uva secondary essay

University of Virginia – UVA Secondary Essays Tips

• Cracking Med School Admissions

Getting accepted to University of Virginia School of Medicine is hard. Very hard. Submitting an OUTSTANDING UVA Med School secondary application is vital to receiving an interview invite, which ultimately can lead to an acceptance.

UVA gives applicants early interview invitations and they give a batch of acceptances earlier in the application process too. We would strongly recommend that applicants pre-write their UVA secondaries and also submit them early!

Our Cracking Med School Admissions team has a track record of helping our mentees receive acceptances to UVA School of Medicine.  Read our UVA secondary essay tips below to learn how to stand out in your UVA secondary application! 

• Personally Tailored Essays
• Edits by Stanford & Harvard-trained Doctors
• We study your application strengths to see what unique attributes we’ll bring to the medical school

UVA Med School Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2023 – 2024

• Please briefly describe how the pandemic impacted your ability to pursue experiences like clinical work, shadowing, research, or community service.
• Please list any and all future activities in clinical work, shadowing, research, or community service that you plan to pursue in the upcoming year.
• Why are you interested in attending the University of Virginia School of Medicine? What factors will be most important to you in choosing a medical school? (350 words max)
• How will you contribute to the diversity of your medical school class and the University of Virginia School of Medicine? (350 words max)
• Describe a situation which you found challenging. How did you manage it? (350 words max)

Tips to Answer UVA Secondary Essays

UVA Secondaries Pre-Writing Guidance: Several of our students received acceptances to University of Virginia School of Medicine in the 2023-2024 application cycle, and we have a strong record of acceptances for the past several years! UVA School of Medicine has not changed its secondary essays for years! UVA gives applicants early interview invitations and they give a batch of acceptances earlier in the application process too. We would strongly recommend that applicants pre-write their UVA secondaries and also submit them early! 

This should be one of the first secondaries that you write.

• Download  all  our HIGH-YIELD tips for secondary essays:  Cracking Med School Admissions Secondary Essay Guide

UVA Secondary Essays Tip #1:  The University of Virginia is a top medical school and it wants to recruit strong medical students. In order to stand out and get accepted, here are aspects that you should emphasize in your UVA secondaries:

• Abundant clinical experiences
• Desire to be a strong clinician
• Interest in research, specifically that you have experience as an independent researcher who has led a research project or a large aspect of a research project

UVA Secondary Essays Tip #2: Tell stories throughout your UVA secondary application. If applicable, write stories about patient care. You can add a story in every single UVA secondary question. 

UVA Secondary Essays Tip #3: For the UVA secondary diversity prompt, diversity does not necessarily mean your ethnic diversity. We recommend students write about their strengths, including exceptional extracurricular activity endeavors.

Many of our students write about research and patients they have helped. Make sure to link the essay to what you want to do in the future. 

UVA Secondary Essays Tip #4: For the UVA secondary application COVID-19 question, incorporate your personal experiences as well as healthcare current issues you noticed throughout the COVID pandemic. We have an entire healthcare current events blog post here, where you can read more about healthcare disparities and COVID-19. UVA is particularly interested in how you will help the Virginia community, so make sure to tie your response to thoughts about how to improve Virginia’s health. 

UVA Secondary Essays #5: UVA favors students who have lived or had experiences in the state of Virginia. Write about your affiliations with Virginia! If you have not lived in the state of Virginia, then you can talk about family who live in the vicinity or any visits you made to Virginia. Similar to our last tip, make sure to discuss healthcare current events in Virginia and your aspirations to improve the health of Virginia residents. 

UVA Secondary Essays #6: On a related note, the UVA secondaries question “ Why are you interested in attending the University of Virginia School of Medicine? ” is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. You must convince the admissions committee that you would be a great fit and love to attend the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Be specific in your reasons for wanting to attend UVA School of Medicine. These factors can include: the UVA medical school curriculum, research opportunities, and the location. 

Additionally, talk about why studying in Virginia is important for your career. If you have lived in Virginia, discuss ways in which you have already been involved with the Virginia community. Finally, if you plan on staying in Virginia in the long-term, definitely mention it! 

• Read our HIGH-YIELD blog post  Why this Medical School? Secondary Essay Example   for more tips on how to answer “Why University of Virginia School of Medicine.”

UVA Secondary Essays #7: Start early and get our help. UVA secondaries are not too long and should be submitted as early as possible. Have questions about how you can stand out? Contact us  below. Need editing help on your secondary? We can help you through our  secondary essay packages . Several of our students received acceptances to University of Virginia School of Medicine in the 2023-2024 application cycle, and we have a strong record of acceptances for the past several years!

[ Read more secondary essay tips:  Tufts University School of Medicine ,  Yale School of Medicine ,  Columbia University Vagelos , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine ]

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UVA Med School Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2021 – 2022

Uva med school secondary application essay prompts: 2020 – 2021.

• Why are you interested in attending the University of Virginia School of Medicine? What factors will be most important to you in choosing a medical school?  (350 words max)
• How will you contribute to the diversity of your medical school class and the University of Virginia School of Medicine?  (350 words max)
• Describe a situation which you found challenging. How did you manage it?  (350 words max)

UVA Med School Secondary Application Essay Prompts: 2019 – 2020

Uva med school secondary application essay prompts: 2018 – 2019, uva med school secondary application essay prompts: 2017 – 2018, contact us with questions, we'll answer any and all your questions about medical school we typically respond within 1 business day..

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• Admissions Process

Our students come from broad and diverse backgrounds, bringing together a wide range of life experiences and interests. We take a holistic approach to our application process and evaluate applicants on several factors, including academic achievement (GPA and MCAT scores), healthcare and volunteer experience, life experience, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. For those who are invited, the personal interview is also an important component of the selection process.

About our students, student experiences.

The UVA School of Medicine has a diverse student body with a wide variety of life experiences and interests. For example, a significant number of our students come from backgrounds in the humanities or social sciences. About half of our students completed their undergraduate education a year or more before starting medical school, devoting time to employment service opportunities, research projects, or other educational pursuits.

Our students embrace a learning environment that offers an innovative and challenging curriculum, a welcoming and caring learning community .

About the Application Process

The UVA School of Medicine typically receives over 5,000 applications each year. Approximately 650 applicants are invited to interview. We use a rolling admission process. Early application is encouraged.

• We invite approximately 650 applicants for interviews each year.
• Interviews begin in early September through the first week of March.
• Interviews are held on Mondays through Thursdays.
• Candidates will participate in two 30-minute interviews with members of the Admissions Committee.
• The interview panel may comprise two faculty members, or one faculty member and one 4th year medical student.
• The interview panel presents that week’s candidates to the Admissions Committee, which meets every Friday. The committee votes on which candidates will be offered admission.
• Decision letters are typically mailed within a week following Oct. 15.

The written application will provide information on your academic achievements. However, this alone doesn’t paint a complete picture of who you are, which is why interviews are important!

This will be an opportunity for us to learn more about the passions and experiences that drive your desire to become a physician, and for you to ask questions about the MD program, opportunities and facilities.

The interview is an essential part of the application process, giving us a chance to learn about your background, interests, and passions. It also gives you the opportunity to experience our welcoming and close-knit community.

• For the 2024-2025 cycle, ALL interviews will be conducted virtually.
• The UVA School of Medicine interviews approximately 650 applicants each year.
• Interviews take place between Monday and Thursday.
• Applicants are interviewed in groups of six or eight.
• Interviews take about 30 minutes.
• Interviews are conducted by members of the Admissions Committee – either two faculty members, or one faculty member and one student.
• The Admissions Committee meets each Friday to discuss the qualifications of each applicant interviewed that week. The committee then votes on which applicants will be offered admission.
• Decision letters are typically mailed within the week of interview after October 15th.
• We extend approximately 300 offers each year for a class of 156 students.

General Requirements

In order to successfully apply to the UVA School of Medicine MD program, candidates must meet a number of General Requirements to move forward. See below sections for specifics.

When asked for the qualities that are important for us in a medical student, we often note that we are looking for individuals who are authentic and the best versions of themselves. We consider shadowing activities with a physician to be very important, but also recognize the various other ways that students can be exposed to healthcare experiences, including, but not limited to a scribe program, as an EMT, pharmacy tech, or phlebotomist. Personal or family experience with healthcare is also considered.

• Complete a minimum of 90 semester hours of coursework (at the time of application) at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university.
• Non-U.S. citizens or temporary U.S. residents are eligible to apply upon completing at least 90 semester hours of coursework (at the time of application) at a U.S. or Canadian college or university.
• We strongly prefer a bachelor’s degree.

Course Recommendations

• No prerequisite courses
• No science or humanities requirement
• Recommended courses: Cell Biology , Biochemistry , Human Behavior and Statistics
• We accept AP credits (not exemptions) that counted toward your undergraduate degree and appear on your official transcript.

MCAT Requirements

• All applicants are required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
• We accept either the current or future version of the MCAT, without preference.
• Tests must be taken no later than September 30 of the year prior to matriculation. We also do not accept scores from tests taken before April 1 of the three years prior to matriculation.
• For more information on the MCAT and registration materials, contact premedical advisors or MCAT Registration at phone: (202) 828-0690 , or online at: aamc.org .

Additional Assessments

UVA School of Medicine does  NOT REQUIRE additional assessments at this time. For the 2025 admissions cycle we will be collecting the AAMC PREview™ Professional Readiness Exam for any applicants who took it for other reasons. We will hold these scores separately to be used for research purposes but they will NOT be used for evaluation for the 2025 cycle. Information about the AAMC PREview™ exam, including preparation materials, test registration, requests for accommodations, and important dates and deadlines is available here: http://www.aamc.org/PREview

Technical Standards

All students must demonstrate the physical, cognitive, emotional and interpersonal capabilities necessary to complete the medical education program and provide highly effective patient care. These capabilities, called Technical Standards , are the essential requirements of a general medical education and are based on UVA School of Medicine learning objectives.

Candidates for admission, academic promotion, or graduation must meet these Technical Standards, with or without reasonable accommodation. These standards have been approved by the Curriculum Committee and the Dean of the School of Medicine.

