Thousands of College Essay Application Examples
In an essay of about 300 words, tell us more about your professional and intellectual aspirations and prior personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific college or academic program at the University of Illinois. When I was around nine years old, I would always sit at the dinner table with my mom, waiting … Read more Aspirations
If you were to choose or create a quote or saying that defined you, what would it be and why? It seemed as if it was just yesterday when I anxiously fidgeted around in the airplane seat, awaiting unexpected surprises in my new home. This, however, was ten years ago when I emigrated from China … Read more If You Want the Rainbow
Why do I belong at the University of Illinois? In 1988, drought was the main concern in my small southern Illinois town. My parents’ only blessing that year was the birth of a baby girl amidst the withering crops. What no one knew then was that the current drought crisis would ultimately influence the career … Read more From Drought to Genetics, A Lifetime of Plants
In an essay of about 300 words, tell us more about yourself, describing interests and accomplishments which are not indicated elsewhere on this application. The question was “1. Having a diverse and exciting community of students is an important component in determining a great university. How can I contribute to that population?”As I sat at … Read more Hidden Interests
Each year, the University attempts to admit a student class with diverse backgrounds to bring diversity to the University campus. In an essay of no more than 300 words, tell us why you would be a fine addition to the diverse nature of students and faculty on campus. I defy odds. From birth, doctors predicted … Read more What Makes This Black Guy Himself?
Personal Statement (500-800 words). The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign values excellence, inclusion, and service. We expect students at Illinois to embrace these values as described below: Academic excellence and intellectual adventure, cultural diversity, service. It was 11:30 on a chilly Thursday night, and I was taking a brief stroll through my neighborhood. My mind … Read more My Room
Write about a problem of local, national or international concern, and what you would do to solve it. A petite young woman sits in the obstetrician’s office, her four-year-old daughter in her lap. The little girl is restless yet unable to extricate herself from her mother’s arms due to cerebral palsy. Both mother and daughter … Read more Elizabeth
Explain your interest in the major you selected and describe how you have recently explored or developed this interest, inside and/or outside the classroom. You may also explain how this major relates to your future career goals. Limit your response to 300-400 words. All I heard was giggles coming from my classmates as my name … Read more Why Electrical Engineering?
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 vibrant skyline stood dead. It was 4:30 A.M. and life ceased to exist on the streets of Shanghai. The sunrise peaked through … Read more Shanghai for a Year
If you select a second-choice major other than the Division of General Studies on your application, write a second essay explaining your interest in this major, too. Again, limit your response to 300 to 400 words. “I’m afraid. Dave, my mind is going,” pleaded HAL 9000 in a monotone voice. Although I was aware of … Read more Computer Science + Linguistics