university of florida application essays

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College Essays

Are you applying to the University of Florida? You'll need to answer some essay prompts as part of your application.   Read this guide to learn what the University of Florida essay prompts are, what admissions officers are looking for in your response, what you should include and avoid in your answers, and what strong UF college essay examples look like.

What Are the University of Florida Essays?

The University of Florida accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application, and applicants must answer one of the Common Application prompts. 

As part of your application, you'll also need to answer an additional UF-specific essay prompt, and you'll have the option of answering three additional essay prompts. Your answer to each prompt can be up to 250 words. Here's the prompt:

• Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity

We'll go over how to best answer this supplement question in the next section.

The UF Essay Prompt, Analyzed

In this section, we explain what the prompt is asking for, why UF is interested in this information, what information you should include (and what information to avoid), and what a strong example answer could look like.

Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity.

What the prompt is asking for: A description of the one extracurricular you feel is most important to you.

Why UF is interested: Students who are dedicated to something show they are passionate, interested in learning, and have a strong work ethic. These are all characteristics colleges want their students to have, so having something you're committed to is a major boost to your application. Seeing what you choose also gives UF a better sense of who you are and what you value.

Potential topics to discuss: What the extracurricular, is how long you've involved with it, how much time per week/month/etc. you dedicate to it, what activities your involvement includes, why you consider it meaningful. 

Topics to avoid: Listing multiple activities or simply describing the extracurricular without explaining why it's important to you.

Example: "The extracurricular most important to me is my involvement in my high school's Model UN team . I've been involved for four years, since I was a freshman. We meet once a week during the school year to prepare for the four conferences we participate in each year. As a Model UN member, I research different political events and international relations topics, then debate the issues with other team members to build my skills in those areas. Model UN is so important to me because, not only did it solidify my choice to major in International Relations, it strengthened me personally. As a result of my participation, I've improved my debate skills, become a more confident public speaker, and have much more experience finding a compromise even between very different groups."

Tips for the UF Essay Prompt

Follow these three tips when completing the University of Florida supplement essays to make sure your answers are as strong as possible.

#1: Keep Your Answers Concise

You only have 250 words per prompt. That isn't that much! This means your responses need to be brief and to the point if you're trying to fit a lot of information in. You likely have a lot of reasons why a particular extracurricular is the most important to you.

#2: Show Your Strengths

Even though the prompt is short, it’s still an opportunity for you to impress the admissions committee. You can dive into how you've been involved in your extracurricular, as well as any leadership roles you may have had. Try to include themes you've mentioned in other parts of your application , such as your longer essay. For example, if you mentioned that your dream is to be a doctor, try to highlight experiences that reflect that, such as volunteering at a hospital.

#3: Be Honest and Passionate

Sometimes students think they need to tell a story that the admissions committee wants to hear...so they make things up. Do not lie in your college essay—admissions counselors are  great  at sniffing out fibs! 

Instead, lean into the passions and experiences that make you unique . For instance, maybe you made a quilt and entered it in the fair. That's awesome! Just make sure you're explaining why it's meaningful for you! Maybe your grandmother taught you how to quilt and you worked on it together, which taught you the importance passing knowledge down from one generation to the next. 

Summary: UF College Essay Examples

There is one main University of Florida essay, and it'll be the Coalition or Common Application (depending on which application you use) prompt of your choice. But there are also additional UF essay prompts to answer. These shorter prompts are a way for the UF admissions committee to learn more about you and have the most accurate look at your application.

Here is where you can discuss extracurricular activities, anything that prevented you from participating in extracurriculars, certain programs you took part in, and anything else you think is important for the people reviewing your application to know. As you answer these UF essay prompts, remember to keep your responses short, don't feel pressured to answer every prompt, and highlight your strengths.

What's Next?

Considering the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship? Our guide to Bright Futures Scholarship programs answers all the questions you're wondering about.

Want to bring up your GPA? Read about four ways to bring up your high school grades fast .

Interested in community service ideas? Check out our guide to 129 great community service projects .

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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University of Florida

Admission information for all applicants.

The general requirements below apply to undergraduate admission and readmission to any college or division of the university.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Admission to the university is selective. Only minimum requirements for admission are provided; satisfaction of these minimums does not guarantee admission.

Minimum Requirements

• Online application for admission received by the Office of Admissions by the deadline.
• A non-refundable application fee. Students who are eligible can have their application fee waived.
• A satisfactory academic record. Applicants must provide a complete chronological record of educational institutions attended. Official transcripts from all educational institutions must be submitted according to instructions on the application. Failure to declare attendance at another institution could invalidate an offer of admission and any credits or degrees earned.
• Satisfactory scores on achievement or aptitude tests.
• A satisfactory conduct record.
• Applicants must identify a preferred term of enrollment on their application. Applicants who wish to change their term of entry should contact the Office of Admissions immediately.
• Admission to on-campus degree programs must be validated by taking one or more on-campus courses in the specific semester for which the student is accepted. 

Residency for Tuition Purposes

Requests for in-state residency for tuition purposes are not granted to applicants who appear to have entered the state solely for educational purposes. More Info

Proof of Immunization

Before registering for classes, each person accepted for admission must submit proof of immunization. No student will be permitted to register until the Student Health Care Center has received and approved the mandatory health form. More Info

Computer Requirement

Access to and ongoing use of a computer is required of all students. The university expects new students and continuing students to acquire computer hardware and software appropriate to the degree program. The cost of meeting this requirement will be included in financial aid considerations. More Info

All official university correspondence is sent via email to the student's GatorLink email address.

Notice of Admission

When an application for admission is approved, the university will send a notice of admission for a specific term. If the student is unable to enroll for the term indicated or wishes to be considered for entrance to a different term, the Office of Admissions should be notified immediately.

All offers of admission are tentative and will remain so until the Office of Admissions receives and reviews final transcripts and credentials. Students who are admitted conditionally may enroll, subject to verification of satisfaction of all conditions of admission. Admission offers will be revoked if final coursework/credentials do not meet admission requirements. Should that occur, the student's classification will change to a non-degree status and future enrollment will be denied.

Under no circumstances should an applicant make plans to depart for Gainesville until the university has provided official admission notification. An applicant who comes to campus without confirmation of admission does so entirely at their own risk. Presence on campus will not influence the admission decision.

Applicants who furnish false or fraudulent statements or information in connection with an application for admission or residency declaration could receive disciplinary action, denial of admission and invalidation of credits or degrees earned.