Criminal Background Check

If legal or criminal proceedings are filed against you prior to matriculation, or if you are the recipient of any institutional disciplinary action, it is your responsibility to inform the Admissions Office immediately. Additionally, all applicants must undergo a mandatory criminal background check as a condition of acceptance to the School of Medicine. Read UVA’s criminal background check policy.

General Requirements for International Students

• Tests must be taken no later than September 30 of the year prior to matriculation. We also do not accept scores from tests before April 1 of the three years prior to matriculation.
• For more information on the MCAT and registration materials, contact premedical advisors or MCAT Registration at phone: (202) 828-0690 , or online at: Applying to Medical School as an International Applicant .

Federal Loans and Financial Aid

International students who are accepted to the UVA School of Medicine are not eligible for federal loans or financial aid from the University. Documentation showing the ability to pay for your medical education is required before you may begin medical school.

Additional Resources

The UVA International Studies Office (ISO) offers services, resources, and programs to help you adapt to living in the United States and within the University community.

Admitted students: The International Students and Scholars Program , a division of ISO, provides information and support about visa applications and other documentation, planning for your arrival in the U.S., campus life at UVA, and more.

Letters of Recommendation

The UVA School of Medicine only accepts letters of evaluation/recommendation through AMCAS . Do not mail letters of recommendation directly to the UVA School of Medicine.

We prefer letters of recommendation from a premedical advisor evaluation. If this service is unavailable, we request a minimum of two letters, preferably from science professors or the equivalent. You also may submit individual letters along with a premed advising evaluation.

There is no limit to the number of letters you may submit. But keep in mind that your application will be stronger with just a few meaningful letters from individuals who know you well, rather than with a larger number of superficial letters.

Admissions Cycle

The Admissions Cycle for application to the School of Medicine is a multi-stage process. We encourage you to carefully read through the content on this page and begin your application early, so you have adequate time to provide all required information and meet all necessary criteria.

The UVA School of Medicine Admissions Office is available to help answer questions in preparation of your application.

We are available to answer questions regarding your application until May 1 of the year that you apply. Note: Case specific information cannot be provided on any active application.

Conditions of Acceptance

If you are offered acceptance at the UVA School of Medicine:

• Submit your Class Reservation on the applicant portal within three weeks to hold your position.
• Carefully read and sign the Declaration of Meeting Technical Standards .
• You do not need to send in a deposit at this time.
• If you do not meet these Conditions of Acceptance, your offer of admission will be rescinded.

You may withdraw your application from the incoming class at any time without penalty. Please submit a written request to the Admissions Office at [email protected] .

• Questions? Call: (434) 924-5571 or e-mail [email protected] .

Satisfactory Completion of Academic Work

All acceptances to the UVA School of Medicine are contingent upon satisfactory completion of future course work and requirements of any undergraduate or graduate program in which you currently are enrolled.

• Please provide a written explanation for a grade of “C.”
• A grade of “D” or below will result in re-evaluation of your application.
• If you made changes in your course selections after filing your AMCAS application, please notify our Admissions Office in writing.
• Notify the Admissions Office of any decision to take a course for credit/no credit, pass/fail, or audit.
• Notify the Admissions Office if you graduate early or decide to enroll part time.

Pre-entrance Health Requirements

• Student Health and Wellness
• 23-24 Medical and Nursing Student Pre-Entrance form
• Management of Student Practicums/Preceptorships policy

Submit Official Transcripts by July 1 of your Matriculating Year

AMCAS does not forward your transcripts to the University of Virginia. Please request official transcripts from each college or university you have attended to be sent to our Admissions Office – even if those course credits were transferred to another school. This includes study abroad programs.

Student copies of transcripts are not acceptable. These transcripts will become an official part of your permanent medical school record. They will be used for verification purposes after you graduate from the School of Medicine.

Complete Background Check by July 1 of Your Matriculating Year

If legal or criminal proceedings are filed against you prior to matriculation, or if you undergo any institutional disciplinary action, please inform the Admissions Office immediately. All criminal background checks will be facilitated by AMCAS and conducted through Certiphi Screening, Inc.

Certiphi will contact you via email with instructions on how to begin the required background check. For further details, please see the full Criminal Background Check Policy .

Basic Life Support (BLS) by July 1 of Your Matriculating Year

• All incoming medical students are required to provide proof of current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• The UVA Health System requires certification through the American Heart Association .
• You are required to take the clinical/skill component in the classroom.

To find a course or register, visit http://www.onlineaha.org .

AMCAS Choose Your Medical School Tool

Plan to Enroll: Applicants may hold only one medical school position (at a time) after April 30 per AMCAS acceptance protocols. You may choose “Plan to Enroll” or “Commit to Enroll” after April 30. In fairness to applicants on the waitlist, please make your decision and inform our Admissions Office no later than April 30.

Commit to Enroll: MD Applicants are required to choose “Commit to Enroll” by July 1 of your matriculating year. MSTP Applicants are required to choose “Commit to Enroll” by May 10 of your matriculating year.

For more information, visit AMCAS Choose Your Medical School Tool .

International Students

Please complete and submit all documents required by the International Studies Office by July 1, prior to matriculation.

Each year, the UVA School of Medicine receives over 5,000 applications for 156 seats in the incoming class. After careful evaluation of these initial applications, we select about 650 highly qualified candidates for in-person interviews. As we strive to build a talented and diverse student body, the Admissions Committee carefully weighs the information gathered through these processes to determine which candidates would be the best fit for, and make contributions to, our campus community.

Like most medical schools, we place a number of qualified applicants on an unranked Alternate List (also known as a waitlist). As seats open up when accepted candidates decline to enroll at the UVA School of Medicine, we began extending offers of admission to individuals on this list.

If you are placed on the Alternate List:

• We will send an explanation of how the list works and when you might expect to hear from the Admissions Office. This phase starts on April 30, the AMCAS deadline for applicants to make their final school selections and withdraw acceptances from all other schools or programs.
• You are encouraged to add any document or materials that may strengthen your application.

FAQs About the Alternate List:

• The Alternate List at the UVA School of Medicine is not ranked.
• We are unable to tell you where you are on the list, or to predict your chances for acceptance.

How are applicants selected from the Alternate List?

• When seats become available in the class, we review the Alternate List much like a separate, self-contained admissions process.
• We evaluate numerous factors, keeping in mind our goal of building a diverse class.
• The Admissions Committee will select individuals from the Alternate List who are considered the most qualified at that point in time.
• Each time a position opens up, we will repeat this process until the class is filled.

How many applicants are on the Alternate List?

• The number of individuals on the Alternate List starts out with about 175 applicants.
• As the season progresses, however, there is considerable attrition on the list.
• By the time positions are available, only 70 to 80 alternate candidates remain interested in attending the UVA School of Medicine.
• It is from this pool of applicants that the Admissions Committee will fill positions in the class.

When can I expect to hear from the Admissions Committee?

• It is impossible to know exactly when positions will become available.
• The Admissions Committee will overbook the class knowing that some applicants will choose to attend other medical schools.
• Because applicants are not allowed to hold multiple acceptances after April 30, we typically receive a number of withdrawals around that date.
• Based on previous years’ experiences, we believe the class size will drop below 156 in late June.
• At that time, review of the Alternate List will begin. All Alternate List candidates are kept under consideration until the first day of orientation or until an applicant matriculates at another medical school, whichever comes first.

How many applicants are taken from the Alternate List each year?

• It is impossible to know in advance how many positions will become available in any given year.
• In previous years, the average numbers of matriculants from the Alternate List has been 10 to 12 individuals.

What can I do to improve my chances while I’m waiting to hear from the Committee?

• Alternate List applications are reviewed when positions become available.
• You are welcome to add materials to your file at any time to strengthen your application: new letters of recommendation, recent publications, information about recent activities.
• Please submit updated transcripts as soon as they become available.

How will I be contacted if the Committee decides to make me an offer?

• If you are selected from the Alternate List, the Admissions Office will contact you by phone.
• Please make sure you have provided a phone number where we can reach you.
• If you will be unavailable by phone for an extended period of time, please send in writing the name and daytime phone number of someone who has the authority to accept or decline an offer for you.

We realize that waiting to hear from the Admissions Office may cause uncertainty and anxiety as you are trying to make important decisions about your future. We appreciate your patience and continued interest in the UVA School of Medicine. We empathize with your position, but we cannot offer any assurances of acceptance. If you decide to attend another medical school, please notify us so that we can remove your name from the Alternate List.

Reapplication

The UVA School of Medicine has a competitive admissions process: Each year, we receive 5,000 applications for 156 seats. If you are not offered admission, you may reapply.

If you submitted a primary application through AMCAS, but did not send a supplementary application to UVA, you will not be disadvantaged if you decide to apply in the future.

General tips for re-application:

• Find ways to increase your GPA. Consider how your GPA compares to the mean GPA of our admitted students. Try boosting your cumulative GPA by taking additional classes, either through your undergraduate school or through post-baccalaureate programs. Please note that graduate-level courses will not be combined with your undergraduate GPA.
• Consider retaking the MCAT. Set aside plenty of time to prepare for the test, read study materials and take practice tests. Consider taking an MCAT prep course.
• Gain more clinical experiences. Show that you have a passion for medicine. Volunteer at a local hospital, earn your EMT license, or find a job working directly with patients in a healthcare setting.
• Reevaluate your letters of recommendation. You may re-submit your current letters of recommendation but consider whether these are still relevant. It’s okay to ask the original evaluators to update your letter, or to recruit someone new to provide a recommendation.
• Rewrite your application essays. Your personal statement should still indicate a passion for medicine, but it’s also important to highlight personal growth. Your goals may have changed since you first applied to medical school. Be sure to emphasize any additional healthcare or volunteer experiences you’ve undertaken.

Note: Case-specific tips cannot be provided on any individual application.

Orientation

We are looking forward to welcoming you to the UVA School of Medicine and helping you acclimate to our close-knit campus community.

During Orientation, you will meet with your college dean and receive information about resources available in Student Affairs, Student Health, Financial Aid, and the Health Sciences Library. Students are required to attend all sessions.

