speak to the problem in a particular field requires one to have worked in the field in some capacity. If you have done some research in high school or have worked a job (related to your upcoming field of study), then it might be easier for you to discuss the problem in the field.

Discussing its importance to you also gives you an opportunity to demonstrate how passionate you are about the interest ( Note: Avoid using the word “passion” in your writing — it has become extremely overused to the point that it has lost much of its meaning in the admissions world). Even though you will make claims at large about your general love for the topic, this essay response will be much easier to write if you choose a specific problem within the field.

You might try to talk about, for example, the problems in scientific validation when published experiments are rarely replicated, and so it is truly unknown if the findings are sound; the poor effectiveness of creating dozens of new potential sources of energy in the last decade since none have gained traction in funding, attention, etc.; or the need to address implicit gender-based discrimination arising from the Romance languages such that new terms including “Latinx” (non-gendered, thus not Latino/a) have risen among millennials of Latino descent.

Choose a problem that speaks to you, and that you could see yourself potentially working to address in the future.

After choosing what problem you wish to discuss, you could research how others have attempted tackling it so that you have an idea of what might be expected from a reasonable solution. Your proposed solution does not (and most likely will not) need to be a surefire fix to the problem, but it does need to show a thoughtful attempt at innovation crafted by knowledge of the issue at stake. In fact, if you are feeling unsure about your solution, you might even try discussing the methods that you would employ to come up with an efficacious solution.

This is another way to demonstrate how far you would be willing to go to solve the problem, and might include the specific types of people you need to talk to, current potential fixes in the field and how they need to be changed, or even tangential topics like how you would go about acquiring funding for creating your solution. The point of this essay is not so much creating a solution as it is about your drive to find a solution.

Tell us an interesting or amusing story about yourself that you have not already shared in your application. (150-200 words)

Should you choose to write a response to the third prompt, you will need to exercise your creativity muscle a bit more, but responding to this prompt gives you an opportunity to create a piece of writing that will truly stick in your reader’s mind. Quick psychology tip: Humans are creatures of stories, and thus, making yourself memorable through a good story is an ingenious way of making sure your application sticks out from the rest, especially when your competition might be discussing about problems in their field (above), or inventing a course (below).

In order to create an adequate response to this prompt, you will probably try and rack your brain for funny experiences to share. It’s a good idea to utilize your friends when brainstorming; friends will probably be your biggest help in jogging your memory about stories you may have forgotten.

Whatever the story ends up being, you need to be sure that it is appropriate, especially when considering your audience (UGA admissions officers). Consider running your story by a few of your teachers beforehand. Your essay does not necessarily need to be funny, so do not try to cram humor into a story that is more geared towards the “interesting” aspect of the prompt.

UGA’s First-Year Odyssey Program offers more than 300 seminar courses for new freshmen. Some examples include “The History of Horse Racing,” “Einstein and the Theories of Relativity,” and “The Zombie Plague.” If you could create your own seminar course at UGA in any subject area that interested you, what would it be? What would the course be named, and what would you hope to learn? Please write your response in the style of the UGA First-Year Odyssey descriptions as seen on their website. (150-200 words)

Should you choose to write a response to the third prompt, you will need creativity, much like in the second prompt. However, it will have to be more focused in order to take on the format of course descriptions as seen on UGA’s First Year Odyssey website . In a sense, this prompt asks the applicant to imagine how an interest of his or hers could play out if it were to be set in an open-discussion classroom context.

A good starting point is taking some time to ponder about questions that you may have had while learning about something in school. Admissions officers want to measure the extent of your intellectual curiosity, and how much debate you are willing to undergo to pursue some answers. This is a test of innovation in thinking, since inventing a feasible course capable of educating students via discussion requires diligent industry and thought.

Interestingly, many of these courses at the University of Georgia tend to combine different disciplines — like the economics of crime, or the policy implications of neuroscience findings — and this is definitely an avenue that you could pursue to make your application stand out.

As many of the course descriptions for the First-Year Odyssey demonstrate, you should begin by describing the context of the subject matter. Due to the variability in course topic, this context could take the form of a brief history, the description of a particular event, or even a single thought someone might have that is worth delving into.