Under Board of Education policy, the university can admit a limited number of students as exceptions to the requirements listed above.

Current high school students seeking college freshman placement and students who have earned fewer than 12 semester credits following graduation from high school.

Students receiving their high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree (AA) from a Florida College System (FCS) or State University (SUS) institution at the same time should complete the freshman application. If we are unable to offer you admission at the freshman level, you will be provided with the opportunity to have your application reconsidered as an upper-division transfer. Students admitted via transfer admission may have their offer of admission rescinded if they do not complete the required prerequisites and AA degree prior to enrollment. 

How to Apply

Applicants must apply using the Common Application and must complete all sections of the application, including the Student Profile and the UF supplemental section. Apply Online

When to Apply

Starting in the Fall of 2024, the University of Florida will provide two options for prospective students to apply: Early Action (EA) and Regular Decision (RD). EA is a non-binding way to apply to UF and receive an admission decision sooner than those applying in the RD round.

Incoming Freshman Deadlines

• Application Deadline: November 1
• Credentials Deadline: November 15
• Decision Notification: late January
• Application Deadline: January 15
• Credentials Deadline: January 31
• Decision Notification: mid-March

Freshman Selection

UF employs a comprehensive review process that evaluates academic and nonacademic criteria. When we review an application, we are considering a candidate's chance of success at UF based on what the student has accomplished within distinct opportunities and challenges. The admissions review process tries to balance the subjective and objective components of the application. The university recognizes that there is great variation among applicants' personal circumstances, home communities and high schools, including schools' course offerings and grading practices. Admission officers can exercise flexibility and professional judgment in their reviews and decisions, but they also must apply consistent standards.

Admission is selective, and the number of qualified students exceeds the space available in the freshman class.

Minimum Requirements for Freshman Admission Consideration

Middle 50% of the 2022 freshman class.

• High school GPA of 4.4-4.6
• SAT scores of 1350-1490
• ACT scores of 30-34

Minimum freshman admission requirements include:

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or state-approved secondary school or the equivalent (G.E.D., etc.).
• Submission of ACT, CLT, or SAT scores
• A cumulative C (2.0) average in the academic core, as computed by the university, at all institutions attended, high school and college.
• A record of good conduct. Major or continuing difficulty with school or other officials may render an applicant ineligible regardless of academic qualifications.

Non-Accredited and Homeschools

Homeschooled students or students at non-accredited schools are considered for admission using the same holistic review process as the entire applicant pool. In addition to grades and ACT/SAT/CLT scores, students attending a homeschool or a non-accredited school are encouraged to take core classes and submit grades from an accredited secondary or post-secondary institution.

Credit by Examination

There are several credit-by-examination programs that earn credit toward a UF degree. The university participates in the Advanced Placement (AP) program , the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) , the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) . Students may receive university credit for or exemption from such courses without credit, depending on the results.

Dual-Enrollment Credit

Courses from Florida public colleges and State University System schools generally adhere to the Statewide Course Numbering System. If the prefix (first three letters) and the last three digits of the course number are the same, then the course is considered equivalent.

Equivalent courses fulfill the same requirements (e.g., General Education) that the UF course fulfills. 

Courses taken at private and out-of-state institutions which do not have a direct UF equivalent need to be evaluated by the student’s college to determine if they will fulfill specific requirements.

Tuition Deposit after Admission

• Freshmen are required to submit a $200 non-refundable tuition deposit no later than May 1 to secure their place in the class. This deadline may be extended depending on extenuating circumstances.
• The tuition deposit will not be reimbursed if the student does not enroll in the term offered for admission.
• The tuition deposit will be credited to the student’s account and applied toward the first-semester tuition. If there is a credit balance on the account at the end of drop/add, the balance will be refunded.
• This deposit is waived for those students who qualified for an SAT or ACT fee-application waiver. Students who qualify for Pell Grants may receive a tuition deposit reduction if they appeal.

The Office of Admissions classifies an applicant as an undergraduate if they have not earned a university degree equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree.

International applicants must apply online. Apply Online

Applications cannot be considered until the Office of Admissions receives ALL required credentials. International applicants should supply the following:

• All international applicants should apply online.
• Submit the non-refundable $30 application fee (US currency drawn on a US bank or credit card).
• Freshmen must submit official SAT, ACT, or CLT scores.
• Applicants whose native language is not English must submit official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Freshman applicants with coursework completed outside the US must submit at least three full years of their most current secondary school transcripts, in addition to the final/senior year schedule or predicted grades, in both native language of instruction, and if applicable, a certified English translation. Unofficial transcripts are accepted throughout the initial review process. Applicants should not attempt to enter grades from a non-US transcript into the Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR) system. A NACES approved course-by-course credential evaluation with a GPA calculation is encouraged, but not required for freshman admission.  Transfer level applicants with college or university coursework completed outside the US are required to submit all non-US transcripts to a NACES -approved credential evaluation agency for a course-by-course evaluation with GPA calculation. 

A transfer student is defined as an applicant who has earned at least 12 semester credits of credit following graduation from high school and who has not received a bachelor’s degree.

Transfer applicants must apply online. Apply Online

Transfer applications generally are received six to nine months before the term begins. Apply by your intended college’s deadline. More Info

Transfer Eligibility

• Must have completed an Associate of Arts degree from a Florida public institution or at least 60 transferable semester credit hours from a regionally accredited institution
• Must show competency in a foreign language. Students can do this by providing a high school transcript showing completion of the second high school level or higher of a foreign language or American Sign Language equivalent to the second high school level or higher, or by completing the second collegiate level of a foreign language or American Sign Language.
• Must have a minimum 2.0 overall GPA and a minimum 2.0 GPA at the last institution attended, as calculated by UF.
• Must complete or will complete specific prerequisites for the intended major before attending UF. 
• Must be in good standing and eligible to return to any institution previously attended.

Students with less than 60 semester credit hours or who have already completed a bachelor’s degree are not eligible to transfer to an on-campus program.

Our Decision Process

After the Office of Admissions verifies that your application file is complete, the file is forwarded to the college and academic department for admission consideration and decision. Admissions decisions must be released within a reasonable period of time (as established by the university board of trustees).  

Information about your  application status  is provided online as a convenience. While every effort is made to be timely and accurate, information conveyed by electronic means is unofficial. An official written notification of admission will be mailed to your permanent address within a reasonable period of time (as defined by the university board of trustees). Please do not act on any information until you have received official notification.  ​ More Info

Applicants who have received an Associate in Arts (AA) degree from a Florida public institution immediately prior to transferring receive priority consideration for admission provided the application and all supporting documents are received in the Office of Admissions by the deadline. 

