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UChicago Essay Examples

Uchicago essay examples .

As one of the world’s top-ranked universities, the University of Chicago deeply values inquisitive and creative learners. For that reason, UChicago essays that worked are some of the most captivating and unique college essays out there. Hopeful applicants will benefit from reading UChicago essay examples. In fact, beyond just reading UChicago essay examples, closely analyzing UChicago essays that worked is an excellent way to prepare. 

Are you thinking of applying to UChicago but not sure what goes into writing UChicago essays that worked? You’re in the right place! In this article, we’re going to read some UChicago essay examples and see why they impressed admissions.

In this UChicago Essay Examples article we’ll look at: 

• Recent UChicago essay prompts
• Several real University of Chicago essay examples
• Why the UChicago essay matters 
• Tips for writing a UChicago essay, and more!

As one of the best universities in Illinois , the Midwest , and the world, UChicago demands top-tier essays. And with our expert analysis of UChicago essay examples, you’ll be better prepared to craft your own.. 

How many supplemental essays does UChicago have?

There are two supplemental essays required for the UChicago application. These prompts can be found on the university’s site as well as in the Coalition Application or Common Application . It’s important to note these prompts—and, accordingly, UChicago essay examples—vary from year to year. However, you’ll find similarities among UChicago essays that worked regardless of the prompt. 

The first prompt is required of all students and is essentially a “why UChicago” essay. A “why UChicago” essay that works will follow the general framework of any other “why school” essay. 

UChicago essay examples for the second required essay change the most between admissions cycles. This is because the second essay responds to one of several prompts created by UChicago students.

For both required UChicago essay examples, there is no set word limit. However, the University of Chicago admissions office suggests 650 words for the UChicago extended essay example. As for the “why UChicago” essay, the suggested word limit is lower, at 250-500 words. Regardless of your final word count, UChicago essays that worked use their words effectively, as we’ll see soon.

What are the University of Chicago supplemental essay prompts?

UChicago essays that worked will respond to the unique prompts in an innovative and inquisitive manner. That being said, UChicago essay examples vary greatly as the prompts change yearly. 

UChicago posts its current prompts as well as some of the favorite prompts of the past years. In fact, you can even find past favorite University of Chicago prompts from as far back as the nineties. As prompts change, so do UChicago essay examples; however, elements of Uchicago essays that worked are pretty constant. With that said, let’s look at the current UChicago essay prompts.

The first UChicago essay prompt is required of all students:

How does the university of chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to uchicago., the second essay—the uchicago extended essay.

The second required essay for the UChicago application is inspired by current students. In the most recent application cycle, it asks students to respond to one of the following options:

Essay Option 1:

Exponents and square roots, pencils and erasers, beta decay and electron capture. name two things that undo each other and explain why both are necessary. – inspired by emmett cho, class of 2027, essay option 2:, “where have all the flowers gone” – pete seeger. pick a question from a song title or lyric and give it your best answer. – inspired by ryan murphy, ab’21, essay option 3:, “vlog,” “labradoodle,” and “fauxmage.” language is filled with portmanteaus. create a new portmanteau and explain why those two things are a “patch” (perfect match). – inspired by garrett chalfin, class of 2027, essay option 4:, a jellyfish is not a fish. cat burglars don’t burgle cats. rhode island is not an island. write an essay about some other misnomer, and either come up with and defend a new name for it or explain why its inaccurate name should be kept. – inspired by sonia chang, class of 2025, and mirabella blair, class of 2027, essay option 5:, despite their origins in the gupta empire of india or ancient egypt, games like chess or bowling remain widely enjoyed today. what modern game do you believe will withstand the test of time, and why – inspired by adam heiba, class of 2027, essay option 6:, there are unwritten rules that everyone follows or has heard at least once in their life. but of course, some rules should be broken or updated. what is an unwritten rule that you wish didn’t exist (our custom is to have five new prompts each year, but this year we decided to break with tradition. enjoy) – inspired by maryam abdella, class of 2026, essay option 7:, and, as always… the classic choose your own adventure option in the spirit of adventurous inquiry, choose one of our past prompts (or create a question of your own). be original, creative, thought provoking. draw on your best qualities as a writer, thinker, visionary, social critic, sage, citizen of the world, or future citizen of the university of chicago; take a little risk, and have fun.