Often, the titles of these courses are not obscure or vague, so you should name yours something similarly, bearing in mind you can be as creative as you want to be in the naming. Some possible titles include “Law and Professional Ethics” or “Save the Bees! Beekeeping and Colony Collapse Disorder.”

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

From our team at CollegeVine to you, we wish you the best as you apply to the University of Georgia.

Happy Writing!

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The Ultimate Guide to the University of Georgia's Supplemental Essays

Applying to the University of Georgia (UGA)? You're on the right path! UGA's beautiful campus, renowned academic programs, and spirit of community make it a top choice for many students. The college application process often comes with writing supplemental essays, and UGA is no exception. This blog post aims to guide you on how to best approach these UGA supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle.

UGA Supplemental Essay Prompt #1

The college admissions process can create anxiety. In an attempt to make it less stressful, please tell us an interesting or amusing story about yourself from your high school years that you have not already shared in your application.

Approach: This prompt invites you to share a unique aspect of your high school life. It could be an anecdote about a memorable event, a surprising hobby, or an unusual skill you have. Keep the tone light and enjoyable to read. Show your personality through this essay; let your sense of humor or interesting perspective shine!

During my sophomore year of high school, I decided to try out for the school's ultimate frisbee team, despite never having touched a frisbee before. In my first practice, my throws looked more like lopsided boomerangs than smooth, flat discs. At the team’s first game, I was given the task of throwing the first "pull," the ultimate frisbee equivalent of a kickoff. My nerves took over, and instead of the frisbee soaring downfield, it flew straight up and then veered right, landing in the nearby tennis court. This sparked a roaring laughter from both teams, and even the referee couldn’t contain his chuckles. I was mortified but joined the laughter because of the absurdity of the situation. That moment of shared laughter taught me the value of not taking myself too seriously and helped me bond with my teammates. By the end of the season, my throws had improved, and while I'll never be an ultimate frisbee champion, I'll always be the champion of good humor on the team.

UGA Supplemental Essay Prompt #2

The University of Georgia community creates, contributes, and applies knowledge in many ways. Describe an example of your leadership and the impact it had on others.

Approach: Here, UGA wants to understand how you lead and contribute to a community. Reflect on moments when you stepped up to take charge—maybe in an academic setting, a club, a sports team, or volunteering. How did your leadership make a difference? Remember, leadership isn't just about being the president of a club. You could have demonstrated leadership through initiative, teamwork, or problem-solving.

In my junior year, I served as the project manager for our school's Robotics Club. Our team was tasked with designing a robot for a local competition, but we hit a snag when our design kept failing during tests. As project manager, I decided to take a new approach. I organized a brainstorming session, where everyone, including the newest members, was encouraged to propose solutions. One of the freshman members suggested a minor adjustment to the weight distribution, which many had overlooked. His solution turned out to be the key to fixing our design! By fostering an environment where every voice was valued, we not only built a successful robot but also strengthened our team cohesion.

UGA Supplemental Essay Prompt #3 (Optional)

In our diverse and interdependent world, please tell us about an experience that demonstrated or gave you the opportunity to understand the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Approach: UGA values diversity and inclusion, and this prompt asks you to share an experience where you came to understand its significance. It could be a personal encounter, an event, or a revelation from a book or film. The key is to convey your ability to learn from diverse perspectives and experiences and to contribute to an inclusive campus culture.

In high school, I volunteered for a local organization that supports refugee resettlement. One of my primary tasks involved tutoring a young girl from Syria. The language barrier and cultural differences made the task challenging at first, but I gradually found ways to connect with her through visuals, storytelling, and games. The experience showed me the value of patience, empathy, and open-mindedness in understanding and appreciating the diverse backgrounds and experiences of others. It also reinforced the importance of equity in access to education, regardless of one's origins.

UGA Supplemental Essay Short Answer Question

UGA’s 2023 First-Year Odyssey Program offers more than 300 seminar courses for new students. Which do you find most appealing and why?

Approach: Research is key here. Explore the First-Year Odyssey program, select a seminar that genuinely interests you, and articulate why. Link it back to your academic interests, career goals, or intellectual curiosity.