If Denied Admission

The admissions process at the University of Florida is highly competitive and, unfortunately, all qualified and eligible applicants cannot be accommodated due to limited space in the university’s academic colleges. Students who feel they have documented extenuating circumstances that impacted their ability to meet admission requirements may appeal their admissions decision.

To initiate a university-level appeal, students should email  [email protected]  with letter of appeal and any supporting documentation attached, as well as a letter of support from the  college/major  to which the student applied.

Please know that, due to the thoroughness of the university’s application review process, it is unusual to reverse an admission decision. An appeal will only be considered if it provides new and compelling information. More Info

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University of Florida (UF) Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the University of Florida supplemental essays? CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the University of Florida supplemental essays will show you exactly how to write engaging UF supplemental essays and maximize your chances of admission. If you need help responding to the UF essay topics, create your free  account  or  schedule a free advising assessment  by calling (844) 343-6272.

University of Florida Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• UF has an acceptance rate of 31.0%— U.S. News  ranks the University of Florida as a  highly selective  school.
• There is  one  school-specific UF supplemental essay required for all applicants. If you are planning to apply to the UF Honors Program, you will complete an additional  two  UF essays. This means applicants to the UF Honors Program will complete a total of three UF supplemental essays.

Does the University of Florida have supplemental essays?

Yes. Whether you apply through the  Common App  or  Coalition App , you will respond to at least one UF essay prompt. Your UF admissions essay lets the admissions team learn more about you as they review your application.

Any freshman applying through the Common App or Coalition App also can apply to FHP, the University of Florida’s First-Year Honors Program. In addition to the required UF admissions essay, students applying to FHP must complete two additional UF supplemental essays.

While some schools handle honors admissions separately, UF includes all application materials for FHP in the standard UF application. This includes every UF admissions essay. Students completing the UF supplemental essays for the Honors Program, therefore, will submit all three UF essays through the Common or Coalition App. This means that you must complete the UF essays for the Honors Program before you submit your final application.

Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get great tips from our Common App essay  guide .

How many supplemental essays does the University of Florida have?

There are  three  total University of Florida supplemental essays included on the 2021-2022 application.

The University of Florida has  one  UF essay prompt every student is required to complete. Additionally, if you choose to apply to their Honors Program, you must write another  two  UF supplemental essays. The first required UF essay prompt asks about your extracurricular engagements. In contrast, the UF essay topics for the Honors Program ask about your interest in the program and your academic priorities.

Before writing your essays, you’ll want to have an idea of your intended major. If you haven’t already, use our College Search Feature to explore the wide range of majors offered at UF!

How do I write the University of Florida supplemental essays?

Here are some helpful tips to help you get started on the University of Florida supplemental essays!

To begin, the University of Florida supplemental essays give you an opportunity to showcase what motivates you, which academic topics interest you, and how you engage with the world around you. Therefore, think of the UF supplemental essays as your chance to introduce yourself to the admissions team on your own terms.

As you brainstorm the UF essay topics, remember your audience. Admissions officers read thousands of UF supplemental essays. Ultimately, if you are vague, superficial, or misleading, your UF essays won’t help the UF admissions team understand who you are. To maximize your UF supplemental essays’ impact, you’ll want to be as specific, genuine, and authentic as possible.

If you’re having trouble finding topics for your UF essays, don’t worry! We will discuss each UF essay prompt individually below. But first, here are some more technical tips to keep in mind when writing your University of Florida supplemental essays.

Overall, the most important thing your University of Florida supplemental essays should do is answer the UF essay prompt. Even if you write a perfect UF admissions essay, it has failed to serve its main purpose if it doesn’t answer every aspect of the prompt.

Each of the University of Florida supplemental essays has a maximum word limit. In each essay, make sure to stick to the word limit and use your space wisely. For example, if you find yourself quoting someone famous or writing about a friends’ experiences, ask yourself how it relates back to you. In fact, the more “you” that you include in your UF admissions essay, the better!

The admissions team reads countless UF essays every year. This makes it particularly important that your UF admissions essay is as clear and polished as possible. Essentially, the more straightforward and refined your writing is, the more easily your ideas and personality will shine through! For this reason, you’ll want to be sure to give yourself enough time to draft, revise, and proofread your University of Florida supplemental essays.

Below, we have provided the 2021-2022 UF admissions essay prompts. Along with the prompts, you’ll find a breakdown of how to approach each UF admissions essay. As a bonus, we included both the general UF essay prompt and the Honors Program prompts. Additionally, we’ll also discuss tips for narrowing down your UF essay topics. If you follow these tips, you’ll write University of Florida supplemental essays that will help you stand out in admissions.

University of Florida Supplemental Essays – Question 1 (Required)

Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity (250 words or less).

To start, this UF essay prompt asks you to choose your single “most meaningful commitment.” Even if multiple experiences pop into your head, you must narrow your UF essay topic down to just one commitment. The best University of Florida supplemental essays will use one commitment to reveal fundamental aspects of an applicant’s identity.

If you need help choosing your UF essay topics, try making a list using UF’s suggested categories. These include: Extracurricular, Work, Volunteering, Academic Activity, Family Responsibility, Other. While writing, remember that this list can include a sport you’ve played, a job you’ve held, or even a responsibility toward a sibling. Once you’ve completed your list, circle three to five topics that engage you most. Do a five-minute free-write for each. If there’s a topic you can’t stop writing about, there’s a good chance that might be your most meaningful commitment!

Once you’ve selected your essay topic, you can consider the rest of the UF essay prompt. This first UF essay prompt is quite open-ended, which gives you plenty of opportunities to showcase your identity. While “Please provide more details” isn’t very specific, remember that your UF admissions essay is an opportunity for the admissions team to get to know you. As you write, make sure to always connect your topic back to who you are.

Struggling to answer this UF essay prompt? Here are some questions to guide your response:

What did I do?  Be specific. If your topic is a sport, like basketball, discuss details of playing basketball that your reader might not know. For instance, you might describe waking up at 6 am for practice, practicing drills and collaborating with teammates, or performing under the pressure of a crowd.

Why did I do it?  What was the motivation behind your commitment? Let’s continue with the basketball example. Is basketball something you and your little brother grew up playing together? Does playing a sport help with your anxiety? Were you inspired by a certain professional athlete? Including the reason why you pursue the activity will strengthen your response to this UF essay prompt.