Soon, we’re going to check out some UChicago essay examples. However, you may notice that our UChicago essay examples don’t respond to the current prompts. That doesn’t mean that these UChicago essay examples aren’t helpful! Responses to these prompts will vary greatly based on each student’s story. All UChicago essays that worked are valuable tools to aid you in writing your own college essays. 

Demystifying the UChicago Extended Essay

When considering how to write a UChicago extended essay example, think about how unique all of the UChicago uncommon essay examples are. There is no one-size-fits-all way to craft impressive UChicago essay examples; rather, there are infinite ways to approach them. 

While that may feel overwhelming for some students, try to focus on the creative liberty the UChicago essay examples allow. Because the University of Chicago essay examples are so unique, students have a grand opportunity to express themselves. 

What’s the goal of UChicago essay examples? Well, the UChicago extended essay example has a slightly different goal than “why UChicago” essay examples. The prompts are admittedly “provocative.” After all, this competitive university wants the most curious, inquisitive minds in the nation. Accordingly, successful UChicago essay examples prove that admitted students aren’t afraid of thinking out of the box. 

In the end, although the prompts seem quite different from other college essays, the goal is the same. UChicago essays that worked share more about each student: their interests, background, life experiences, or tastes. The exciting part about the UChicago uncommon essay examples is the rare opportunity to embrace your quirkiness or get serious. The choice is yours! 

UChicago Extended Essay Example

The first of our UChicago uncommon essay examples touches on some themes common in more traditional diversity/background/life experiences prompts. Read the first of our UChicago essay examples closely. How does the writer share more about themselves in an eloquent manner while still responding to this unique prompt?

UChicago Extended Essay Prompt:

A neon installation by the artist jeppe hein in chicago’s charles m. harper center asks this question for us: “why are you here and not somewhere else” (there are many potential values of “here”, but we already know you’re “here” to apply to the university of chicago; pick any”here” besides that one). – inspired by erin hart, class of 2016..

In a culture where Bollywood’s ‘item girls’ receive fame and glory for their provocative dancing and scant clothing, I am often filled with shame and even disgust for my own Indian heritage. Films and television soaps reinforce gender stereotypes of dominating male characters, while their female counterparts are either passive homemakers or desirable ‘item girls.’ These movies are mainstream and celebrated in my culture, watched by children and grandparents alike.

How can I embrace and respect my culture if this inequality pervades? Because I notice these things, and define them as blatantly sexist, does that make me less Indian?

In a culture where dowries are still regularly exchanged between families, I cannot help but notice the objectification of women that is culturally acceptable and ubiquitous. I cannot understand how Indian women all over the world permit their future family to request money and goods equivalent to their supposed ‘worth.’ This is the feminist and Western approach to dowries However, if I look closer, there can be a degree of justification to this practice. The parents-in-law are given money and luxurious goods for the bride in order to protect her if her husband and breadwinner can no longer work.

While this reasoning does offer some justification for the persistent existence of dowries in the 21st century, it brings new objections to the presumption that the bride will not contribute to the family’s income. I see the world through two lenses as the clash between Eastern and Western culture pervades my every thought and action.

During rare family gatherings, the few times I get to see my extended family, the joy of the reunion is mellowed by what I see. The men and children lounge into the couches, sipping tea and crunching bhel (Indian snack), while chuckling and debating over current events. In the kitchen congregate the women, busy cooking and giggling with each other, but in a constant frenzy to prepare the next meal or brew more tea. Distracted by the simmering chai, this room lacks the same fervent discussion of prevalent global issues. The living room and kitchen stand divided between the men and women. As a female young-adult, I am confused as to where I belong- to which room do I go? While we are one family, the divide remains firm. I feel sick to my stomach, as I alone perceive the waves of sexism that ripple beneath our facade.

