For Fall 2026 admissions, the University of Georgia (UGA) requires a personal essay and a UGA-specific essay.
Main Personal Statement
You will respond to one of the Common App essay prompts in a personal statement of 250-650 words. This essay will be visible to any school you apply to, not just UGA.
UGA-Specific Essay
This essay has a suggested length of 200-300 words.
“The transition from middle to high school is a key time for students as they reach new levels of both academic and personal discovery. Please share a book (novel, non-fiction, etc.) that had a serious impact on you during this time. Please focus more on why this book made an impact on you and less on the plot/theme of the book itself (we are not looking for a book report).”
UGA Essay Slides
Q: What is this essay about?
A:
The book is a tool, not the topic.
The essay shows your personal and intellectual growth.
It should connect a lesson from the book to your real life.
The narrative must demonstrate maturity and insight.
Q: How do you choose your book?
A:
Select a book that directly relates to a new perspective you gained.
The book must be a catalyst for a story.
Example: Thomas S. Kuhn’s "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" shows a realization that science is a series of intellectual revolutions, not a linear progression.
Example: A book about urban design can inspire a project to improve local traffic flow.
Q: How do you show the book's impact?
A:
Describe your mindset before the book.
Detail the moment the book's lesson resonated.
Explain how this new insight changed your actions.
Focus on a tangible change in your life.
Q: How to structure your story?
A:
Introduction (50 words): Introduce the book and your "before" mindset.
Body (150-200 words): Tell the story of the book's specific impact.
Conclusion (50 words): Briefly explain how this insight shapes you today.