What did I take away from this commitment? Learning happens in all places. While this UF admissions essay asks you to describe an activity outside the classroom, asking “what did I learn?” will help take your response to this UF essay prompt from a summary into a story. Maybe you discovered a new passion, a new skill, or a new way of problem-solving. Maybe your commitment to basketball translated into commitment in your classes? Or maybe the teamwork you cultivated in practice changed the way you helped your family at home?

As you expand upon your UF essay topics, think about how your commitment shaped who you are. This will give you a compelling ending to your UF admissions essay.

UF Supplemental Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Does my UF admissions essay reference one (not two, or three) commitment outside of my classes?
• Does my essay show why this is important to me?
• Do I show how I engaged in this activity?
• Does my essay reflect what I gained from this experience?

University of Florida Honors Program Supplemental Essays – Question 1 (Required)

Why is applying for the UF Honors Program important to you? Which aspects of the program’s three pillars of opportunity, community, and challenge pique your interests? How would you engage with the program to exemplify these pillars yourself? How does the program factor into your long-term goals? Please be specific (400 words or less).

The first step in tackling this UF essay prompt is to read about the UF Honors Program’s  3 Pillars of Value . As you think about your UF essay topics, ask yourself what about these pillars draws you to the program. Why are these ideals crucial to your college experience?

If you’re struggling to find specific details to discuss in your UF essays, think about your current situation. What are you missing in your high school academic career that you want to experience in college? If your classes aren’t challenging enough, you might want to talk about “challenge” and why the Honors Program would give you the academic rigor you need to reach your greatest potential. Or, if you feel you haven’t met many like-minded individuals in your high school, you might want to talk about “community” and why the Honors Program would provide opportunities to support and be supported by peers. If you aspire to do research or attend a graduate school, you might want to talk about “opportunity” and how the Honors Program will connect you with advisors to put you on track for those experiences.

Think about the future

While this brainstorm can help you begin choosing your UF essay topics, the Honors Program  Application Tips  reminds prospective students that this UF essay prompt is meant to be forward-facing. This means the admissions team wants to hear about what you imagine for your future rather than what you’ve completed in your past. This is where the second half of the UF essay prompt comes into play.

Imagine the Honors Program as a stepping-stone: what will you do in the Honors Program, and how will that help you reach your goals? Be sure to answer these questions with specific details about the Honors Program. For example, if your dream is to join the medical field, you might reference the Honors Program’s Pre-Health Coordinator and the Professional Development courses you will take to prepare you for medical school.

No matter what draws you to the Honors Program, remember to be specific, answer all four questions in the UF essay prompt, and proofread, proofread, proofread!

• Does my UF admissions essay reference specific details about the Honors Program?
• Do I include both why I am interested in the Honors Program and what I plan to do if I get in?
• Does my essay communicate why the Honors Program is important in reaching my academic goals?

University of Florida Honors Program Supplemental Essays – Question 2 (Required)

Identify two topics you have previously studied that do not traditionally overlap. How do you envision you might bring these topics together during your time in Honors to engage a pressing societal, medical or technological concern? The concern you wish to engage could be of local, national, or global scope, but you should be clear about the issue you want to address. For the purposes of this essay, the topics you identify need not have been formally studied in high school, but you should have studied them since beginning in high school (300 words or less).

This UF essay prompt asks you to think along interdisciplinary lines to express your unique academic goals. This gives you a crucial opportunity to illustrate why you belong in an intellectually rigorous space like UF’s Honors Program.

Choosing a Topic

The first challenge of this UF essay prompt is to choose two topics that do not traditionally overlap. If you are having trouble choosing your UF essay topics, use your transcript and make a bulleted list of your classes divided into basic high school subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, and the Arts. Think about which classes on this list you most enjoyed, and start combining subjects with seemingly little relation. The more unorthodox your combination, the more unique your UF admissions essay will be. For example, if you first choose Statistics and Chemistry, you may want to keep brainstorming as those have quite a bit of overlap. However, if you choose Chemistry and Music, you’ll have a less traditional pair that will make for a fascinating UF admissions essay. Strong UF essays can come from unexpected places!

Choosing a Concern

Next, turn away from your academic interests and choose the societal, medical, or technological concern you’d like to address. Unlike some other UF essays, this UF essay prompt focuses on how you think rather than who you are. As you choose your concern, therefore, focus on how you will engage the topic rather than why it is important to you. Remember, you’ve chosen this topic because it needs to be addressed, and your reader knows that. If you have a specific, personal connection that impacts the way you view the problem (and will ultimately tackle it), keep your justification brief and always connect back to how you will engage with the topic at hand. The best UF essays will offer concrete, specific details on how an applicant plans to tackle their chosen concern.

As you complete your University of Florida supplemental essays, be sure to reference their Application Tips to ensure you have a strong application.

• Does my essay include two topics that I will combine to solve a problem (not one, not three)?
• Do I show how my two chosen topics inform and relate to one another?
• Does my essay reflect how I plan to engage with this topic (not just why I am interested)?

How hard is it to get into the University of Florida honors program?

The University of Florida Honors Program is a highly challenging and therefore highly competitive program. Last year, the acceptance rate was 13%—well below the University’s acceptance rate. Students who are accepted have excellent scholarly credentials, are leaders in their communities, and plan to push themselves alongside their fellow Honors Gators.

It is important your University of Florida supplemental essays showcase why you belong in the Honors Program. Students accepted to the UF Honors program also have high test scores and GPAs as well as strong UF supplemental essays. You can read more about the 2020 Admitted Student Profile, the Honors review process, and the timeline for the 2021-2022 application cycle  here .

What are the requirements to get into the University of Florida?

Your University of Florida supplemental essays are only one element of your UF application. The University of Florida’s Admissions page provides a list of minimum  requirements for freshman applicants . That means you need to meet or exceed the following benchmarks to have a competitive application outside of your UF supplemental essays:

• Graduation:  You must be on track to graduate from a regionally accredited or state-approved secondary school or the equivalent (G.E.D., etc.).
• Academic Credits:  You need 16 academic units distributed across English, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Foreign Language.
• Grade Point Average:  Your cumulative GPA must be at least a C.
• Conduct:  You must have a record of good conduct. Any major issues may disqualify your application from being considered, regardless of your academic credentials.
• SAT or ACT:  You must submit test scores from the SAT and/or the ACT. If you have taken a test multiple times, UF will take the highest scores for each subsection and superscore to create the highest possible total score.