Sure, let's dive into example responses for each of the University of Georgia supplemental essays.

UGA Supplemental Essay Prompt #3

I find "Unleashing Creativity Through Visual Storytelling" particularly appealing among UGA's First-Year Odyssey seminars. As a budding filmmaker, this course aligns with my passion for storytelling and my desire to delve deeper into the techniques of visual narration. The opportunity to analyze the work of acclaimed filmmakers and apply those insights to a project of my own is thrilling. Moreover, it would be invaluable in preparing me for my intended major in Film Studies.

Remember, your essays are a chance to showcase your personality, experiences, values, and goals. Be authentic, thoughtful, and concise. Tailor your responses to UGA, showing why you're a good fit for their community.

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How to Approach the University of Georgia Supplemental Essay

The University of Georgia has confirmed its supplemental essay topic for the class of 2024. 

Here is the prompt:

“ The transition from middle to high school is a key time for students as they reach new levels of both academic and personal discovery. Please share a book (novel, non-fiction, etc.) that had a serious impact on you during this time. Please focus more on why this book made an impact on you and less on the plot/theme of the book itself (we are not looking for a book report).” 200-300 Words

• FYI – We are not restricting you to the exact years of 8th-9th grades, but rather the general timeframe of the middle to high school transition, which can extend somewhat further than one year on each end. Feel free to use your discretion in your choice of the timeline focused on the shift to your high school years.

So, how should students approach this essay, especially if they are not big readers or if they don’t remember the books they read in middle school or early high school? 

Here are 3 brainstorming tips to help you develop your essay if a book that impacted doesn’t immediately jump to mind.

1. On one side of a Google Doc or a big sheet of paper, make a list of any books you remember reading in and outside of school in 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th grades and write a sentence about what you remember the book being about. Feel free to scan your bookshelves, Kindle library, journals, GoodReads, and bookstagrams, if you find yourself getting stuck!

2. On the other side of the document, make a list of important moments and thoughts you remember from your transition to high school and think about what personal values go along with each one.

Examples: 

• My best friend moved away and I couldn’t imagine going to high school without her. It was hard to find a new friend group but I found new friends in the Robotics club. Connection, Friendship
• I was so excited to get picked for the varsity softball team but also scared that I wouldn’t be good enough to stay on it. I spent hours in the gym and at home. Persistence, Dedication
• My 9th grade history teacher was so hard! I failed the first test. I had to do so many things differently to do well in that class. Perseverance, Resourcefulness

3. Now, go down the list of books and see if you can make a connection between the theme of a book or the main character’s journey and any of the values associated with your important moments or experiences. Draw a line to link any that might go together. 

Pick one pair that you think would help you share a positive quality or two with the Georgia admissions team.

Remember to spend the majority of your essay talking about you and your experiences! The important thing is making sure this short essay helps the reader learn more about you beyond your transcript, resume, and what you already shared in your personal statement.

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University of Georgia Undergraduate College Application Essays

These University of Georgia college application essays were written by students accepted at University of Georgia. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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College Application Essays accepted by University of Georgia

An unforgettable summer amit momaya, university of georgia.

What came first, science or technology?" asked a tall and husky figure, who was dressed in an unbuttoned and rather threadbare lab coat. My initial response was science because I reasoned that technology was the application of science. An...

Helping Mrs. Greenburg Carl V. Lewis

Three years ago, it had never crossed my mind to help people who were not part of my immediate sphere of family and friends. Instead, I adopted a convenient attitude of apathy when it came to service – never imagining that an invitation to...

A Man of Convictions Eric Tracz

I am well known for having many strongly held personal convictions. Whether people look fondly on my convictions or harness utter disdain for them is a completely different story. Some are seen to be outrageous, such as believing that dipping...

Conquering Adversity Anonymous

June 16, 2000 -- My sense of uncertainty had never been so overwhelming, my emotions never so mixed. Born seven weeks early on what I now view as a blessed day, my youngest brother, initially referred to as “Baby Malone,” hung on for dear life. He...

Leadership Anonymous

Society must work together. People must endeavor to do everything they can so as to ensure that humanity upholds valuable ethics and a strong sense of goodwill. The I Club, sponsored by Rotary International, seeks to accomplish these goals on a...

