University of Virginia requires one 250-word essay, with an additional for Nursing applicants.
Prompt 1: Your Background as a Source of Strength
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. (250 words)
UVA Background as Strength Q&A Slides
Q: What background/experience to choose?
A:
Select one background.
Think: immigrant upbringing, rural farm life, specific cultural tradition.
Must be personal, not a general trait.
Q: How has it shaped you?
A:
Detail its direct impact on your core values.
Did it forge resilience, spark empathy, or develop unique problem-solving?
Connect it to specific actions or beliefs.
Q: How is it a "source of strength" for YOU?
A:
Explain how this aspect empowers you.
Example: Bilingualism offers a unique lens for new social settings.
How does it sustain your drive?
Q: How is it a "source of strength" for OTHERS at UVA?
A:
Detail how you'll share it at UVA.
Example: Initiating global perspective discussions in dorms.
In the field of nursing, you will encounter and impact real human lives. Please explain why you feel this is important as you choose this field as your future. (250 words)
UVA Nursing Essay Q&A Slides
Q: Why choose nursing?
A:
Focus on direct human impact.
Not just "helping people."
Think: tangible patient interaction.
Q: What sparked this choice?
A:
Connect to a specific event.
Example: a nurse's clear explanation during your childhood illness.
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.
UVA Personal Connection Q&A Slides
Q: What connection to choose?
A:
Pick one specific tie. Not general "legacy."
Think: parent's specific UVA experience, ancestor's tangible contribution, a summer program's direct impact.
Must be personal, not a vague link.
Q: How did this connection shape you?
A:
Explain its direct influence on your goals or character.
Did it inspire a specific field, a community service drive, or a unique perspective?
Show how it prepared you.
Q: How will you contribute to UVA?
A:
Detail specific actions.
Example: "My ancestor's Rotunda work inspires me to join architectural preservation."
Or: "My summer program sparked a club idea I will start."