Orientation Sessions will:

• Provide tools and resources that support students during the initial 18-month phase
• Introduce the educational principles of the Cells to Society Curriculum
• Focus on the educational theories underlying the curriculum’s emphasis on active learning and collaborative teamwork
• Enable students to complete a Myers-Briggs personality inventory to demonstrate differences among individuals
• Provide opportunities for team-building activities, such as a challenge course
• Conclude with the Brodie Gateway Dinner, where students meet their coaches and co-mentors for Foundations of Clinical Medicine

Note: Orientation is mandatory. Failure to attend orientation will forfeit your place within the class.

Transfer credit will be reviewed on an individual case-by-case basis.

Questions? Call (434) 924-5571 or e-mail [email protected] .

Admissions Committee

The Admissions Committee, is comprised of a diverse group of faculty and 4th year students selected from within the School of Medicine and is responsible for building each incoming class.

During meetings on Friday mornings, between the first week of September and the first week of March, the Admissions Committee listens to presentations about the applicants who were interviewed earlier in the week. The committee accounts for and discusses each applicant’s strengths and weaknesses, to inform a vote on who will receive an offer of admission.

Decisions on applications are sent by e-mail the following week.

Students and faculty are considered as equals on the Admissions Committee. There are 35 members in total; 12 medical students and 23 faculty members, 33 of whom are voting members. Each Committee member is given one vote.

John Densmore, M.D., Ph.D. Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs,  standing, Chair

Committee Members

• Gabrielle R. Marzani, M.D. , Assistant Dean for Admissions, standing, Vice Chair, non-voting
• Gregory Townsend, M.D. , Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, standing
• Lesley L. Thomas, J.D., Assistant Dean for Compliance and Accreditation, standing, non-voting
• Laurie Archbald-Pannone, M.D. , Director for Student Engagement, standing
• Rebecca E. Abernathy, M.D. , FAAP, IBCLC (Pediatrics) 3 years (2021-2024)
• Heather Bruschwein, Psy.D. (Psychiatry) 3 years (2023-2026)
• David Callender, M.D. (Internal Medicine) 3 years (2023-2026)
• Behzad Farivar M.D. (Vascular Surgery) 3 years (2022-2025)
• Anna Z. Fashandi, M.D. (Endocrine Surgery) 3 Years (2023-2026)
• Paul David Gallo, M.D. (Anesthesiology) 3 Years (2023-2026)
• Shakun Gupta, M.D. (Pediatrics)  3 years (2022-2025)
• Dominic A. Jose, M.D (Anesthesiology) 3 Years (2023-2026)
• Andrea Komis, M.D. (Pediatrics-Inova) 3 years (2021-2024)
• David Lee, M.D. (Surgery-Inova) 3 years (2021-2024)
• Jennifer Louis-Jacques, M.D., M.P.H. (Pediatrics) 3 years (2023-2026)
• Emily Marko, M.D. (Obstetrics & Gynecology-Inova) 3 years (2021-2024)
• Sakib M. Motalib, M.D. (Emergency Medicine-Inova) 3 years (2021-2024)
• Regan H. Royer, M.D. (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation) 3 years (2022-2025)
• Jessica S. Sheeran, M.D. (Anesthesiology) 3 years (2021-2024)
• Gregory “Ory” Streeter, M.D. (Family Medicine) 3 Years (2023-2026)
• Eryn L. Thiele, M.D. (Anesthesiology) 3 Years (2023-2026)
• Kenan W. Yount, M.D. (Surgery) 3 years (2021-2024)
• Rachel P. Wyant, M.Ed. , Director, Office of Admissions, standing

Student Members: Appointed for one year

Nancy Shen, SMD’24

Richard Huang, SMD’24

Sarah Sebastian, SMD’24

Philip Grotz, SMD’24

Sasheenie Moodley, SMD’24

Srikar Tallavajhala, SMD’24

Robin Picavia, SMD’24

Leela Ekambarapu, SMD’24

Zachary “Logan” Holley, SMD’24

Braden Miller, SMD’24

Elizabeth Wat, SMD’24

Akua Nyarko-Odoom, SMD’24

All Committee decisions are final and are not subject to change.

Ready to begin your application?

Amcas application.

Begin your application with AMCAS (Association of American Medical Colleges)

Here’s how to begin:

• Complete and submit your primary application here: AMCAS . (Applicants who received an AMCAS Fee Assistance Program Waiver also will be given a Supplemental Application Fee Waiver. Fee waivers must be submitted to and approved by AMCAS before UVA can process the Supplemental Application Fee Waiver.)
• Complete and submit the UVA supplemental application.
• Keep your AMCAS file updated.
• Once all materials are received, including MCAT scores and letters of recommendation, the application review process begins.
• Note: The secondary application fee of $80 can be waived with an AMCAS fee waiver.
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UVA Supplemental Essays 2023-24

The University of Virginia , a public research university in Charlottesville, is one of the top public universities in Virginia and nationwide. As a result, many students ask themselves how to get into University of Virginia. Well, one of the most important things is UVA supplemental essays. Strong University of Virginia supplemental essays can help you stand out in the competitive UVA applicant pool.

Each year, thousands of students apply to UVA hoping to gain access to its world-renowned academic programs and research facilities. In addition to academics, UVA also hosts an array of student organizations and off-campus opportunities in a thriving college town . It’s no surprise that UVA has a highly competitive 21% acceptance rate. In light of that, the University of Virginia essay is a critical part of the UVA application. Understanding the intricate details of UVA supplemental essays and UVA requirements is crucial to getting into UVA. Luckily, we are here to help.

In this guide, we will discuss the University of Virginia supplemental essay requirements, UVA application deadlines, and UVA requirements. Furthermore, we will cover the importance of the University of Virginia supplemental essays and analyze the UVA essay prompts. Most importantly, we will provide a variety of resources to help you craft the strongest UVA supplemental essays. Let’s get started.

University of Virginia Essay: Quick Facts

Uva essay: quick facts.

• The University of Virginia Ranking Overall: #25 National Universities
• The University of Virginia Public University Ranking:   #3 Public Universities
• The University of Virginia Acceptance Rate: 21%– U.S. News identifies UVA as an extremely selective school.  
• The University of Virginia Retention Rate: 97%
• The University of Virginia Graduation Rate: 94% (the highest of any public university in America)
• Common Application Essay
• 1 (~ 300 words) The University of Virginia background essay
• 1 (~ 250 words) School of Nursing Essay for School of Nursing applicants
• The University of Virginia Admissions Application: UVA application is a Common Application member institution. Therefore, students must complete their application using the Common Application. 
• Early Action: November 1st
• Early Decision: November 1st
• Regular Decision: January 15th 
• The University of Virginia Supplemental Essays Tip: The University of Virginia supplemental essays have a very limited word count. Therefore, make sure your UVA essays are clear and concise.

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

Does UVA have supplemental essays?

Yes. In addition to your Common Application personal statement, all students applying to the University of Virginia must complete supplemental essays. Compared to previous years, UVA has reduced the maximum number of UVA essay prompts to two this year.

All students who apply to UVA are required to complete one UVA supplemental essay. This required University of Virginia essay is commonly known as the background essay. It forces applicants to consider how their background will impact their experiences at UVA. 

Even though all applicants are only required to write one UVA application essay, don’t think this makes the application process easier. In fact, having just one University of Virginia essay can be tougher for applicants than having multiple UVA essay prompts. You have only one opportunity, with fewer than 300 words, to make a good impression on University of Virginia admissions . 

In contrast, prospective nursing students can respond to two UVA essay prompts. Students applying to the University of Virginia nursing program must submit an additional University of Virginia supplemental essay. The nursing student UVA essay prompt asks students to recall a healthcare experience that deepened their interest in nursing.

Whether you must complete one or both UVA supplemental essays, we have answers to your questions. In the next section, we will dive deeper into both University of Virginia supplemental essays. 

What are the UVA supplemental essays?

The UVA supplemental essay that all applicants must complete asks applicants about their background. Specifically, applicants must explain how their experiences or perspectives will be a source of strength for themselves or their UVA peers. This UVA application essay showcases students’ ability to reveal how their personal experiences and backgrounds will strengthen the UVA community. 

The second University of Virginia essay is only for students applying to the University of Virginia nursing program. Nursing program applicants are asked to describe a healthcare-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened their interest in nursing. This essay provides students the opportunity to describe the roots of their passion and how it will positively impact UVA.

Ultimately, well-written UVA supplemental essays will illustrate how you’ll contribute positively to the UVA social and academic community. Supplemental essays allow students to prove to UVA admissions that they are the perfect fit for the university. 

UVA Common App Essay

As discussed earlier, the University of Virginia presents applicants with two distinct UVA supplemental essays. The first UVA application, known as the background essay, is mandatory for all applicants. In contrast, the Nursing School UVA supplemental essay is specifically required for those aspiring to the nursing program. However, beyond these University of Virginia supplemental essays, prospective students face an additional crucial component—the Common Application essay.

As part of the Common App, this essay—also called the personal statement —is sent to all schools on an applicant’s list. The Common Application essay provides students with a platform to share their unique identities, experiences, and aspirations. The UVA supplemental essays allow one to delve into specific aspects of one’s background and ambitions. On the other hand, the Common App essay casts a broader net with seven possible prompts . These range from overcoming a challenge to sharing an accomplishment, all to add depth to one’s personal narrative in the application.

In comparison to UVA supplemental essays,  the UVA Common App essay provides a greater word count of 600 words. This additional space permits an applicant to expand on what has not already been highlighted in their application. Therefore, selecting the best Common Application essay prompt can make or break one’s application. Writing a good personal statement is no easy feat and requires plenty of planning and preparation with example essays .

UVA Application Essay: Background Essay

The University of Virginia essay that all applicants must complete is the background essay. The UVA application essay prompt is as follows: 

What about your background, perspective, or experience will serve as a source of strength for you or those around you at UVA?

When writing this University of Virginia essay, your response should offer a thoughtful exploration of a defining aspect of your identity. You should begin this UVA application essay by identifying a specific element, such as a cultural background, personal challenge, or unique viewpoint. Make your focus as specific as possible to make it easier to write a clear, concise essay.