Fear Anonymous

I’m hanging on a half inch thick loop of nylon webbing over a 100 foot cliff, double checking my anchor set up for a climb I’m about to try with a friend. My hands are a little numb and my breath hangs in the air in front of me. Looking out from...

As Your Editor Alexandrea Neville

Chasing after interview subjects, furiously typing away at a keyboard to meet deadline, and becoming allergic to sleep as I sit hunched with a red proofreading pen are scenes well known to the life of an editor. Despite two years of involvement as...

Olivia Alexandrea Neville

Olivia and I were freshman when we met, introduced through a mutual friend. From the moment we shook hands, by accident or design, we were inseparable.

Our friendship was the kind found only in fictitious novels. We were the sole inhabitants of a...

Learning to Flourish Anonymous

"You're ugly, and you have no friends."

We were settling in our seats for the annual career day assembly, and Eleni Pappas turned and spat the words out at me. I blushed while she laughed, pulling her hair off her lace-trimmed shirt (which, for...

The Task of the Modern Educator Rebekka A. Strom

A week after New Year’s in 2011, the cherry blossom tree outside my apartment’s living room erupted in pink and my best friend died. Two weeks later, I stared into the eyes of seventeen eager 9-year-olds in my first classroom. By the end of the...

A Catch-22 in the Business World Anna Erickson

Joseph Heller’s Catch-22 has been revered since its 1961 release, serving as a landmark of American literature. The infamous phrase “catch-22” -- indicating a paradoxical, irresolvable situation -- has traditionally held a negative connotation....

Rising Above Anonymous

As the applause faded to a hum, my whole body began to tremble. My throat seized up and tiny bumps arose across my arms. Just as my legs felt ready to give out underneath me, the conductor raised her hands. In one swift movement, a wave of relief...

My Time to Come with Technology Nikkie Karimian

6,876 miles. This might be a hard distance to measure, so let me help you understand how far it is and just what it has entailed. It’s not only how far I’ve travelled almost every summer to see my family, but it’s how far I’ve travelled to become...

Becoming Me Sandra Maeva Makendi Guebediang

“Gue… Gue…Gueb…be,” my new teacher stumbled over the pronunciation of my last name. I smirked under my breath but decided to put her out of her misery by raising my hand and declaring my presence. “It’s Guebediang but I go by Maeva.” With a name...

To Be Missed Miranda Black

"We won't miss you anyway.” -My drama teacher’s response after I told him that I wasn’t going to audition for his next superior musical.

When I got home, I cried—not just from embarrassment—but because his words validated something I had known for...

Community Service and My Future Anonymous

In the summer of 2016, I met Dimitria, an eight-year-old native of southeast Atlanta, at Park Avenue Baptist Church’s literacy camp, an effort to reduce the local high school’s 68% drop out rate. On the surface, she seemed like the other...

Ceramics Anonymous

When I look at a lump of clay, I see limitless potential. With only my hands and my imagination, I can take this mound of wet dirt and create something functional. Poetic beauty exists in creating something out of nothing, something beautiful out...

Spirited Away - One Summer's Day Kandyce Whittingham

I strolled into Boston University’s College of Fine Arts, slipping off my tennis shoes and socks to embrace the cold tile floor of what was once a Buick dealership showroom in the 60s. Eagerly awaiting the start of Theatre Ensemble, I socialized...

Dressing Up Never Gets Old Marylyn Chen

The date was near...even before I even glanced at my calendar full of sporadic events and reminders, I knew it. It’s finally Homecoming Week: the ultimate week for high-schoolers to go wild (within the confines of the dress code, of course)....

Broadening Horizons Marylyn Chen

“Marylyn? The trouble-maker?”

Normally, you would not expect these words to be paired with smiles, but there they were, plastered on the faces of my classmates’ parents who loved to tease me. I laughed it off as if the joke meant nothing to me,...

For the Birds Anonymous

Few among us can report an encounter with Bigfoot, or really with any cryptid of equal reputation, but I came pretty close. It was a sweltering day in Atlanta, temperature somewhere in the high eighties. The iced tea in my stomach was nearing...

