University of Virginia (UVA) 2025-26 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

University of Virginia (UVA) 2025-26 First-Year Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: One essay of 250 words for applicants to the School of Nursing only

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why

Students applying to the School of Nursing are required to answer this question in around 250 words. 

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.

As a nurse, you’ll need both deep medical knowledge and the ability to interact with all kinds of people. This prompt wants you to highlight the interpersonal aspect of nursing. It’s tempting to talk in grand general terms about how medicine can impact people’s lives for the better, but take note: this prompt focuses on your future. Think about what effect you want to have on your future patients. Perhaps a nurse empathetically educated you about your condition when you were hospitalized as a child, and you want to be that person for someone else. Maybe you feel strongly that non-native English speakers aren’t being served in your small hometown and strive to be the first fully bilingual nurse in your community. Whatever drives you, be sure to center your potential impact on real people as a future nurse.