UIUC Essay Prompts

Are you looking to apply to UIUC and are unsure how to approach writing the supplemental essays? Do not worry, as this post is here to provide you with the essay prompts and some tips on how to answer each question effectively! You need to answer between 2-3 prompts depending on if you are applying to a major or undeclared. 

UIUC Essay Prompts For Applicants to Majors 

Explain, in detail, an experience you've had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. This can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you've taken, or through something else. (150 words)

• Describe the experience you've had related to your first-choice major in detail, including the context and setting.

• Explain how this experience directly relates to your first-choice major and why it was significant.

• Discuss the skills or knowledge you gained from this experience that are applicable to your major.

• Reflect on how this experience has influenced your understanding of the field and your commitment to pursuing it.

• Explain how you plan to apply what you've learned from this experience in your future academic and career pursuits.

Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from UIUC and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them. (150 words)

• Outline your personal goals after graduating from UIUC, such as personal growth, travel, or relationships.

• Describe your career goals after graduating from UIUC, including the industry or field you plan to enter and the type of role you aspire to.

• Explain how your selected first-choice major aligns with your career goals and will help you acquire the necessary skills and knowledge.

• Discuss how your major will contribute to your professional development and prepare you for your desired career path.

• Share your long-term vision for your career and how you believe your education at UIUC will support your aspirations.

UIUC Essay Prompts For Undeclared Applicants

What are your academic interests? Please include 2-3 majors you're considering at Illinois and why. (150 words)

• Describe your academic interests, highlighting the subjects or fields that captivate you the most.

• Explain why you are considering the first major, discussing how it aligns with your academic interests and career goals.

• Describe a second-choice major you are considering and why, highlighting its relevance to your interests and goals.

• If applicable, mention a third major you are considering and explain its appeal to you.

• Explain why these majors interest you and why applying as undeclared would help you explore your interests and make a more informed decision when the time comes to declare a major. 

What are your future career or academic goals? You may include courses you took in high school and how these impacted your goals. (150 words)

• Describe your future career goals, including the industry or field you plan to enter and the type of role you aspire to have.

• Explain your academic goals, such as pursuing advanced degrees or certifications, and how they align with your career aspirations.

• Discuss how specific courses you took in high school influenced your goals, highlighting any subjects or projects that sparked your interest. 

• Explain if there is a particular subject that stood out to you from the rest and why. 

• Explain how this class developed skills that will help you achieve your goals. 

UIUC Essay Prompts for Applicants Who Select A Second-Choice Major

Please explain your interest in your second-choice major or your overall academic or career goals. (150 words)

• Explain why you are interested in your second-choice major, discussing how it aligns with your academic interests and career goals.

• Describe how your second-choice major could benefit your future plans or career aspirations.

• Discuss the potential benefits of pursuing your second-choice major, such as acquiring complementary skills or knowledge.

UIUC also requires 1 essay to be submitted on the Common App platform. The prompts for the Common App essays can be found here. 

We hope that this guide has helped you start planning and writing your essay prompts. Good luck with your applications!