Young Shakespeare Anonymous

At the tender age of five, I became a movie director. At night, I could entertain myself for hours at a time, lying flat on my back, in the dark, watching self-written films inside my head. These were the most exciting adventures, acted in the...

Comfort from Cats Anonymous

As soon as my sister and I had settled into the back of the ambulance, I pulled out my phone and opened the “Notes” app despite my dwindling battery—putting my thoughts down meant everything to me in that moment. I wrote: Right now, I’m Schrödinger...

Fearless Anonymous

“Fearless!” I snatched the pack of watermelon gum from Michael’s hand.

“Oh great,” he said. Earlier that morning, a GHP teacher in my Word Congress class challenged us to pick a word that we felt was an important quality to have, then spend the...

Recent Questions about University of Georgia

The Question and Answer section for University of Georgia is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Founding Brothers :The Collaborators

The alliance between Jefferson and Madison congealed after Jefferson stepped down from his position as Secretary of State.

Please list your questions separately.

I am only finding mention of the planting class in the chapter, "The Friendship". Are you sure you've provided the correct chapter? If so, I'll read through the chapter again.

Where can I find a video/film of "The River" by Flannery O'Connor? I watched it years ago!

The link below will take you to the Phoenix Learning Group. Both the DVD and VHS versions are available for $59.99

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r/ApplyingToCollege is the premier forum for college admissions questions, advice, and discussions, from college essays and scholarships to college list help and application advice, career guidance, and more.

UGA Supplementary Essay Question

I’m applying to University of Georgia and on their admissions website it says the supplemental essay should be 200-300 words. On the commonapp though it says 200-350 words. I’m worried that if I write over 300 words on the commonapp they will cut it off when reviewing it, so if anyone has some insight or any connections to UGA any help would be greatly appreciated!

Essays on the Great Depression

• Ben S. Bernanke

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From the Nobel Prize–winning economist and former chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve, a landmark book that provides vital lessons for understanding financial crises and their sometimes-catastrophic economic effects

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As chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve during the Global Financial Crisis, Ben Bernanke helped avert a greater financial disaster than the Great Depression. And he did so by drawing directly on what he had learned from years of studying the causes of the economic catastrophe of the 1930s—work for which he was later awarded the Nobel Prize. Essays on the Great Depression brings together Bernanke’s influential work on the origins and economic lessons of the Depression, and this new edition also includes his Nobel Prize lecture.

"Bernanke certainly knows the importance of well-functioning markets. In Essays on the Great Depression he wrote persuasively that runs on the banks and extensive defaults on loans reduced the efficiency of the financial sector, prevented it from doing its normal job in allocating resources, and contributed to the Depression severity. The Depression-era problems he studied are mirrored by similar issues today, and they need urgent attention."—Robert J. Shiller, New York Times

"Bernanke probably knows more about the Depression of the 1930s, about specific events and economic interpretations, than any other living person."—Michael Barone, U.S. News & World Report

"Tempting as it is to focus on President Herbert Hoover and the 1929 U.S. market crash, Bernanke explores conditions across dozens of countries—assessing where banking crises erupted, how deeply economic activity plummeted and which central banks made the right calls."—Carlos Lozada, Washington Post

"Having devoted much of his career to studying the causes of the Great Depression, Bernanke was the academic expert on how to prevent financial crises from spinning out of control and threatening the general economy. One line from his Essays on the Great Depression sounds especially prescient today: 'To the extent that bank panics interfere with normal flows of credit, they may affect the performance of the real economy.'"—Roger Lowenstein, New York Times Magazine

"Fortunately, before he became entangled in these restrictions [Bernanke] did edit and help write a book, Essays on the Great Depression . . . . Bernanke's motive was that understanding the depression would provide important clues to what can go wrong with capitalist market systems."—Samuel Brittan, Financial Times

"The financial crisis has made Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's book Essays on the Great Depression a hot seller. . . . Bernanke, a former Princeton University economist, is considered the pre-eminent living scholar of the Great Depression. He is practicing today what he preached in his book: Flood the system with money to avoid a depression."—Dennis Cauchon, USA Today