Once you have identified your unique background or perspective, you should discuss how it will be an asset. How will it contribute to your personal growth and to building a stronger UVA community? You may have experience with caretaking that makes you an empathetic and effective leader. Or maybe you have overcome setbacks with help from others, making you both resilient and highly encouraging of your peers.

In this UVA application essay, you want to show that you have done your research on the University. Therefore, you should try to make connections to the university’s values and specific classes or organizations. Ultimately, your response should exhibit self-awareness and a deep understanding of UVA’s values. You should provide a clear roadmap for how your background, perspective, or experience will positively influence yourself and the campus community.

While there’s only one required UVA application essay for everyone, that does not guarantee an easier application. In fact, having just one essay can be seen as more challenging because you only get one shot to impress UVA admissions. You must ensure your one UVA supplemental essay is well-written, with intention behind every word. 

Keep reading for more about writing UVA supplemental essays and tips for impressing the UVA admissions committee. 

How to write UVA supplemental essays?

Crafting a standout UVA application essay can boost your application and help you get noticed by the admissions team. Your UVA supplemental essays are your chance to show your personality and explain how you can contribute to the UVA community. 

Helpful tips to make your UVA supplemental essays stand out:

1. understand the university of virginia.

When writing your University of Virginia supplemental essays, take time to learn about the university’s values, goals, and programs. Use this knowledge to show your genuine interest in and connection to the University of Virginia.

2. Be Yourself

Write your University of Virginia supplemental essay in a way that reflects who you truly are. Share personal stories and moments that have influenced your beliefs, passions, and goals. Avoid generic answers and focus on what makes you unique.

3. Tell a Great Story

Narrative essays may not be strictly required, but there’s a reason they stay popular in college admissions. Make your UVA supplemental essays interesting and captivating by telling a compelling story. Use descriptive language and engaging words to grab the reader’s attention from start to finish. 

4. Check and Improve

Before submitting your University of Virginia supplemental essays, proofread and edit your essay carefully. Look for correct grammar, punctuation, and clear sentences. Since you have a limited word count, choose your words wisely and avoid repeating yourself.

By following these tips in your University of Virginia supplemental essays, you can create a knockout UVA application essay. Remember, the UVA supplemental essays let you shine and show admissions why you’d be a perfect fit for the University of Virginia.

What does UVA look for in essays?

When considering what UVA looks for in the University of Virginia supplemental essays, the best place for advice is admissions officials. Luckily, UVA’s associate dean of admission, Jeannine Lalonde, wrote about the importance of University of Virginia supplemental essays. She also outlines what admissions officials look for from their applicants’ University of Virginia supplemental essays.

In the article, Lalonde says, “I think that [the essay] helps us get insight into the personality, voice, and style of the student. The rest of the application consists of forms and other people telling us about the student. This is their chance to talk directly to us.” 

While the article is several years old, what she shared remains true for students wondering how to get into University of Virginia. UVA supplemental essays allow applicants to tell their stories using their unique voice and point of view. Therefore, be authentically you; ensure your personality shines through and truly connects to the University of Virginia community. 

In addition to the importance of University of Virginia supplemental essays, Lalonde also highlights three tips for approaching them. These tips may help students craft the strongest University of Virginia supplemental essays and stand out to admissions representatives.

Don’t overthink the topic

In your UVA supplemental essays, simplicity can often be the key to success. The admissions committee is interested in your genuine experiences and perspectives. Instead of selecting the “perfect” topic, focus on choosing an aspect of your background, perspective, or experience that resonates with you. By staying true to your story and not overanalyzing the topic, you can present a sincere and engaging portrayal of yourself.

You don’t have to write like it’s a school essay

UVA supplemental essays allow you to showcase your personality, creativity, and individuality. Unlike formal academic essays, you can infuse your voice, anecdotes, and even a bit of your sense of humor. By steering away from the formal tone of a typical school essay, you can create engaging, illuminating UVA supplemental essays. Strong UVA supplemental essays captivate the admissions committee and give them a deeper understanding of you beyond your academic achievements.

It’s smart to get advice, but be authentic

When crafting your University of Virginia supplemental essays, seeking guidance and feedback from mentors or peers can offer valuable perspectives. However, while incorporating advice, ensure that your UVA supplemental essays remain true to your narrative and maintain the authenticity that sets you apart. Your UVA supplemental essays should reflect your true character and motivations.

By adhering to these tips in your UVA supplemental essays, you can create a compelling and authentic narrative. Additionally, these tips are applicable to any college essay, not just UVA supplemental essays. Ultimately, your UVA supplemental essays offer a platform to showcase your personal growth, strengths, and potential contributions to the campus environment.

More UVA Application Info

Of course, knowing critical information about the University of Virginia supplemental essays and UVA essay prompts is step one. However, students should also be aware of other critical UVA requirements and information that may play a role in your application. 

First and foremost, for the 2023-2024 application, the university limits the legacy factor in its admissions process. In the past, students could simply check a box indicating their legacy status on their application. Now, if students want to indicate this status, they may write about a personal or historic connection with the university. This change is incredibly important for students who are personally connected to the university by alumni or historical ties. Therefore, be mindful of how to communicate the impact of having a historical connection. Don’t just say that you have parents or grandparents who went to the university. Instead, focus on what that has meant to you growing up. How do you wish to use that connection to live up to UVA’s values and foster a greater sense of community at UVA?

Still test-optional

Another update or continued practice for 2023-2024 is that UVA will remain test-optional . As a test-optional university, students have the choice of whether or not they want to submit their SAT and/or ACT scores . UVA does super score for applicants who submit test scores and considers the best combination of section scores without recalculation. Whichever path students choose, UVA promises to consider your application carefully.

Besides understanding the legacy admissions factor and test-optional admissions options, there is also a lot of other information students may need to know prior to applying. Some of these factors include the AP/IB credit process, navigating the waitlist process, and using application fee waivers. If you are interested in finding information about these factors, you should check out UVA’s FAQ page. There, you will find a lot of helpful information about applying to the University of Virginia.

What is the application deadline for UVA?

The University of Virginia offers three distinct application deadlines to accommodate a range of prospective students. For those who are eager to submit their applications early and receive a quick decision, the Early Action and Early Decision deadlines fall on November 1st. ED is binding, with admissions decisions released in mid-December; EA is non-binding, with decisions released in mid-February. Deferred applicants from both are reviewed in the Regular Decision round. Early applicants usually have a higher chance of admittance, but they also have stronger applications on average.

In contrast, the Regular Decision deadline extends to January 15 for those requiring more time to finalize their submissions. This later date allows students to better prepare their applications in order to craft the strongest application narrative possible. Although this later deadline has a larger applicant pool than EA or ED, a particularly strong application will still stand out.

Remember that each application deadline aligns with a separate teacher/counselor deadline. Therefore, ensure your teachers and counselors promptly submit their secondary information and recommendations. Choosing a college application deadline relies on several factors such as your grades, essay preparation, and overall interest in a university. Consider the strength of your application and how much you want to go to UVA when choosing a deadline.

Additional UVA Resources from CollegeAdvisor

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of writing the best UVA supplemental essays and gaining acceptance into the college? Well, don’t fret. CollegeAdvisor has many resources tailored for UVA and University of Virginia supplemental essays. Here are a few that may help you. 

1. University of Virginia Webinar Panel

The University of Virginia panel is a recorded webinar and Q&A panel with alumni and current UVA students. They share their perspectives on campus life, academic programs, and career opportunities at UVA. 

2. University of Virginia Essay Examples

This guide will teach you about the University of Virginia supplemental essays through several UVA essay examples. The article includes UVA supplemental essays examples addressing various UVA essay prompts to teach you what a successful essay looks like. While the UVA essay examples are from last year’s admissions cycle, their advice still applies. Seeing how strong the University of Virginia supplemental essays were crafted will help you craft your own UVA supplemental essays.

3. How to Win UVA Scholarships

This article discusses two specific scholarships: the University of Virginia Jefferson Scholarship and the Walentas Scholarship. The article provides information on eligibility for these two UVA scholarships, academic scholarship requirements, and how to apply for them.

UVA Supplemental Essays – Takeaways

In closing, we hope we have answered how to get into University of Virginia with a strong UVA application essay. Ultimately, the UVA supplemental essays play a pivotal role in the application process, providing applicants with a chance to distinguish themselves. In order to ensure you know how to craft the strongest University of Virginia essays, here are some key takeaways.

Importance of UVA Supplemental Essays

The UVA supplemental essays are instrumental in showcasing your unique qualities and compatibility with the university’s values. A well-crafted essay can set you apart in the competitive admissions process.

Two Types of UVA Supplemental Essays

UVA requires applicants to write two types of UVA supplemental essays. The first, known as the background essay, is mandatory for all applicants. The second UVA application essay is specifically for those applying to the Nursing School at UVA.

Background Essay

The UVA background essay prompt challenges you to articulate how your background will serve you or your peers at UVA. This essay offers an opportunity to reveal personal growth, resilience, empathy, and alignment with UVA’s values.

Nursing School Essay

For nursing applicants, the UVA supplemental essay describes a healthcare-related experience or significant interaction that deepened their interest in nursing. This University of Virginia supplemental essay enables candidates to highlight their passion for nursing and their unique motivations.

Tips for UVA Supplemental Essays

Crafting standout UVA supplemental essays requires a balance of authenticity and strategic storytelling. Research UVA’s values, show genuine interest, and make connections between your experiences and how you’d contribute to the UVA community.

University of Virginia Common Application Essay

Alongside the UVA supplemental essays, the Common Application essay holds significant weight. It’s a platform to showcase your identity, experiences, and aspirations, presenting a broader perspective than the targeted UVA supplemental essays.

Understanding the role of UVA supplemental essays and adhering to these tips can enhance your application’s impact. Good luck, and happy writing!

This article was written by senior advisor Ashley Hollins . Are you looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. Our team will discuss your profile during your meeting and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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College Essays

Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, the University of Virginia boasts impressive academics, competitive sports team, and a long list of notable alumni. Though about 17,000 students attend UVA, the school has an admissions rate of 19%—meaning you'll have to work hard if you want to be a Cavalier.