University of Florida Supplemental Essays: Final Thoughts

As you think about the University of Florida supplemental essays, remember that no single element of your application will determine your admissions results. The UF admissions team uses a  holistic review process , meaning they take everything into consideration: your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, background, and UF supplemental essays. Admissions will consider your UF supplemental essays alongside your other academic credentials to better understand who you are as a student and how you will enrich the University of Florida community. While your transcript and test scores reflect the kind of student you already are, your UF essays will help them see what kind of student you can become.

While writing the University of Florida supplemental essays can be time-consuming, remember your UF essays—including both your Personal Statement and your UF supplemental essays—are the one part of your application where you have complete control. Be sure to take your time and make your University of Florida supplemental essays as strong as they can be! Give yourself time to think about the UF essay topics before you get started. Consider what you’ve already included in the rest of your application and use the UF essays to share something new about who you are.

If the thought of distilling yourself into a few short essays seems daunting, spend some time daydreaming about what going to the University of Florida could mean to your future. Think about the possibilities and opportunities you are excited to take on. Let that excitement shine through in your UF supplemental essays. Good luck!

This 2021-2022 essay guide on UF was written by Stefanie Tedards. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources, click  here . Want help crafting your University of Florida supplemental essays? Create your free account or schedule a no-cost advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

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Home — Application Essay — University — University of Florida

University of Florida Admission Essays

When delving into the University of Florida essay examples, one can truly appreciate the pivotal role these essays play in the college application process. These UF essay examples serve as a canvas for applicants to organically portray their distinctive qualities and aspirations, allowing their individuality to shine through the written narrative. Now, let's unravel the significance and intricacies of these UF essay examples, exploring how they contribute to the holistic evaluation of prospective students.

Main Facts about University Of Florida Essays

Located in Gainesville, Florida, the University of Florida is renowned for its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and diverse opportunities. Here's a concise overview of key aspects that define the essence of UF:

• Academic Excellence: UF is renowned for its commitment to academic rigor, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.
• Campus Life: The campus is a dynamic hub of student activities, fostering a lively and inclusive community. From student organizations to cultural events, UF provides a rich and engaging environment beyond the classrooms.
• Research Prowess: As a leading research institution, UF actively contributes to advancements in various fields. Students have the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research initiatives, aligning with the university's commitment to innovation.
• Diversity and Inclusion: UF values diversity and strives to create an inclusive community that embraces students from various backgrounds. This commitment to diversity enhances the overall learning experience and promotes a global perspective.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The University of Florida boasts modern facilities, including cutting-edge laboratories, libraries, and recreational spaces. These resources enhance the overall learning environment for students.

When it comes to essays, here are some key facts:

• UF emphasizes a holistic admissions approach.
• UF essays provide a glimpse into an applicant's character.
• UF seeks students with a passion for learning and community engagement.
• Admission decisions consider both academic achievements and personal qualities.
• UF fosters an inclusive and dynamic learning environment.

Whether it's the pursuit of academic excellence, a vibrant campus life, groundbreaking research opportunities, a commitment to diversity, or state-of-the-art facilities, the University of Florida stands as a distinguished institution that shapes the educational journey of its students.

University Of Florida Requirements

When aspiring to meet the University of Florida requirements, understanding the criteria is crucial for a successful admission journey. Embarking on this path involves addressing five key components:

• High School Transcripts: UF places significance on academic achievement throughout high school. Submitting comprehensive transcripts reflects your dedication to scholastic excellence.
• SAT/ACT Scores: The evaluation process includes a scrutiny of standardized test scores. Adequate preparation for the SAT or ACT is essential to meet UF's criteria and showcase your academic readiness.
• Letters of Recommendation: Crafting a compelling application involves seeking letters of recommendation that provide insights into your character and potential. Choose recommenders who can authentically attest to your academic capabilities and personal qualities.
• Extracurricular Activities: UF values a holistic approach to admissions, considering engagement beyond academics. Highlight your involvement in extracurricular activities, demonstrating a well-rounded profile that extends beyond the classroom.
• Admissions Essay: The UF college essay examples serve as a powerful tool in conveying your narrative. Craft an essay that not only meets the specified requirements but also reflects your unique perspective, passions, and aspirations. Explore UF college essay examples for inspiration on how to effectively articulate your story.

As you navigate the University of Florida requirements, keep in mind that each element plays a crucial role in presenting a comprehensive picture of your capabilities and potential as a student. Delve into UF college essay examples to gain valuable insights into the application process and elevate your chances of securing admission.

Role of University Of Florida Supplemental Essays in Application

University of Florida's admissions process, the supplemental essays play a pivotal role, serving as a unique lens through which applicants can showcase their individuality and depth. These essays go beyond the quantitative metrics of grades and test scores, offering a qualitative dimension to the evaluation process.

Unlike the conventional application components, the University of Florida supplemental essays provide a platform for applicants to delve into their personal narratives. They enable aspiring students to articulate their passions, experiences, and aspirations in a more nuanced manner, fostering a holistic understanding of their character.

The admissions committee seeks to uncover the essence of each applicant, and the supplemental essays act as a vehicle for this exploration. Through these essays, prospective students can highlight not only their academic prowess but also their unique perspectives, resilience, and the distinctive qualities that set them apart.

Moreover, the supplemental essays align with UF's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Applicants are encouraged to share perspectives that contribute to the rich fabric of the university's student body, creating a mosaic of backgrounds, experiences, and ambitions.

In essence, the role of University of Florida supplemental essays transcends the traditional boundaries of the application. They serve as a medium for self-expression, allowing applicants to paint a vivid and authentic portrait of themselves. As you embark on the journey of crafting these essays, remember that each word is an opportunity to not only meet the criteria but also to stand out in the competitive landscape of college admissions.

For inspiration and guidance, consider exploring UF supplemental essay examples and University of Florida supplemental essay examples. These resources provide valuable insights into the types of narratives that have successfully navigated the admissions process, offering a roadmap for crafting impactful and authentic supplemental essays that align with the essence of the University of Florida.

University Of Florida Supplemental Essay Prompts

Engaging with the University of Florida supplemental essay prompts is an opportunity for applicants to articulate their personal narratives and align their aspirations with the values of UF. These prompts are carefully crafted to elicit thoughtful responses, allowing applicants to showcase their unique perspectives and experiences.

When contemplating the supplemental essay prompts, aspiring students can benefit significantly from reviewing UF supplemental essay examples. Examining successful examples provides valuable insights into the effective construction of responses, helping applicants understand the tone, depth, and authenticity expected by the admissions committee.