"When Ben Bernanke arrived at the Federal Reserve in February 2006 as the new chairman of the central bank, he had a copy of his 2001 book, Inflation Targeting: Lessons from the International Experience , tucked under his arm. Not literally, of course. He was hoping to convince his colleagues on the Federal Open Market Committee of the value of an explicit inflation target. Little did he know that less than two years later he'd be shelving Inflation Targeting and turning to Essays on the Great Depression , another of his books, for guidance. In his book of essays, Bernanke calls the Great Depression the 'Holy Grail of macroeconomics.' He writes that 'the experience of the 1930s continues to influence macroeconomists' beliefs, policy recommendations, and research agendas.'"—Caroline Baum, Bloomberg.com

"With some observers saying that the ongoing financial crisis could be the worst since the Great Depression, the greatest living expert on that period is getting the chance to apply its economic lessons. . . . In Essays on the Great Depression . . . [Bernanke] notes that understanding that period is the 'holy grail of macroeconomics.'"—Spencer Jakab, Dow Jones Newswires

"Bernanke is the master of applied microeconomics. Not only is he technically proficient but his ability to place his results in a larger macroeconomic context is unparalleled."—Mark Toma, Financial History Review

"This influential body of work is a significant contribution to our understanding the depth and persistence of the Great Depression. . . . This book will become a standard reference in the field of business cycle research."—Randall Kroszner, University of Chicago

"Bernanke's work has had a powerful impact on the economics profession, alerting macroeconomists to the advantages of historical analysis, and a number of important figures (James Hamilton, Steve Cecchetti, for example), inspired by his work, have followed him into the field. The nine essays form a remarkably coherent whole."—Barry Eichengreen, University of California, Berkeley, and author of Globalizing Capital: A History of the International Monetary System

"Collecting these essays together will provide a single source for students to find Bernanke's substantial contributions. . . . His papers demonstrate conclusively that the international view of the Great Depression has impressive explanatory power."—Peter Temin, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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• Emily Wilson publishes essay on Epictetus in the London Review of Books

Emily Wilson publishes essay on Epictetus, "I have gorgeous hair", in the London Review of Books. Click here to read the article.

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College essays that worked and how yours can too.

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CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 08: A view of Harvard Yard on the campus of Harvard University on ... [+] July 08, 2020 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have sued the Trump administration for its decision to strip international college students of their visas if all of their courses are held online. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The college essay is a pivotal piece of the college application showcasing your individuality and differentiated outlook to admissions officers. What makes an essay truly shine? Let’s dive into the words behind three standout essays highlighted by university websites and a school newspaper's brand studio so you can get into the right mindset for crafting your own narrative.

Embracing Differences: Finding Strength In Uniqueness

Essay Excerpt: ‘Bra Shopping ’ (Harvard)

Featured by the Harvard Crimson Brand Studio , Orlee's essay recounts a student's humorous and insightful experience of bra shopping with her grandmother, weaving in her unique family dynamics and challenges at her prestigious school.

What Works:

• Humor and Honesty: The student's humor makes the essay enjoyable to read, while her honesty about her challenges adds depth.
• Self-Awareness: She demonstrates a strong sense of self-awareness, embracing her uniqueness rather than trying to fit in.
• Resilience: Her narrative highlights resilience and the ability to find strength in differences.

For Your Essay : To write an essay that embraces your uniqueness, start by identifying a quirky or challenging experience that reflects who a key insight into your experience. Think about how this experience has shaped your perspective and character. Use humor and honesty to bring your story to life, and focus on how you have embraced your differences to become stronger and more resilient.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, finding connections: humor and self-reflection.

Essay: ‘Brood X Cicadas ’ (Hamilton College)

As an example on Hamilton's admissions website, Nicholas writes about the cicadas swarming his hometown every 17 years and draws a parallel between their emergence and his own transition to college life. He uses humor and self-reflection to create a relatable and engaging narrative.

• Humor: Nicholas uses humor to make his essay entertaining and memorable. His witty comparisons between himself and cicadas add a unique twist.
• Self-Reflection: By comparing his life to the cicadas’, he reflects on his own growth and readiness for change.
• Relatability: His narrative about facing new experiences and challenges resonates with readers who have undergone similar transitions.