One of the best ways to boost your chances of admissions is by writing great UVA essays as part of your application. In this article, we'll break down what the UVA essay prompts are and how you can write responses to each prompt that will make you stand out.

What Are the UVA Supplemental Essay Prompts?

In order to apply to UVA, you'll submit the Common Application . No matter which option you choose, you'll have to complete the UVA supplement, which includes three writing prompts.

The first prompt requires a response of about 100 words, and the other two recommend 50 words each. So these are definitely more short responses than full-length essays. For the first UVA supplement essay, you're required to write a response based on the school within UVA that you're applying to. For the second and third UVA writing supplements, you get to choose the topic that resonates most with you.

UVA Essay Prompts

Here are the UVA essay prompts for 2022-2023:

We are looking for passionate students to join our diverse community of scholars, researchers, and artists. Answer this question, which corresponds to the school/program you selected above in around 100 words.

• College of Arts and Sciences — If you could create a college course that all UVA students would take, what would it be about and why?
• School of Engineering and Applied Sciences — How will you use an engineering degree to change the world for the better?
• School of Architecture —Describe a significant experience that deepened your interest in studying in the School of Architecture.
• School of Nursing —Describe a health care-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying nursing.
• Kinesiology Program — Describe an experience that has deepened your interest in studying kinesiology.

Prompts #2 and #3

Answer one of the following questions in around 50 words. (You'll answer one question from this set for prompt 2 and a different question from this same set for prompt 3).

What's your favorite word and why?

We are a community with quirks, both in language and in traditions. Describe one of your quirks and why it is part of who you are.

UVA students paint messages on Beta Bridge when they want to share information with our community. What would you paint on Beta Bridge and why is this your message?

About what topic could you speak for an hour?

Take us to your happy place. 

You can wake up tomorrow and a skill you already have will become expert-level. What skill is that?

What is the last gift you gave someone that wasn't bought with money?

What website is the internet missing?

After a challenging experience, how do you recharge?

Tell us about a place you'd like to share with everyone, but also keep to yourself.

Tell us about a time when, faced with an opinion or perspective that differed from your own, you responded as an empathetic speaker or a generous listener.

UVA Essays, Analyzed

Looking for advice on how to write amazing UVA essays? Let's break down how to answer each prompt.

UVA Prompt #1

The instructions are the same for all of the first UVA essays:

" We are looking for passionate students to join our diverse community of scholars, researchers, and artists. Answer this question, which corresponds to the school/program you selected above in around 100 words ."

Let's look at how to answer each one.

College of Arts and Sciences— If you could create a college course that all UVA students would take, what would it be about and why?

This slightly unusual prompt lets you show UVA what knowledge you think every student there should know. The prompt isn't asking what you think would be an interesting or fun course necessarily, but a course that every UVA student should need to take and pass in order to graduate. To answer this prompt, you'll need to decide: what topic is important for every UVA student to think about and know before they graduate? 

You could take this in a lot of different directions. You might choose a practical topic, like Intro to Paying Taxes, Basic Home and Car Repairs, or Financial Planning 101. Certainly everybody will need to know that information sooner or later! You could also choose a more abstract topic that you think no one should graduate college without thinking critically about. Topics in this area could include living sustainably, understanding prejudice, or how to be a good communicator.

Whichever topic you choose, be sure to give a brief overview of what the course would cover and, most importantly, why you think every UVA student should take it. The topic you choose is less important than your reasoning behind it, so make sure you make a strong argument for why your course choice is valuable to the entire UVA community.

School of Engineering— How will you use an engineering degree to change the world for the better?

This prompt is all about you and your plans for the future. What specifically do you plan on doing as an engineer? UVA asks this to understand your goals and motivations for wanting to enroll in their School of Engineering.

When answering this prompt, you might feel pressured to write something really impressive, like designing a space shuttle that'll allow humans to travel to Mars or developing a cheap water purification system that can be distributed to the millions of people living without access to clean drinking water. And if you do have those goals for yourself, then go for it! 

However, if you have more modest goals, don't feel like you need to "dress them up" in order to impress UVA. Wanting to become an engineer so you can create safe buildings, help people  manage and protect their data, or even just build cool roller coasters that people enjoy are just as valid.

The key is to be honest and enthusiastic about your career goals. Let your passion for engineering and your excitement for your future plans shine through, and you'll be all set for this prompt.

School of Architecture—Describe a significant experience that deepened your interest in studying in the School of Architecture.

Inspiration comes in many forms —what's important for this prompt is to think about an experience that has inspired you. Also, keep in mind that this prompt isn't asking you about a specific building or project that you love. Instead, it wants you to tell a personal story about how architecture has inspired you...and how that inspiration led you to choose architecture as a major.

The trick for this essay prompt is connecting your experience to architecture . For example, maybe you wanted to be an architect because you visited the Academy of Sciences in California, and you thought their underground aquarium was amazing. That inspired you to want to learn to build structures that create that sense of awe in others.

Whatever you choose, you should be sincere about your inspiration. Anything that sounds trite will be really obvious to the admissions committee. They'll read thousands of applications about wanting to make the tallest building in the world—make yours sound different.

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

Don't feel like you need to highlight a huge moment here—rather, focus on something that's significant to you even if that experience was small!

The key to this prompt is to make sure that you're highlighting something real that happened to you or someone important to you. The more personal you can make the experience, the better.

Saying something like "I want to solve cancer for everyone" is less impactful than saying that you have seen firsthand how cancer affected your grandmother. Nursing is a personal profession—lean into that for this essay.

Kinesiology Program— Describe an experience that has deepened your interest in studying kinesiology.

For this prompt, focus on one experiences and discuss it in detail. Don't give an entire overview of your history—describing something more fully will resonate more than trying to cram a lot of experiences into a relatively short essay.

Be honest about what drove you to kinesiology— don't write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Write what's true for you.

UVA Prompts #2 and #3

Again, for both prompts 2 and 3, you'll choose one prompt from the list below (so two different prompts total) and write a response of roughly 50 words each.

This is quite an eclectic list! Of the 11 prompts, you only need to answer two, so don't worry if you can't think of a good response to some or even most of the prompts. Don't worry about choosing the two "best" prompts either; UVA chose each of these prompts which means they think they're all valuable. Choose the two that speak to you the most and that you can answer in a way that lets UVA learn more about you as a person.

Also aim to choose two prompts that show different sides of yourself as opposed to two prompts where your answers are quite similar. That helps UVA get more of a look into who you are as a person, which is the entire point of the prompts.

To choose your prompts, go through the list and think about potential responses for each question. Some you might not come up with anything for, but hopefully for a few an answer will jump out at you. For example, do you have a passion for collecting Minnie Mouse figurines? Do you have to run four miles every single morning? Do you stop everything you're doing whenever the Red Sox are playing? Do your parents always make fun of you for pronouncing a word strangely? Then you might want to answer the question about quirks. 

Or maybe the prompt about students writing messages on the Beta Bridge speaks to you. As with the other prompts, the "why" is the most important part of this prompt. Whatever message you land on, make sure you have a good reason for it.

Avoid trite or cliched phrases, like "Be the change you wish to see in the world." The admissions committee will have seen thousands of these—and those words are probably already written on Beta Bridge. What do you have to say? What message is personal to you? What lesson have you learned that you specifically can communicate?

For whichever prompts you choose, be honest and reflective so that your response gives a window of insight into who you are and what matters to you. Another thing to note: 50 words is not very long at all! So keep things concise in order to stay within the word count.

How to Write UVA Essays

Here are some general tips for how to write UVA essays that will wow the committee.

Your UVA supplement essays are a chance to show the admissions committee who you are. Take that opportunity to flesh yourself out. You're not simply a collection of A's and B's printed on a transcript. You're a real person! Show that in your UVA essays.

#2: Feedback Is Cool; Plagiarism Is Not

It can be tempting to bounce essay ideas off your peers, parents, and teachers. That's fine! But don't rely on them too heavily. Your work should be your own—from the ideas to the execution. There's a fine line between receiving helpful feedback and using that feedback in a way that misrepresents your work and ability . Seek out help, but know that you have the first and final say.

#3: Play With Form

Your UVA essays don't have to follow the traditional five paragraph structure. UVA encourages you to play with form. That means you can submit a poem, if you want!

Take advantage of the freedom from structure to write in a way that feels authentic to you. If that means starting every sentence with the letter "E", then go for it! As long as your work is well-written and engaging, the form doesn't matter.

What's Next?

There are over 5,000 colleges in the United States—how can you possibly decide which to apply to? Using a college finder tool can help you sort through your options and find your ideal school without having to tour every single campus.

Once you've decided on some colleges or universities that you're interested in attending , our guide will help you narrow down your list to safeties, matches, and reach school.

Still not sure what you're looking for in a college? Read our articles on whether you should go to a school close to home and whether you should attend a large or small college .

Want to write the perfect college application essay? Get professional help from PrepScholar.

Your dedicated PrepScholar Admissions counselor will craft your perfect college essay, from the ground up. We'll learn your background and interests, brainstorm essay topics, and walk you through the essay drafting process, step-by-step. At the end, you'll have a unique essay that you'll proudly submit to your top choice colleges.

Don't leave your college application to chance. Find out more about PrepScholar Admissions now :

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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• Secondary Essay Prompts

Secondary Essay Prompts – University of Virginia School of Medicine

Secondary Essay Prompts for the University of Virginia School of Medicine

Below are the secondary essay prompts for the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, VA.

2019 – 2020

• Why are you interested in attending the University of Virginia School of Medicine? What factors will be most important to you in choosing a medical school?
• How will you contribute to the diversity of your medical school class and the University of Virginia School of Medicine?
• Describe a situation which you found challenging. How did you manage it?

2018 – 2019

This school requires CASPer (Computer Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) as part of the medical school secondary application.

Below are the secondary essay prompts for the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

2017 – 2018.

