University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 50-500 words

Supplemental Essay Type: Why

Program Choice Essay: Please provide an essay that explains why you chose your intended program of study. What interests you the most about this major? Please be specific – those evaluating these essays are highly interested in your response. If Undecided, what areas of study do you look forward to studying in college? (50-500 words)*

This prompt is asking you to describe what you want to major in and explain why you like it so much that you’re willing to dedicate four years of life to its study. The admissions officer reviewing your application will likely expect you to connect your intended major to some prior experience and/or passion as well, so tell a story. The essays that stick with us are the ones that jump off the page with concrete descriptions from real life. What interests you and why? How have you gone about learning more about your subject of interest? What will this degree allow you to do? How have you already explored your inclination? Even if you’re not completely sure what you want to major in yet, admissions wants to both learn about your academic interests and see how their offerings will suit your passions. While you don’t need to narrow in on the exact moment you became interested in Russian culture or civil engineering, try to focus on one significant experience in your essay. Your story should showcase your unique connection to your chosen course of study.