For Your Essay: To infuse humor and self-reflection into your essay, start by identifying an ordinary experience or object and think about how it relates to your life. Write down funny or insightful observations about this connection. Use humor to make your essay more engaging, but ensure it still conveys meaningful self-reflection. This balance can make your essay both entertaining and profound.

Persistence and Multicultural Identity: Life Lessons From Tortilla Making

Essay: ‘ Facing The Hot Griddle ’ (Johns Hopkins University)

In this essay published by Hopkins Insider, Rocio uses the process of making tortillas to explore her multicultural identity and the challenges she has faced. Her story beautifully weaves together her Guatemalan heritage and her experiences growing up in the United States.

• Metaphor and Symbolism: The process of making tortillas becomes a powerful metaphor for the student’s journey and struggles. The symbolism of the masa harina and water mixing parallels her blending of cultural identities.
• Personal Growth: The essay highlights her perseverance and adaptability, qualities that are crucial for success in college.
• Cultural Insight: She provides a rich, personal insight into her multicultural background, making her story unique and compelling.

For Your Essay: To write an essay that explores your identity through a metaphor, start by thinking about an activity or tradition that holds significant meaning for you. Consider how this activity relates to your life experiences and personal growth. Use detailed descriptions to bring the activity to life and draw connections between the process and your own journey. Reflect on the lessons you've learned and how they've shaped your identity.

A winning college essay isn’t simply about parading your best accomplishment or dramatizing your challenges. It’s not a contest for which student is the most original or entertaining. Rather, the essay is a chance for you to showcase your authenticity, passion, resilience, social awareness, and intellectual vitality . By sharing genuine stories and insights, you can create an essay that resonates with admissions committees and highlights your unique qualities.

For you to have the best possible essay, mindset is key. Here’s how to get into the zone:

• Reflect Deeply: Spend time thinking about your experiences, challenges, and passions. Journaling can help you uncover deep insights.
• Discuss and Share: Talking about your stories with friends, family, or mentors can provide new perspectives and emotional clarity.
• Immerse Yourself: Engage in activities that you are passionate about to reignite the feelings and memories associated with them.
• Draft Freely: Don’t worry about perfection on the first try. Write freely and honestly, then refine your narrative.

The secret to a standout college essay lies in its authenticity, depth, and emotional resonance. By learning from these successful examples and getting into the right mindset, you can craft an essay that not only stands out but also provides a meaningful insight into who you are. Remember, your essay is your story—make it a piece of writing that you will always be proud of.

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Information on the UGA 2021 Application

  david graves        may 7th, 2020 in blog.

• UGA will accept any of the following freshman applications: The Common Application, The Coalition Application and the UGA based Application (only submit one application from one of these options).
• We will still accept documents from all the same providers (SCOIR, Naviance/Parchment, documents submitted through the UGA admissions site, mailed in materials, etc.)
• We will still require a Secondary School Report (SRR) from a counselor, an official transcript sent from your school, and we will accept optional letters of recommendation from teachers/community members.
• Currently, we will still require an official SAT or ACT exam result sent to us from the testing agency. If the University System of GA and UGA change this policy, we will announce it ASAP.
• The Freshman Application will open up on September 1.

UGA will require two essays, a longer personal essay (250-650 words) and a shorter essay (200-300 words).

• 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?
• 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, 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.
• The shorter essay prompt will be the following – “The college admissions process can create anxiety. In an attempt to make it less stressful, please tell us an interesting or amusing story about yourself from your high school years that you have not already shared in your application.”

Review Process

UGA still intends on having both Early Action and Regular Decision rounds, and we currently are still working on the same deadlines for both rounds as last year. If we need to change the materials deadline for one or both rounds, we will make an announcement as soon as we have made this determination.

• UGA understands that Spring courses and grades might look very different for some students and school systems this year, and we will take that into account in our review of an applicant’s academic record. We will calculate a GPA based on the grades that are on the official transcript, and P grades will not hinder a student’s chances of admission (though we cannot use them in a GPA calculation).
• UGA also understands that different student activities might have been altered due to the coronavirus epidemic, and we will take this into account in our holistic review process.

Tags: application changes , applications , essays , freshman admission