• The University of Virginia School of Medicine strives to ensure that its students become respectful physicians who embrace all dimensions of caring for the whole person. Please describe how your personal characteristics or life experiences will contribute to the University of Virginia School of Medicine community and bring educational benefits to our student body. (1000 characters)
• Is there any further information that you would like the Committee on Admissions to be aware of when reviewing your file that you were not able to notate in another section of this or the AMCAS Application? (1000 characters)
• Why have you chosen to apply to the University of Virginia School of Medicine and how do you think your education at University of Virginia School of Medicine will prepare you to become a physician for the future? (1 page, formatted at your discretion, upload as PDF)

2016 – 2017

• Why are you interested in attending the University of Virginia School of Medicine? What factors will be most important to you in choosing a medical school? (350 words)
• How will you contribute to the diversity of your medical school class and the University of Virginia School of Medicine? (350 words)
• Describe a situation which you found challenging. How did you manage it? (350 words)

Secondary essay webcast with Dr. Jessica Freedman, founder and president of MedEdits Medical Admissions.   Read more about Dr. Freedman.

University of Virginia School of Medicine

Topics covered in this presentation:

• When should I submit my secondary essays?
• Pay attention to the word/character limits.
• Can I recycle secondary essay prompts for multiple schools?
• Identify topics that you left out of your primary application.
• And, much more.

University of Virginia School of Medicine Admissions Requirements

Learn more about this school:

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Secondary Essay Prompts By School

*Data collected from MSAR 2022-2023, 2022 Osteopathic Medical College Information Book, and institution website.

Disclaimer: The information on this page was shared by students and/or can be found on each medical school’s website. MedEdits does not guarantee it’s accuracy or authenticity.

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University of Virginia | UVA

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University of Virginia | UVA’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Why this college short response.

If you have a personal or historic connection with UVA, and if you’d like to share how your experience of this connection has prepared you to contribute to the University, please share your thoughts here. Such relationships might include, but are not limited to, being a child of someone who graduated from or works for UVA, a descendant of ancestors who labored at UVA, or a participant in UVA programs.

Diversity Short Response

What about your individual background, perspective, or experience will serve as a source of strength for you or those around you at UVA? Feel free to write about any past experience or part of your background that has shaped your perspective and will be a source of strength, including but not limited to those related to your community, upbringing, educational environment, race, gender, or other aspects of your background that are important to you.

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

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?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

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.

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6 Awesome UVA Essay Examples

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UVA is a pretty selective school, so writing strong essays is essential to improving your chances. By reading former applicants’ essays and seeing what they did right and what they did wrong, you can learn how to better impress UVA admissions officers!

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our UVA essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts. 

Essay Example #1: College of Arts & Sciences

College of Arts and Sciences—What work of art, music, science, mathematics, or literature has surprised, unsettled, or challenged you, and in what way? (250 words)

Cringing when thinking about human sacrifice in “Vida y muerte en el Templo Mayor,” I puzzled over the motive behind the Aztec practice of killing a person to appease the gods of nature.

 After a lengthy discussion with Mexican friends, I learned that Aztec civilization considered humans just one part of the natural world, rather than the dominant species. Only when the gods of nature are satisfied, they believed, can worldly creatures live in peace.

That’s when I recognized how I’ve been looking at the world from an anthropocentric model. Whether in the Four Heavenly Kings of Chinese mythology, or in the Bible story of Noah’s Ark my Christian grandma told, these stories revolve around humans’ survival and prosperity, and nature is just a backdrop.

The Aztec “nature-centric model,” truly challenged my perspective. Humans might not be as superior as we think; everything may not be about us. Reflecting on my motivations for advocating sustainability, I’m guilty of preserving the Earth for the sake of our human offspring, not for the Earth’s own sake.

The Aztec perception of humans’ relationship to nature inspired me to reconceptualize my own perspective. I expanded my framework from humanity to all creatures: why not consider the elephants our siblings, or the trees our cousins?

I reject the Aztec practice of human sacrifice, but their belief that we are but a tiny part of nature resonated deeply with me. Rather than protecting Earth with self-interest and fear, I now treat Earth with empathy and love.

What This Essay Did Well

This UVA essay is well-structured and well-written. It answers the prompt while providing valuable personal information about the applicant.

With the introduction, the student achieves the most important part of this essay: answering the prompt. This student identifies their topic of discussion— “Vida y muerte en el Templo Mayor,”— quickly, but keeps it interesting through using a complex sentence structure.

Rather than stating it explicitly, the author shows their desire to understand other cultures and positions themself as open-minded, as they took the time to have “lengthy discussion with Mexican friends.” 

The student also relates the story back to their interests and perspectives. They share how this book caused them to reflect on the way they’d been advocating for sustainability, and view their advocacy more holistically to benefit the earth itself rather than just humans. Presumably, this student is declaring environmental studies or environmental science as a major. That means that, while readers are learning about the student’s values, they also learn that values are the central motivation behind this student’s career choices. This self-reflection is important and looks great to admissions officers!

The conclusion of the essay perfectly summarizes the growth that the student has described. It shows the self-reflection that they have experienced, with some of their beliefs staying the same and others changing.

What Could Be Improved

While overall this essay is a great example, this paragraph is its weakest link:

That’s when I recognized how I’ve been looking at the world from an anthropocentric model. Whether in the Four Heavenly Kings of Chinese mythology, or in the Bible story of Noah’s Ark my Christian grandma told, these stories revolve around humans’ survival and prosperity, and nature is just a backdrop. 

That’s because this paragraph makes the error of telling, not showing . The student uses the summarizing phrase “that’s when I recognized” (which should generally be avoided) then continues to tell readers what they learned. Rather, the student could have provided a piece of dialogue from their discussion with their friend or used self-reflective questions to show us the message of this paragraph.

An example of how this paragraph could be improved:

“So you’re telling me that your culture doesn’t view humans as the main characters?” I asked my friend, still slightly baffled. When I got home, I went down a Google rabbit hole, obsessively researching Aztec beliefs. I landed on a page about the anthropocentric model. Had I been learning this model all along without even knowing? I thought about my Christian grandma’s stories—Noah’s arc, the Four Heavenly Kings, Genesis. They all revolve around humans’ survival and prosperity, and nature is just a backdrop.

This revised paragraph is much more captivating and would have strengthened the overall essay.

Essay Example #2: School of Architecture

Describe a significant experience that deepened your interest in studying in the School of Architecture. (250 words)

During my freshman year, my studio art class arranged a field trip to the National Portrait Gallery. To say I was excited was an understatement. Although I have lived near DC all my life, I never had the chance to visit its art museums. This trip would be my first time. 

When we arrived, I stood in the courtyard, waiting for directions. I don’t remember what spurred me to look up, but when I did, the sight of a floating steel and glass canopy above amazed me. It was unlike anything else in the room. The undulant form of the ceiling reminded me of being underwater, looking up to see waves dancing. What struck me the most was how its sleek and modern design juxtaposed the gallery’s Greek revival architecture. 

I’ve gone back several times since then, each time appreciating something new from the ceiling—in the shelter, it provides from the outside elements to the beautiful grid of shadows it leaves on the ground and walls on sunny days. Inspired by the relationship between the ceiling and the rest of the gallery, I have sought out ways to combine contrasting styles like classic vs. modern, organic vs. geometric, hard vs. soft, and fine art vs. crafts in my art. I’ve become hyper-aware of the physical spaces I occupy and their functional yet artistic characteristics. While studying architecture at UVA, I hope to continue exploring these relationships and apply them to my architectural style. 

This essay clearly answers the prompt and provides a tangible example for readers. 

From the intro, it is clear that the experience will be visiting the National Portrait Gallery. 

The writer uses a simple writing style for most of the essay, but shows that this straightforwardness is not due to lack of ability or effort, but is intentionally authentic. Through the phrase “ I don’t remember what spurred me to look up” the writer lets readers know that they aren’t going to tell us anything that isn’t true. This value placed on authenticity is important and tells us a lot about the student.

The student uses elaborate language to emphasize the important part of their story. The description of the ceiling—“ The undulant form of the ceiling reminded me of being underwater, looking up to see waves dancing”— is interesting and engaging. It creates an image of the ceiling in the reader’s mind, but also makes the reader want to hear more!

This final paragraph ties it all together. We learn that the National Portrait Gallery’s architecture isn’t just cool, but is inspirational for this student. Additionally, through this paragraph, admissions officers learn that this student has thought out their decision to apply to UVA’s Architecture school. They are familiar with architectural styles and already think like an architect. A student who is ahead of the game and passionate about their field of study is very important to admissions officers!

The essay could be considered unengaging at times, but there is also beauty in its simplicity that gives it an authentic feel. It lacks the bells and whistles that often accompany college essay writing and just tells the writer’s truth. While this wouldn’t be a great essay if you’re applying to creative writing, it works well for this writer and this writer’s intentions!

Still, the intro paragraph could be improved through editing the second sentence: “ To say I was excited was an understatement.” Because this writer engages with a simple style (with little imagery or elaborate descriptions), they can use descriptive language strategically to emphasize certain scenes, emotions, or aspects of their story. Because they are applying to Architecture, their excitement about art is important and this excitement could have been emphasized through more elaborate language. This would also make the essay more engaging from the start and draw the reader’s attention.

Essay Example #3

We are a community of quirks, both in language and in traditions. Describe one of your quirks and why it is part of who you are. (250 words)

I haven’t let another person cut my hair in four years. Bangs, layers, a fringe, a bob, I have been my own hairdresser. With only me, a mirror, and scissors in hand, I enjoy having complete control over my appearance. Cutting my hair is liberating; it’s like removing dead weight off my shoulders. Messing up isn’t a concern, as I know my hair will grow back. I am proud of the freedom I have with my hair, but I haven’t always been this way. 

 In traditional Quechua culture, women have long, braided hair. One braid indicates that a woman is single, while two means she is married. Growing up surrounded by women who kept their hair long, I desperately wanted to stand out but was too afraid to break tradition. I love my Quechua heritage, but as a young girl, I thought it was silly to have braids when I wasn’t even allowed to date. Why did it matter if others knew I was single?

Eventually, my parents agreed to let me cut my hair, and for a moment I’d been looking forward to for so long, I wanted to be the one to do it. Like every time I’ve cut my hair since then, I felt like a new person. Looking back to who I was then and who I am now, I know 12 year old me would think I look cool, and she’s the only person I want to impress.