By exploring UF supplemental essay examples, applicants gain a clearer understanding of how to address the prompts in a compelling manner. This process not only enhances the quality of the responses but also increases the chances of creating a narrative that resonates with the values of the University of Florida.

Let's explore the specific prompts for the University of Florida supplemental essays for 2023.

UF Supplemental Essay Prompts for 2023

1. Reflect on a Personal Challenge: Share a significant personal challenge you've faced and elaborate on how it has shaped your character and resilience. Consider how overcoming this challenge has influenced your personal growth and outlook on life.

Example: Navigating a language barrier, I learned to appreciate diverse perspectives and developed a passion for breaking down communication barriers, influencing my pursuit of linguistics.

2. Contribution to Diversity: Discuss how your background, identity, or experiences have contributed to the diversity of the UF community. Emphasize the value you place on inclusivity and your commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

Example: Growing up in a multicultural household, I celebrate diversity. As a future Gator, I aspire to create spaces where every voice is heard, fostering an environment that cherishes differences.

3. Academic and Career Aspirations: Articulate your academic and career goals and explain how the University of Florida's programs and resources align with your aspirations. Discuss specific opportunities at UF that will contribute to your professional development.

Example: Aspiring to be a marine biologist, UF's cutting-edge research facilities and partnerships with marine institutes make it my ideal academic home, propelling me towards impactful marine conservation efforts.

How to Write UF Essays That Worked

Crafting compelling UF essays requires a strategic approach that goes beyond meeting the criteria. Delve into the following tips to not only fulfill the requirements but also create essays that leave a lasting impression:

• Understand the Prompt: Before diving into your response, thoroughly comprehend the essay prompt. Identify the key themes and requirements, ensuring that your essay aligns with the essence of the question.
• Show, Don't Tell: Instead of merely stating facts, immerse your reader in your experiences. Use vivid language and concrete examples to paint a detailed picture, allowing the admissions committee to connect with your narrative on a deeper level.
• Be Authentic and Reflective: Your UF essay is an opportunity to showcase your true self. Reflect on your experiences, values, and aspirations genuinely. Authenticity resonates with readers and strengthens the impact of your narrative.
• Connect with UF's Values: Demonstrate a clear understanding of the University of Florida's values and how they align with your own. Showcase how you will contribute to the UF community and embody the university's mission in your academic journey.
• Edit and Seek Feedback: Refinement is key. Edit your essays meticulously for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Additionally, seek feedback from teachers, peers, or mentors to gain diverse perspectives and refine your essays further.

As you embark on this writing journey, explore UF essays that worked and UF admission essay examples. Analyzing successful examples provides valuable insights into effective storytelling and structure. By combining these examples with the aforementioned tips, you'll be well-equipped to craft UF essays that not only meet the criteria but also resonate profoundly with the admissions committee.

University Of Florida Essay Examples: Crafting Your Narrative

Exploring UF essay examples serves as an invaluable compass for prospective applicants, offering insights into effective storytelling and successful application strategies. These examples, often referred to as UF admission essay examples, provide a firsthand glimpse into narratives that resonated with the admissions committee.

By delving into UF essay examples, aspiring students can gain a deeper understanding of the writing style, tone, and themes that have proven successful. These examples serve as practical guides, illustrating how to effectively address prompts, showcase individuality, and align personal narratives with UF's values.

UF college essay examples, specifically those that have earned admission, illuminate the path toward creating impactful essays. Analyzing such examples aids in deciphering the nuances of successful applications, empowering applicants to craft essays that stand out in the competitive admissions landscape.

Explore the goals of UF essays and discover how to use them effectively. Here are 10 UF essay topics examples to inspire your writing:

• Overcoming a Personal Challenge
• Contributions to Diversity
• Academic and Career Aspirations
• Community Service Impact
• Passion for a Specific Field
• Leadership Experience
• Cultural Identity Reflection
• Lessons Learned from Failure
• Innovation and Creativity
• Extracurricular Journey

These examples not only offer inspiration but also serve as benchmarks for self-evaluation. As applicants embark on their writing journey, utilizing UF admission essay examples becomes a strategic tool for honing their storytelling skills, ensuring that their narratives captivate the attention of the admissions committee and contribute to a memorable and compelling application.

Conclusion for University Of Florida Essays

As you embark on the journey of shaping your University of Florida essays, consider each word as a brushstroke, contributing to a vivid and authentic self-portrait. Let your unique qualities and aspirations shine through, transforming your UF essay examples into compelling testaments of your character. Your authentic voice is the key to creating narratives that resonate. Best of luck as you navigate the intricate process of the UF application, where your narratives have the power to leave an indelible mark on the admissions committee.

Transformative Journey: My Path to UF

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University Of Florida: A Journey of Growth and Excellence

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Reading between the lines: application essays predict university success

Analysis of more than 40,000 university application essays found that gradual transitions between chunks of text correlated with higher marks. Credit: Dusan Stankovic/Getty

Aspiring students who wrote content-rich university admission essays were more likely to end up with higher grades in their classes 1 .

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How to Get Into the University of Florida: Admissions Stats + Tips

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What’s Covered:

How hard is it to get into the university of florida, average academic profile of accepted university of florida college students, what is the university of florida looking for, how to improve your chances of getting into the university of florida.

The University of Florida is a public research university located in Gainesville, Florida. The university is known for its sizable 2,000-acre campus (with two lakes on campus!), its highly-rated engineering program, and its football team, the “Florida Gators.”

The University of Florida offers 100 undergraduate majors across 16 schools and colleges. The University of Florida also provides esteemed graduate programs in the Warrington College of Business, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, Levin College of Law, and College of Medicine. Gainesville is considered a popular college town, known for its well-preserved buildings and beautiful natural surroundings. 

If you want to attend the University of Florida, you’ll need to develop a strong academic profile. In this post, we’ll review what the admissions committee looks for, how you can improve your chances of acceptance, and the information you need to apply to the University of Florida.

Getting accepted into the University of Florida isn’t impossible, but it does require hard work and a strong application. Last year, only 36% of applicants were admitted. Out of 42,193 students who applied, only 15,002 were accepted.

While the University of Florida’s acceptance rate is incredibly low, your personal chances of acceptance may actually be higher or lower, depending on your profile strength.

To better understand your chances at the University of Florida, we recommend using our free admissions calculator . Using your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and more, we’ll estimate your odds of acceptance, and give you tips on improving your profile!

The average high school GPA of the University of Florida of 2025 is 3.88 (unweighted). The percentage of students with a 4.0 GPA is 39% .

