University of Oregon 2025-26 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

University of Oregon 2025-26 Application Essay Question Explanations 

The Requirements: 1 essay of 250-500 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Community

As you’ve looked into what it will be like to attend Oregon, you’ve hopefully learned about what makes Ducks unique. No two are alike, though, so tell us what makes you who you are, and how that connects to our campus community. We are interested in your thoughts and experiences recognizing difference and supporting equity and inclusion, and choosing one of the two following options will guide you in sharing those thoughts. You can learn more about equity and inclusion at Oregon by visiting here.

Essay Topic: (250-500 words – choose one of the topics below)

What have you learned from a social justice issue that inspires you, and how will you apply those lessons to drive change?

If you choose this prompt, then social justice is probably pretty important to you, but you don’t have to be a protest organizer to impress admissions here. They want to know that you are a thoughtful person engaged with the world around you, so tell them not just what issue is meaningful to you but also why it matters to you. What keeps you up at night? Gun violence? Corporate greed? Food deserts? What have you learned about this issue? How has that knowledge inspired you, whether to action, to change your opinion, or in some other way? Finally, admissions wants to know how you will apply these lessons to drive change in the future. Maybe you were inspired by a classmate’s campaign to get wheelchair ramps installed at your school and plan to found a college club focused on advocacy for students with limited mobility. Ultimately, the key to writing an excellent response to this prompt is in the details. Tell a story about how you have been affected or inspired by a social justice issue and you’ll ace this response. 

The University of Oregon values difference, and we take pride in our diverse community. Please explain how you will share your experiences, values and interests with our community. In what ways can you imagine offering your support to others?

Diversity applies to many facets of who we are, including but not limited to: cultural heritage, ethnic background, gender, socioeconomic upbringing, or an intersectional combination of all of the above. No matter who you are, you bring something to the table. How will your differences help to enrich your future community at U-O? Maybe reflect on how you influence those around you now, and then mentally place yourself on campus as a college student doing the same. Perhaps you’ll share your love of Korean BBQ or your knowledge of Flamenco dancing. Maybe you’ll get on stage with the college improv team and make your peers laugh with your satirical social commentary. No matter what you have to offer, admissions wants to know how you’ll share it and how you’ll contribute positively to U-O’s diverse community.