This essay is fun and interesting! Readers learn about the student’s personality, family history, and values. It is well-structured, engaging, and original.

For a short essay, a lot of words are given to this introduction. That being said, this introduction also provides a lot of the essay’s content. First, the student identifies their quirk—cutting their own hair. This topic is interesting and automatically makes readers think “oh, that’s cool!” but then the student takes it a step further by engaging readers with a small cliffhanger—“ I haven’t always been this way.” Cutting your own hair isn’t a quirk that inherently requires a deeper meaning, but this student draws us in by letting us know that there is one.

This essay’s second paragraph is where we get to know the student, which should always be a priority when writing any college essay. We learn about the student’s Quechua heritage and how it affected their childhood. We also learn about the student’s capacity for self-reflection, which seems to have existed from a young age—“ I thought it was silly to have braids when I wasn’t even allowed to date. Why did it matter if others knew I was single?”

Finally, the last paragraph brings things full circle and draws a connection between the young girl’s confusion about Quechuan braids and the current writer’s passion for cutting their own hair. The last sentence of this essay is particularly powerful—“ I know 12 year old me would think I look cool, and she’s the only person I want to impress.” 

The beginning of the final paragraph is the only part of this essay that could use some rewriting. This essay is generally well-written, so the confusing sentence structure of “ Eventually, my parents agreed to let me cut my hair, and for a moment I’d been looking forward to for so long, I wanted to be the one to do it” throws off the essay’s flow. Similarly, it is difficult to parse through the sentence “ Like every time I’ve cut my hair since then, I felt like a new person.” 

After improving the language of these two sentences, this would be a top-notch essay! This student’s personality really shines through.

Essay Example #4

Describe an engineering feat that serves the common good and why it inspires you to study engineering. (250 words)

“I hope your kids have my curly hair,” quipped my mom. “As long as they have my eyes, I’m happy,” joked my dad. While my parents were casually bantering with me at the dinner table, I was closeted as bisexual, and my mind started to reel. Eventually, I knew I wanted to have kids, and the nuclear family I had previously envisioned began to crumble. What if I couldn’t have genetically related children with my partner?

As I grappled with this question, I discovered that biomedical engineering could provide me with an answer. Gene-editing technology CRISPR-Cas9 could allow for a same-sex couple to have genetically related children. This tool works as a precise pair of molecular scissors to cut out targeted DNA sequences in an organism’s genome. In China, researchers experimented with CRISPR and obtained live bipaternal and bimaternal mice.

CRISPR’s potential to change the world thrills me for reasons beyond my future family. With CRISPR, researchers began to cut out human DNA sequences associated with neurodegenerative diseases, blood-related disorders, and cancer. CRISPR is on the cusp of revolutionizing the medical industry, and I want to be part of innovating and discovering new uses for the technology.

Maybe one day, I’ll share a meal at the dinner table with a husband and a child who shares our features, laughing as we talk about our day. At UVA Engineering, I will acquire the tools necessary to pioneer research that could make this possibility a reality for millions of same-sex couples around the world.

This essay does a great job infusing a personal story into an engineering feat that inspires them. The intro opens with an anecdote, which is engaging and brings us closer to the writer by showing some vulnerability, as the student shares their thoughts and fears with us.

We learn about CRISPR in easy-to-understand terms. The writer lays out how it works, what it’s done so far, and how it could benefit society.

The final paragraph brings the essay full circle, with the student imagining their future family, made possible by CRISPR and the impact it could have for other same-sex couples.

There honestly isn’t much that the writer could’ve done to strengthen this essay. It’s already extremely engaging, personal, well-written, and easy to understand.

Essay Example #5: College of Arts and Sciences

College of Arts and Sciences – What work of art, music, science, mathematics, literature, or other media has surprised, unsettled, or inspired you, and in what way? (250 words)

Every ten years the state and congressional district lines open up to the public; the only piece of art influenced by the fluctuating votes of human souls. The bold black lines, separating communities with luscious green lawns from those with concrete playgrounds, are redrawn redirecting millions of dollars and sparking waves of protests on state capitol steps. In its sum, the wonky headphones and salamander shapes reflect the imperfect art of gerrymandering. Within its components, the fabric is sewed with the sweat and tears of communities. From ones with family obligations rendering them unable to advocate for themselves to communities a five-minute walk from the state capitol. 

In its final form, the line strokes between streets, bayous, and freeways surprise me. Instead of equal representation and distribution of power, districts group communities voting in accordance to a political party with communities who do not vote – essentially maintaining an iron grip on power. To challenge it, I have gone into non-voting communities helping register voters and have taken the time to listen to families terrified of the political process. One of my most cherished memories was meeting an elderly man who had immigrated to the U.S. and became naturalized but never registered to vote. For years, he watched his community change and never understood why he could not stop the process. Now, every time I see the district lines, I sense the unsettled doubt that within each district resides one person taken advantage of and never nurtured with civic love.

The subject of this essay—gerrymandering—is a surprising choice for this essay, as most people wouldn’t consider it a “work of art, music, science, mathematics, literature, or other media,” but more of a concept. Still, the author makes it work by likening the gerrymandering lines to a work of art.

The writing in this essay is very descriptive and rich with imagery, with phrases such as “luscious green lawns” and “salamander shapes.” We can clearly visualize how unusually these districts are drawn.

The author also incorporates a personal connection through their work in registering voters. We see that they care about helping others participate in the political process and exercise their civic rights/duties.

One of the biggest weaknesses of this essay is that it spends nearly half the space describing gerrymandering, leaving not enough room to discuss how it’s impacted them personally.

The intro paragraph helps us visualize gerrymandering very well, but the wording of many sentences is confusing (some are even not grammatically correct, and it doesn’t seem that this was a conscious decision, such as this line: From ones with family obligations rendering them unable to advocate for themselves to communities a five-minute walk from the state capitol) . It takes a few sentences to even realize what the topic of the essay is, and that is a critical flaw when admissions officers need to read essays quickly. 

The author should’ve introduced their topic more simply, especially since gerrymandering is an unexpected subject for this essay. They could’ve also cut out several lines to focus more on the work they’ve done in their communities. The story about the immigrant man is underdeveloped and vague; the writer could’ve shared more specific details about their interaction or even included some dialogue.

The impact of this topic on the student’s identity and future goals is also unclear. Do they plan to try to work to end gerrymandering or increase access to voting? The last sentence of the essay is a missed opportunity: Now, every time I see the district lines, I sense the unsettled doubt that within each district resides one person taken advantage of and never nurtured with civic love . This line is not only difficult to understand, but ends on a sad note rather than looking towards the future with how the student hopes to make an impact.

Essay Example #6

We are a community with quirks, both in language and traditions. Describe one of your quirks and why it is part of who you are. (250 words)

I sit at a booth at California Pizza Kitchen as my legs swing back and forth, barely scraping the floor. With a mischievous grin, I grab a red crayon and scribble on the black-and-white coloring book with my own mission in mind. One times two equals two, times two equals four, times two equals eight, and so on. After I fill the page, the napkins in the dispenser in front of me become my canvas. When I finish, red numbers sprawl across the workbook and neatly ordered napkins on the table, mimicking a college professor’s chalkboard. My masterpiece is complete.

At five years old, I cherished multiplying numbers by two until I reached numbers in the millions, and my love for simple math became a staple of my personality. When I entered high school, I was delighted to discover my passion for mental math reflected in the activities I pursued:

( 310 total seconds – 162 seconds ran) / 2 laps left = 74 seconds per lap. During a 1600m dash, I recalculated the average pace I needed to meet my goal after every lap and adjusted my stride accordingly. 28 rows * 36 seats per row = 1008 total seats. During a chorus class, I calculated the number of seats in the auditorium we sang in with enthusiasm.

My arithmetic may not always serve a practical purpose, yet I find comfort in making sense of the little things in my life. The math problems penned with a red crayon may seem trivial to some, but they represent my curiosity seeking a better grasp of the world around me.

This essay paints the student as intellectually-engaged and ambitious. We see all the different ways they incorporate mental math into their life.

The anecdote at the beginning shows us exactly what it may be like to spend time with the student in an everyday setting, which helps admissions officers visualize what the student may be like on-campus.

While well-written, the essay falls a bit flat since the student spends almost all the allotted space describing the quirk rather than discussing what it means to them.

They also explicitly tell us the significance of their quirk by saying it “represent[s] my curiosity seeking a better grasp of the world around me.” This is redundant since they already show their curiosity through the details they reveal, such as counting the number of seats in the auditorium during chorus.

The topic of this essay may simply not be ideal since there isn’t much of an emotional backstory, unlike the third essay example where the student cuts their own hair. As you’re selecting a quirk, you should ensure that there is an opportunity for you to share your identity, emotions, and thoughts more deeply.

Where to Get Your UVA Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your UVA essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

University of Virginia (UVA) 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 5

You Have: 

University of Virginia (UVA) 2023-2024 First-Year Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words, 1 optional essay of 100 words, 1 essay of 250 words for applicants to the School of Nursing only

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Community

In around 250 words, please answer the following question:

What about your individual background, perspective, or experience will serve as a source of strength for you or those around you at uva  feel free to write about any past experience or part of your background that has shaped your perspective and will be a source of strength, including but not limited to those related to your community, upbringing, educational environment, race, gender, or other aspects of your background that are important to you..

Odds are that this isn’t the first “diversity” essay prompt you’ve come across this year—even if the prompt doesn’t explicitly use that word. If it is, however, please read on. UVA wants to accept students from a range of backgrounds who will contribute to an inclusive community. The prompt uses the phrase “source of strength” twice; this tells us that they want to hear about not only what makes you you , but also how these characteristics will support you and those around you. What you focus on here can be reflective of larger cultural constructs or specific to you and only you. Is there anything you can teach your classmates about your hometown, traditions, culture, orientation, identity, race, or ethnicity that they might not already know? Maybe you began practicing meditation and discovered Buddhism during your sophomore year and you hope to spread some wisdom and mindfulness on campus next fall. Perhaps you were raised on a farm and have a very special relationship to all living things (plants, animals, people, etc.) around you. How will you incorporate this element of your identity into your college experience? Show admissions that you’re eager to make your mark in their community.