Adding to this confusion are my looks. I am a rich mocha, but with too much crème, and suddenly I no longer look Indian. My unique ringlets add fuel to my accusers’ claims. Too pale, and too many curls. I have been called nearly every ethnicity in the globe, from African-American to Latina to Russian. When I explain my Indian heritage, aghast, they cry, “But you can’t be Indian!” Hurt, I leave questioning my appearance and the personality I project.

On the other hand, Hindu culture reveres female empowerment through the worship of powerful female deities such as Kali and Lakshmi. This hypocrisy baffles me. Why I am here? Why am I Indian, when everyone questions my ethnicity, and I, myself, question certain practices?

I realize, I am here to question and ponder, because thinking about the life and environment in which you live is critical. Because the fact remains that I absolutely love my culture. The passionate, unrequited urges to dance at every occasion in a flurry of vibrancy cannot be found anywhere else. I love the intrinsic and irrevocable respect for the knowledge and experiences elders bring. Also, I appreciate the emphasis on family as ultimate supporters and best friends. I even love the sense of duty and service that being a daughter brings. Outwardly, perhaps, I don’t conform to the typical model of an Indian girl, reserved and soft-spoken, with thick, straight hair and rich mocha skin, but I have the heart and soul of one.

Why This UChicago Essay Worked

With endless ways to respond, this writer’s UChicago extended essay example offers the reader a unique look into her life. She contemplates the many clashes in her own culture and her way of thinking and navigating the world. However, in her final reflection on precisely why she’s “here,” she affirms the centrality of her culture to her sense of self. 

The author of the first of our UChicago essays that worked dissects aspects of her culture that disquiet her. The reader sees an inquisitive person who’s always questioned cultural norms that others within her family might not have. Of course, she doesn’t completely reject a culture because she doesn’t completely agree with it. On the contrary, she’s able to find and appreciate the parts that have shaped her into who she is. Additionally, while she may not exemplify what’s “typical” of her culture, she recognizes that it’s nevertheless intrinsic to her experience. And she loves it. 

UChicago essays that worked often show growth. In the first of our UChicago uncommon essay examples, the writer shows how she’s navigated the inner conflict she experiences around her culture. In the end, even though she doesn’t come to a conclusive answer, the writer accepts the ongoing process of questioning. Moreover, she recognizes her culture and her surroundings aren’t mutually incompatible, but that she must find her own balance. This willingness to accept ambiguity and keep questioning is certainly important at an elite institution like UChicago. 

More UChicago essay examples

Let’s continue with the UChicago uncommon essay examples. Again, as you read this UChicago extended essay example, note features common among college essays—not just UChicago essay examples. 

UChicago Essay Prompt:

Share with us a few of your favorite books, poems, authors, films, plays, pieces of music, musicians, performers, paintings, artists, blogs, magazines, or newspapers. feel free to touch on one, some, or all of the categories listed, or add a category of your own., uchicago essay example.

Downton Abbey makes me fantasize about the elaborate fashions of the 1900s, with long taffeta gowns and hats bursting with feathers and jewels, each lady is a vision of elegance. Each episode and season leaves me fascinated by the grandeur and magnificence of the house, which stands in stark contrast with the peeling grey wood of the downstairs kitchens and servant halls. The servant’s staircase is shabby and dull, and runs parallel to the vibrant tapestry-covered marble staircase for those upstairs. I am puzzled by the smooth refinement of upstairs, juxtaposed with the panting bustle of downstairs.

I constantly marvel at the writers’ ability to craft characters to whom I can relate, despite the gap of a century. The world they lived in is so vastly different from today, yet people of all ages experience comparable emotions such as jealousy, passion, and shame. I am left breathless by the fact that each character faces similar challenges of familial disappointment, honor, and struggle to find a purpose in life; just as we do today.

Technology may change, but human nature remains the same. In addition, the rich historical background of Downtown Abbey provides intricate context to the larger historical events I learn in class. I am transported from merely learning about the implications of World War 1 and the Spanish Influenza, to learning about how these impacted the daily lives of people.