To give you an idea of where your standardized testing scores should be, the middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students were 1310-1450 . The middle 50% for ACT scores is 29-33. 81% of students submitted SAT scores, while 50% of students submitted ACT scores. The University of Florida recommends that students submit ACT or SAT scores, but it is not required. 

82% of students accepted to the University of Florida were ranked within the top 10% of their high school class, while 98% of students accepted were ranked within the top 25% of their class.

Since the University of Florida is a competitive school, most candidates will be academically qualified. Even though your stellar grades and standardized test scores are important, you’ll need to have extra qualifications that can help your application stand out.

The University of Florida also considers extracurriculars, personality traits, skills, and talents to be an important part of the admissions process. Students who are well-rounded both academically and personally will be more likely to be accepted to the University of Florida than students who are strictly focused on excelling academically.

How the University of Florida Evaluates Applications

According to their 2020-2021 Common Data Set , the University of Florida considers the following factors “very important” :

• Course rigor
• Academic GPA
• Application essay 
• Extracurricular activities 
• Talent/ability
• Character/personal qualities

These factors are “important” :

• Standardized test scores
• First-generation
• Volunteer work 
• Work experience

These are “considered” :

• Geographical residence
• State residency

And these are “not considered” :

• Recommendation 
• Alumni relation
• Religious affiliation
• Level of applicant’s interest
• Racial/ethnic status

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

1. Achieve at least a 3.88 GPA while taking the most challenging classes available

If you recall, the average high school GPA of the University of Florida Class of 2025 is 3.88 , and the percentage of students with a 4.0 GPA is 39% .

If you’re thinking about applying to the University of Florida, it’s important to ensure your GPA matches or exceeds these statistics. The reason why? It’s called the academic index —a tool that calculates a student’s overall performance and represents it in a numerical score.

Only students who pass the academic index will be considered for admission, so it’s crucial to have a competitive transcript to get your application seen by the admissions committee at the University of Florida.

In addition to keeping your GPA high, consider taking the most challenging courses available to you, like honors classes or AP classes. This will demonstrate the strength of your course rigor—another factor that’s highly considered by the University of Florida admissions committee.

If your GPA is lower, and you’re earlier on in your high school career, check out our tips for increasing your GPA . If you’re a junior or senior, it will be harder to increase your GPA, so the easiest way to increase your Academic Index is to get a higher test score.

2. Aim for a 1450 SAT and 33 ACT

The middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students at the University of Florida for the 2020-2021 school year was 1310-1450, and the middle 50% for ACT scores was 29-33. 81% of students submitted SAT scores, while 50% of students submitted ACT scores.

In light of COVID-19 test-optional policies , we highly recommend taking the test if you can do so safely. Since SAT and ACT scores are considered to be “important” by the University of Florida, it’s wise to submit these scores to boost your application to the top.

Even though submitting test scores is optional at the University of Florida, we recommend submitting your score if it’s the 25th percentile or above for accepted students at that school. Get a free recommendation on whether or not you should submit your test scores using our free Chancing Engine . 

To improve your SAT/ACT score, check out these free CollegeVine resources:

• How to Get a Perfect 1600 Score on the SAT
• How to Get a Perfect 36 Score on the ACT
• More SAT Info and Tips
• More ACT Info and Tips

3. Cultivate at least one or two Tier 1-2 extracurriculars (find your “spike”)

Even though all your extracurricular activities are important, some will rank higher during the admissions process than others. We call this rating system the Four Tiers of Extracurriculars .

When you’re applying to a competitive school, it’s recommended you are involved in at least one or two Tier 1-2 extracurriculars to stand out to the admissions committee. Tier 1 activities include winning a prestigious national award or starting a nonprofit, while Tier 2 activities describe serving as student body president or earning first place in a local robotics competition.

Since you can choose from tons of impressive extracurriculars for college , it’s crucial to highlight activities that reflect your accomplishments, passions, and personality on your application.

Remember that your application will be more competitive if you develop a deep interest in one or two extracurriculars (a highly-developed interest known as a “ spike “) rather than participate in a range of unrelated activities. For example, attending American Legion Auxilary’s Girls State as the delegate for your school and serving as your school’s student body president would be considered a spike—it demonstrates that you are interested in political leadership!

4. Write engaging essays

Once you’ve proven your academic excellence, your essays are one of the best ways for you to set yourself apart from other applicants. The University of Florida rates your essay responses as “very important” for admission, and they also rate talents, abilities, character, and personal qualities as extremely important, too. Your essays are an excellent opportunity to showcase your personality and skills so that you can accomplish two goals at the same time!

Discover our best tips for writing the University of Florida essays for the 2021-2022 school year to get inspired before starting your essay!

How to Apply to the University of Florida

Application requirements.

Students can apply to the University of Florida using the Common Application or Coalition Application. You’ll need the following:

• $30 application fee
• High school transcript
• SAT or ACT scores (recommended)
• Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR)
• List of your high school activities (jobs, clubs, sports, community service, etc.)
• Information about your parents or guardians, such as educational background, occupation, and employer information

Learn more about the University of Florida

• What is the University of Florida Known For?
• University of Florida Student Panel

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, admission requirements for uf (university of florida).

Hey, I'm a junior and I've been researching the University of Florida for a while. What are the admission requirements for UF? What kind of test scores and extracurriculars are they looking for? Your input would be super helpful!!

UF has a holistic admissions process, which means they look at multiple factors when evaluating your application. However, I can provide some general guidelines to give you a better idea of what UF typically seeks in their applicants.

1. GPA: The University of Florida considers your high school GPA, and a strong GPA is important. For reference, the middle 50% of admitted students in recent years had a weighted GPA between 4.4 and 4.6.

2. Test scores: As of 2025-2026 application cycle, UF requires standardized test scores for the application process. The middle 50% SAT scores of admitted students in the past have ranged from about 1350 to 1490, while for the ACT, this range was around 30 to 34. Keep in mind that these numbers are just averages, and students with both higher and lower scores are admitted every year, but they should give you a good general target.

3. Course rigor: You should aim to take the most challenging curriculum available in your high school, including Honors, AP, or IB courses. These classes demonstrate your readiness to handle rigorous coursework at the college level.