Students applying to the School of Nursing are required to answer this question in around 250 words.

School of nursing – describe a health care-related experience or another significant interaction that deepened your interest in studying nursing..

This prompt asks applicants to detail a specific experience to prove their interest in their chosen field of study, nursing. It is a bit closer to a traditional why essay in that students should make sure not just to discuss the experience that led them to pursue nursing, but also to connect that experience to their larger goals for the future. Perhaps you were diagnosed with diabetes as a child and the nursing care you received inspired you to go into the field yourself. Maybe your grandfather was a nurse and you were awed by his skills when your grandmother fell off a ladder. If there are elements of the UVA program that support your particular interest or connect to the experience you choose to highlight, definitely build those bridges to show admissions you are familiar with the programs UVA has to offer, and have already considered how your experiences will help you achieve future academic success.

Optional: If you have a personal or historic connection with UVA, and if you’d like to share how your experience of this connection has prepared you to contribute to the University, please share your thoughts here.  Such relationships might include, but are not limited to, being a child of someone who graduated from or works for UVA, a descendant of ancestors who labored at UVA, or a participant in UVA programs. (100 words)

Now that UVA is no longer explicitly considering legacy in their admissions process, admissions has added this question to identify not only those whose parents went to UVA, but also those whose ancestors labored at UVA. This reflects the university’s ongoing reckoning with its own founding, which included the use of enslaved labor. Here, anyone with personal or historic ties to the university, including students who attended summer programs there, can describe their unique connection. If you don’t have a connection, that’s okay! Most people won’t. If you do, however, read on.

This question doesn’t just ask you to state your tie, it asks you to explore how that connection has primed you to contribute to the community. Maybe your mom was an RA and has shared all the steam tunnel routes with you, so you can initiate your roommates into this UVA tradition. Perhaps one of your ancestors built the iconic Rotunda, and you look forward to educating your classmates about their legacy. Maybe you attended a summer program and fell in love with the Jeffersonian architecture, inspiring your passion for historic preservation. Remember, your job here is to explore how your personal connection to UVA will make you a contributor to campus life. 

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Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine Secondary Essay Prompts

These are the secondary application essay prompts for Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine. To put your best foot forward and maximize your chance of an interview invitation, visit our secondary application editing page .

about Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine

Secondary Deadline : January 30, 2024 Secondary Fee : $80 FAP Waiver : Full Fee Waived CASPer Required : Yes Screens Applications : Yes Accepts Application Updates : No

The mission of the School of Medicine is to provide preeminent education to physicians and scientists in order to improve the quality of health care for humanity. Through innovative, scholarly activity and a diverse educational context, the School seeks to create and apply new knowledge, and to provide and continuously improve systems of medical and science education. Furthermore, it is our mission to develop more effective health care practices to address the needs of the diverse populations we serve, and to provide distinguished leadership in the advancement of medicine and science.

The VCU School of Medicine will build on its excellence in the basic, clinical and behavioral sciences to improve human health by advancing the prevention and treatment of diseases. Training programs will incorporate commitment to diversity and the advancement of healthcare yielding a quality diverse workforce in a welcoming and accepting environment.

1.The last couple of years have been challenging for us all in various ways (i.e., dealing with the impacts of COVID, social unrest and injustices). Please describe a particular challenge you faced. What are some challenges others may have experienced? What did you learn about yourself and others during this time?

2.Please briefly explain any lapses in your undergraduate education that are not explained in your application.

3.Please briefly explain any low GPAs or poor grades.

4.If not addressed in your application, what are you currently doing now?

All above prompts have a 2000 character limit.

MD/PhD applicants:

1. Describe your motivation for obtaining a dual degree. (3000 characters)

2. Describe your significant research experience(s) and your role in any publications. (10,000 characters)

3. Describe scientific topics and/or labs at VCU that appeal to your future research aspirations. (1,000 characters)

1. You are living in a world experiencing the ravages of the Corona Virus which has impacted millions of people since December 2019. Please discuss how the COVID 19 pandemic has affected you personally. What have you learned from your experiences? Please discuss what you perceive may have been some realities that others may have experienced. How has COVID 19 experience influenced your desire to become a physician? (2000 characters)

2. Please briefly explain any lapses in your undergraduate education; include any in enrollment during your undergraduate education and/or any gaps between undergraduate education and applying to medical school. (example: poor grades, multiple withdraws, health reasons, etc.)

Medicine is a lifelong learning career where new understandings of diseases are constantly changing and new medications are continuously being added, yet motivating patients continues to be a stimulating challenge. Please discuss in 2000 characters or less ways physicians address this issue. You may use resources to answer this question, mention them but foot notes are not necessary.

The crux of this question is how to maintain a career of lifelong learning, which is crucial for success as a physician. Try to describe processes to achieve this and then tie them into your plans as a future physician. There are many ways physicians can continue to learn lifelong. Consider discussing the following points which may be relevant to you:

1. Physicians must maintain an inherent intellectual curiosity for medicine. Describe how you embody this trait.

2. Research is one way to stay at the cutting edge of medicine. Not only will you know what is new in your field and have a deep understanding of existing knowledge, you may add to this body of knowledge.

3. Keeping up on current medical knowledge through reading is key. Physicians ca use medical journals, online resources, and much more.

4. Attending conferences and lectures as well as workshops to expand your skillset even once you are a successful attending physician.

5. If you are interested in academic medicine, staying in this environment for lectures, conferences, and even teaching students will help you continue to learn.

Connect all of these to how you plan to use those strategies to succeed in your career.

The secondary application essay prompts from this medical school application cycle are the same as above.

Imagine that you are a volunteer premed working in a free clinic that serves a large immigrant population. Your duties include taking the patients’ medical history. Today you are working with an elderly patient who does not speak English and the adult son is translating for his mother. You notice that he is answering many of the questions for her without translating. During the conversation, the son tells you that if his mother has cancer he does not want her to know because the news “will kill her”. He says that in his family he speaks for the elderly mother and does not want a translator. How will you approach this situation? (You may seek help to answer this question.)

There’s also a re-applicant essay (if applicable) and fmSTAT essays (if you want to do Family practice):

1. Describe the doctor you want to be and discuss how a career in family medicine will help you achieve that. (2500 characters)

2. Describe your concept of what Family Medicine is and tell us what specific influence led you to this understanding? (2500 characters)

1. Imagine that you are at a social gathering and your neighbor comes over to congratulate you on your acceptance to medical school. She goes on to ask you about your opinion on childhood vaccinations. She is worried about vaccinating her baby because of some of the things that she has read about vaccines. How would you respond to her? (You may use any resources for your answer) (2000 charactersº

Disclaimer: The information on this page was shared by students and/or can be found on the medical school’s website. Med School Insiders does not guarantee the accuracy of the information on this page.

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Guest essay: Why the National Institutes of Health is important to W.Va.

By shelley moore capito.

Ten years ago, many West Virginians had to leave the state to get treatment for certain diseases, illnesses or other medical issues. That is not the case today thanks in part to research and advancements supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

If you are not familiar with NIH and the work it is supporting right here in West Virginia, the NIH is the largest biomedical research agency in the world, and it is funded by the federal government, with the primary mission of improving health and bringing hope to patients and families affected by disease. In fact, I have heard NIH described as the beacon for medical research in our nation.

The NIH is also a driver of economic growth, supporting jobs and the purchase of goods and materials, funding more than $92.89 billion in economic activity last year — or $2.46 of economic activity for every $1 of research funding, according to the United for Medical Research 2024 Update, “NIH’s Role in Sustaining the U.S. Economy, FY2023.”

I serve as the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), which oversees funding for NIH. In that role, I’ve had the chance to work very closely with them over the years and bring various leaders from the agency to see the good work happening in West Virginia, as well as the challenges we face.

I invited NIH Director Dr. Monica Bertagnolli, M.D., to West Virginia for this reason. Together, we made a number of visits at WVU Health Sciences and witnessed proudly the innovative research, talented researchers and advancements happening right here in West Virginia. Much of this was made possible by the partnership that has been fostered with NIH over the years. From cancer detection and treatment, to the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and substance use disorder, universities throughout West Virginia — particularly WVU — are making significant contributions to biomedical research.

Seeing first-hand the initiatives being worked on in West Virginia — such as West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute’s (WVCTSI) new mobile unit, which will allow individuals all over the state to participate in clinical trials for new treatments — showed the true promise of what continued investment in the state’s biomedical research programs can bring.

While the impact of NIH funding is important to every state, it is especially important in rural states like West Virginia, where the population and economy is smaller and there are fewer organizations conducting biomedical research. Congress and NIH understand this and also realize the promise that institutions in these states can play in the research, prevention and treatment of disease.

In 1993, Congress created the NIH Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program to provide research institute funding to states that historically received little federal research and development funding. As a result of this and other funding from NIH, institutions big and small across West Virginia have received resources and have been able to move us as a state and nation forward to new treatments and cures for diseases.

At West Virginia University, this program has been instrumental in developing robust and world-class research in neuroscience, cancer, stroke and vision science. From 2016 to 2022, West Virginia received a total of $267 million in NIH research awards, which resulted in $549 million in new economic activity and over 3,660 jobs. This funding over the years has enabled institutions in West Virginia, like WVU, to build their capacity and has led to medical breakthroughs and improvements.

While these numbers are important and impressive, what NIH means to West Virginia goes far beyond economics. Each of these dollars are going towards making individuals and families across the state healthier. At institutions across West Virginia, including WVU, progress across a variety of research fields is being made – whether it be cancer, stroke, Alzheimer’s or other diseases and conditions that are far too prevalent in our state and nation.

Dr. Bertagnolli understands this. The partnership we have built — with not just each other, but with NIH as a whole throughout my time in the U.S. Senate — has and will continue to lead to important research advancements and medical breakthroughs that can serve as a model for research happening nationwide.

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) is the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS). Capito also serves as the vice chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, the fifth ranking Republican in the U.S. Senate.

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