Downton Abbey is more than merely a television show to me. Calling my grandmother in England to discuss in the elaborate plot twists and new character developments has brought us together for a shared passionate experience in the same living room. We avidly discuss Mary’s slew of new suitors and Daisy’s latest heartbreak via video chat. Excitedly we giggle over birth of baby George and Ms. Pattmore’s witty retorts. In a unique twist, Downton Abbey has become something that transcends the thousands of miles that separate us.

In addition, Pride and Prejudice couples my love of fairytales with my irrevocable feminism.

Forever imprinted in my mind is the first time I attempted to read Jane Austen’s masterpiece, as a plucky third grader who brought the book to reading circle. At that young age, I was merely fascinated by the drama of five girls, each with their own tantalizing personality. But now, I realize the subtle life lessons concealed within each page. This novel makes me squash my teenage urges to judge and categorize people instantly, instead realizing that there is something to be learned from all people from all walks of life- especially the people from whom I am the most different. This subtle yet sparkling wit of Mr. Bennett reminds me to laugh more at the chaos and confusion life often brings.

The dysfunctional and hilarious family dynamic provides comedic relief and reminds me of the 19th century equivalent of a reality show. I admire Jane Austen’s subtle yet thought-provoking feminism through Elizabeth, as she pokes fun at her best friend for marrying without love for money and position, something she could never do. Also, I am inspired by Elizabeth’s passionate resolve against being ‘anybody’s fool! I am drawn by my love for English literature, which provides a window to discover historical intricacies that mirror a universal human experience.

Why This UChicago Essay Stood Out

The second of our UChicago essay examples hooks the reader and shows the author’s ability to connect with others. Much more than simply saying, “I like Downton Abbey because of the costumes”, the writer describes in detail the wardrobe and architecture. UChicago essays that worked provide ample details to help the main idea—and the writer—come to life for the reader.

Then the writer goes on to show how humans share the same feelings and experiences, which transcend time periods. This shows the reader how the writer is capable of empathizing and relating to people even through their differences. As the author points out, human nature is the same no matter the time period. Their personal understanding of this will ideally motivate humanistic, world-changing work at UChicago and beyond.

Focusing on the personal impact

Although this writer includes their grandmother in the essay, notice that the focus comes back to a lesson. Writing about experiences with friends or family in college essays is by no means off limits. However, those who do so should use a strategy like this essay. In other words, the essay should ultimately discuss personal impacts or lessons on character. 

Finally, the writer touches on the book Pride and Prejudice and the feminism portrayed within the book. Through this point, we learn more of the author’s values as well as traits in characters—in people—that they admire. She again ties the book to the underlying theme of her essay which is the universal human experience. 

This multifaceted essay engages the reader, answers the prompt, and allows some insight into the author’s values and way of thinking. 

How do you write a UChicago essay?

Logically, University of Chicago essay examples vary: a UChicago extended essay example differs in many ways from UChicago essay examples. However, while UChicago essays that worked may look very different, they serve the same greater purpose. Above all, writers must show admissions who they are and why they belong at UChicago. 

“Why UChicago” essay examples will follow the format of a “why school” essay. Students should get specific as they reference opportunities, programs, faculty, or extracurriculars found only at UChicago. Additionally, UChicago essay examples should demonstrate just why the writer belongs on campus. How do your values align with those of the university? What will you bring to the school’s community? UChicago essays that worked should also show that UChicago is a good fit for the student—it goes both ways. 

More ‘Why School’ essay examples

Before writing, check out some successful “why school” essay examples from a variety of different schools. Of course, pay special attention to the “why UChicago” essay examples. Additionally, don’t miss essay tips from the University of Chicago admissions team. Given the competitiveness of UChicago admittance, UChicago essays that worked must all stand out.

Why This College Essay Sample

As for the UChicago uncommon essay examples, they can be approached in a myriad of ways. Firstly, be sure to choose the topic that excites you the most. Which immediately catches your eye? If you can’t decide, brainstorm for each first to see what you can write. Then, choose the topic with the most potential for a meaningful essay you want to write. Successful UChicago uncommon essay examples are founded on genuine excitement about the essay, so choose a topic that excites you. 