4. Extracurriculars: UF values students who display leadership, dedication, and passion in their extracurricular activities. They don't expect a certain number of activities, but having 8-10 extracurriculars with a few that you're highly involved in is generally a good benchmark. Strive for a mix of tier 1-3 activities, by holding leadership positions in clubs, participating in regional or higher-level competitions, and engaging in community service. For more information about extracurricular tiers, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/breaking-down-the-4-tiers-of-extracurricular-activities

5. Essays: The application will require you to submit essays that highlight your passion, experiences, and what makes you unique. Make sure that your essays are well-crafted and genuine, and help the admissions committee get to know you better beyond your grades and activities. For guidance on how to tackle UF's school-specific supplemental essays, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-florida-essays

While these guidelines can give you a good starting point, it's important to keep in mind that UF has a holistic review process, and there is no specific formula for gaining admission. Admissions decisions can be impacted by various factors including the applicant pool, institutional goals, and more. To maximize your chances, present yourself authentically and highlight your strengths in each piece of your application, rather than relying on any single credential to get you in.

Good luck with your application!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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Reflection: Dartmouth Essays That Worked

One writer looks back on her admissions process in light of the dartmouth’s new book, “50 dartmouth application essays that worked.”.

Five years ago, I began my Common Application essay with the following sentence: “To quote Ferris Bueller, ‘Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.’ I don’t intend to miss my life.” Half a decade later, those words still ring true. 

Any college was taking a chance when they admitted a girl who quoted a film famous for encouraging students to play hooky. Not only did I open with this line, I hammered the point home as I described my disillusionment with valuing academic learning over personal experience — I was done running on the high school hamster wheel. When people ask me what essay got me into Dartmouth, I usually respond, “An essay about having a really fun summer.” While those words are true, there’s a deeper moral to the story — as incredible as Dartmouth’s academic resources are, and as academically rigorous as my high school had been, I wanted to learn outside of the classroom, to learn by doing, to learn from my friends. “As much as I value my academic identity and as far as my passion for learning goes, my interpersonal relationships teach me just as much,” I wrote.

I was honestly surprised when Dartmouth accepted me in April 2020. I had been deferred early decision, and the last student who had gotten into Dartmouth from my public Florida high school was a cross-country recruit in 2016. Like tens of thousands of high school seniors, I had the grades, test scores and extracurriculars, but I was full of self-doubt. I was also completely burnt out. Was I really “Ivy League material”? I certainly didn’t feel it. Looking over my statistics, I was just another data point. Not Ellie Anderson, but applicant 8,677. 

My “Why Dartmouth?”  and supplement essays allowed me to make my case. I crafted three versions of the former, and I could have kept going. I labored over my words carefully, drafting response after response, but it was challenging only having 250 words to respond, in some form, to a prompt that every Dartmouth applicant has read: “It is, Sir … a small college. And yet, there are those who love it!” Other than the encouraging words and flamboyant edits from my high school English teacher, I didn’t know if they were any good. Where to begin …

I would have loved to understand what makes an admissions essay compelling when I was in the throes of applying to college. Recently, The Dartmouth published “50 Dartmouth Application Essays That Worked,” a compilation of successful admissions essays. Looking through this collection, I felt like I was stepping back into my 17-year-old self. The selection includes essays featuring many of the qualities Dartmouth seems to be looking for in its students, or at least those I’ve found in my friends: compassion, curiosity, humility and a collaborative spirit. 

The book opens with essays about environment and nature before progressing to the expected categories: academic interest, arts, heritage, identity, sports and, of course, “miscellaneous.” 

A few stories grabbed me for their honesty, especially one that begins, “I have a complicated relationship with the truth.” I was hooked — it was real and raw. Her father suffers from bipolar disorder even though, to the outside world, nothing appears to be wrong. She has a secret too — she’s seeing a girl. How is one supposed to apply to college when their entire world is being torn apart, “standing in the middle of the bridge and setting fire to both ends,” as she says. But she learns a valuable lesson — to live her own truth, not anyone else’s. 

When I was applying to colleges, I was given the following advice: “Don’t make your admissions essay a sob story.” But this essay certainly isn’t a pity party, which proves you can be honest and address your difficulties in the span of a few hundred words. These kinds of essays instead place their writers’ most beautiful strengths and flaws on full display.

Another such essay begins, “My feet live in infamy.” Yes, you can write your Common Application essay about your gnarled and calloused feet. Although the story begins with an anecdote of “ugly” feet, it becomes so much more — a toe-centric reflection. As the writer’s skin became thicker, she found her voice as well. She comes out of her shell in high school, learning to speak up after several tumultuous adolescent years as an introvert. By the end, she’s finally ready to bear her infamous feet and use her voice.

A deep current of intellectual curiosity runs across the essays, too. I laughed when I read a story about an applicant playing Super Mario Bros on a childhood road trip. The writer makes an in-game blunder, sending Mario hurdling into a turtle. “It was then that the terrible realization that curled my six-year-old toes hit me: Mario would return to play again, but when I die, I will not,” they said. What could have been a decade-long existential spiral instead drove the writer to philosophy and math, where they found solace in understanding the world rather than cowering at the unknown. 

These writers are brave — both for sharing their stories to the black-box admissions panel and for allowing us readers a peek years later. On a campus where we often interact in passing “Hey, what’s up”-isms, reading the diverse selection of essays has grounded me once more in an understanding of what makes Dartmouth, Dartmouth. Students here are radically courageous in their quests for knowledge, acts of kindness and pursuits of greatness. In these essays, 650 words no longer looks limiting but becomes the etchings of a beautiful cohort.

After re-reading my own essay alongside those published, it struck me. As a 17-year-old sending off a piece of yourself to a nebulous online portal, it can be difficult to envision your future — your story is a moment in time caught in between all that you’ve been and all that you hope to become. I’m asking myself this question again as I look forward to my senior year at Dartmouth and re-read my ambitions and fears from the essay I penned in 2019. It’s been a lot of laughing at my naïvete, cringing at a heavy-handed application of adjectives and finding pride in my values.

Not only is this book a tool for Dartmouth applicants, but it’s a time capsule from the Class of 2023 to the Class of 2026, whose essays are included. This is who we were at 17. Looking back at my essay, so much has changed between now and then. How could it have not? But I see the seeds of who I’ve become in my essay, like an incantation: “I learn to understand others and to understand myself.”

Dartmouth loses to Harvard in Ivy League softball tournament

Double Header: Spotlight on two-sport varsity athletes

Graduate student reported missing

Dsg fails vote of no confidence in college leadership, beilock: college president apologizes for community harm, slight majority of participating students vote “no confidence” in beilock, letter to the editor: statement from dartmouth’s jewish organizations.

The Dartmouth