University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

What are UIUC’s supplemental essay prompts?

You’ll answer two to three short-answer prompts as part of your application. The questions you’ll answer will depend on whether you’re applying to a major or to the undeclared program, and if you’ve selected a second-choice major. Each short-answer response should be no more than 150 words.

If You’re Applying to a Major

Prompt #1

Explain, in detail, an experience you’ve had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. This can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you’ve taken, or through something else. (150 words max)

Prompt #2

Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from UIUC and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them. (150 words max)

If You’re Applying to the Undeclared Program

Prompt #3

What are your academic interests? Please include 2-3 majors you’re considering at Illinois and why. (150 words max)

Prompt #4

What are your future academic or career goals? You may include courses you took in high school and how these impacted your goals. (150 words max)

If You’ve Selected a Second-Choice Major

Prompt #5

You have selected a second-choice major. Please explain your interest in that major or your overall academic or career goals. (150 words max)

Optional: Academic Challenges

Explain any challenges, outside of COVID-related challenges, you have faced throughout your academic career, including the dates or timeline below. (300 words max)

Optional: Grade Explanation

If you have a low grade or a drop in grades that you have not already explained, do so below. (300 words max)