You may want to free write to get your ideas flowing. From there you can choose the “meat” of your essay out of a slew of words. University of Chicago essay examples must be unique to get you admitted. UChicago essay examples that worked ranged from serious to humorous. Don’t be afraid to have fun and get creative. The main goal is to share with admissions more about yourself. And, of course, show off your writing chops!

Determining a College Essay Topic: Reflection Exercises to Try

Does UChicago care about supplemental essays?

In short, yes, absolutely! Understanding why different University of Chicago essay examples had success will do wonders for students writing their essays. The essays are a pivotal part of the UChicago application. And as one of the best universities in the nation, UChicago wants students with well-crafted essays

Of course, there are many factors that contribute to college acceptance, such as GPA and extracurriculars. Students will want to polish each part of the application, which starts early with your high school curriculum choices.

Making sure that you meet all of the University of Chicago requirements and the UChicago application deadline is also imperative. After all, there’s no use in writing perfect UChicago essay examples if your application is incomplete or late. Start planning your application early so you have documents in hand well before the deadline. With this in mind, most colleges use a holistic evaluation process when considering candidates. With such unique essay prompts, it’s clear that University of Chicago admissions wants students who rise to the occasion. That means students who passionately, creatively, and inquisitively respond to the prompts. 

You’ll notice that all the UChicago essay examples provide some valuable insight into the writer’s life and personality. These wouldn’t have been apparent from other parts of the application. That is to say, your essays should help to fill in your picture, so to speak. Admissions officers read essays to learn more about students to ensure that their values and goals align with the university. 

Need more help with your UChicago essays?

While we’ve checked out a couple of UChicago essays that worked, there are plenty more resources on the topic! In fact, you can check out more University of Chicago essay examples and see just why they worked, too. Reading UChicago uncommon essay examples will help inspire you to write your best UChicago extended essay example. 

The UChicago acceptance rate is one of the most selective in the nation at 5.4% . In light of that, applicants should do everything possible to make their application stand out. Read our how to get into UChicago guide for more tips on being a competitive candidate. 

While our “how to get into” guides cover each step of the application process, we have additional resources beyond UChicago essay examples. Watch our webinar for more valuable insight on how to write and edit your own UChicago essays. You can also take a look at UChicago admissions’ announcement of the most recent prompts in the video below.

Chicago Essay Examples – 5 Takeaways

What have we learned from these UChicago uncommon essay examples? Here are 5 key things to keep in mind to make sure that your University of Chicago essay examples are successful. 

5 Tips for Writing Chicago Essay Examples

1. start early.

This goes for all aspects of the college journey, from the demographic info to the essays. The UChicago application deadline can creep up with everything else busy high schoolers have going on. Don’t let it take you by surprise! Specifically, successful University of Chicago essay examples have almost certainly undergone more than one revision. Start your essays well before the UChicago application deadline to make plenty of time to brainstorm, outline, draft, and edit. Before applying, check out all of the application deadline options to see what works best for you!

2. Choose your topic carefully

In order to write your best essay, you’ll want to choose the topic that most excites you. Which prompt caught your immediate attention? And, can you respond fully to the prompt in a way that shows more of your personality and values to the University of Chicago admissions team? The strongest University of Chicago essay examples brimming with passionate language and excitement.

3. Get creative

You’ll notice that UChicago uncommon essay examples usually hook the reader. This is where the favorite writing phrase comes in handy: show, don’t tell. When writing your essays, don’t merely list your points. Captivate the reader with descriptive language and attention-grabbing narrative strategies. The successful University of Chicago examples almost read like a story that you just don’t want to put down. 

4. Meet the requirements

While there is no official word limit for the UChicago uncommon essay examples, there are “recommendations”. Successful University of Chicago essay examples are often 250–500 words for the first prompt and about 650 for the second. Obviously, be sure to answer both required essays!

5. Show who you are

This is the most important part of all college essays. Of course, comprehensively answering the prompt is also vital, but applicants must also tell admissions about themselves. Don’t just repeat other parts of your application; use the essays to share something about yourself that admissions wouldn’t see otherwise. Most importantly, be yourself! One of the most common mistakes applicants make is trying to write something that University of Chicago admissions officers want to read. Answer the prompts in an authentic and unique way. 

Overall, remember that UChicago uncommon essay examples are an opportunity to stand out among a pool of qualified candidates. At one of the most selective universities in the nation, UChicago uncommon essay examples catch the eye of the admissions team. So, be sure to read several UChicago uncommon essay examples possible before starting your own. They’ll surely spark inspiration as well as show what’s worked in the past. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed after dissecting the UChicago uncommon essay examples, don’t worry! CollegeAdvisor’s Admissions Experts help students in every step of the college application journey, specifically with the University of Chicago requirements. They offer personalized support with everything from creating a college list to writing essays to applying for financial aid. 

Don’t focus on rankings and acceptance rates when planning your essays—just creatively show who you are through your prompt responses. Have fun when writing each UChicago essay! After all, people call them “uncommon essays” for a reason. UChicago wants you to think outside of the box when responding to their one-of-a-kind UChicago essay prompts. 

Sarah Kaminski wrote this article. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 4 tips for writing a stand-out 'why uchicago' essay.

College Essays

For students applying to the University of Chicago, the "why UChicago?" essay is more straightforward than most of the other essay prompts you'll see, but it can still be intimidating to try to figure out how you should tackle this essay.

What should you mention? What will impress the admissions team? What are they really looking for in your response?

We break down the "why UChicago?" essay, explain everything the University of Chicago is looking for in this essay, suggest topics to write about that'll help you stand out, and provide "why UChicago?" essay examples to help get your creative juices flowing.

The Why UChicago Essay Prompt

The "why UChicago?" essay is the only prompt that shows up every year on the UChicago application. It's also the only prompt that everyone must answer (you'll have multiple prompts to choose between for the other essay). This alone should tell you that the University of Chicago takes applicants' responses to this prompt very seriously.

Here is the prompt:

"How does the University of Chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future? Please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to UChicago."

There is no strict word limit to this essay, but UChicago suggests a response of one to two pages.

What Is the Purpose of This Essay?

Why does UChicago require applicants to answer this essay? What are they really looking for in your response? Let's analyze this prompt.

No matter which schools you're applying to, "why our college?" is probably the most common prompt you'll see on college applications, and for good reason: colleges, including the University of Chicago, want to see that you really want to attend their school. Why? Applicants who love UChicago are more likely to accept an offer of admission, be committed to their studies, participate in extracurriculars, and give back after they graduate.

If you show in your essay that you really love UChicago, it makes admissions officers feel more confident you're going to have a significant and positive impact on their school.

If you can't give any compelling reasons for choosing UChicago or you don't seem to have done much research on it, that makes UChicago admissions staff worry that you're not that invested and will do only the bare minimum in college without having much of an impact at the school or afterward. They may also think you don't really care about getting into their school, which can make them less likely to admit you.

Additionally, UChicago asks you to write this essay to ensure that you and their school are a good fit for each other . If you use the "why UChicago?" essay to talk about how much you love Division I sports teams or how you want to be a famous geologist, the admissions team may hesitate to offer you a place because their sports teams are Division III and they don't have a geology major.

Ultimately, the purpose of this essay has two parts: UChicago wants to make sure you know and value what they offer, and they also want to see how you're going to make use of these opportunities to reach your goals for the future.

What Should You Write About in Your "Why UChicago?" Essay?

There are multiple ways to approach this essay prompt. However, since UChicago is best known for its academics, most applicants will make sure that at least part of their response touches on coursework and specific majors.

Here's a list of possible topics you can write about:

• Majors or classes you're especially interested in
• The UChicago Core curriculum
• Professors whose work you admire and whom you'd like to study with or research with
• Extracurriculars that you'd be interesting in joining
• The school's intense academic atmosphere
• UChicago Scav
• Research opportunities you'd like to have
• Small class size and discussion-based classes
• UChicago students you've met who you admire
• Volunteer opportunities
• Financial aid opportunities UChicago offers that make it possible for you to attend

In your response, you should choose about one to three reasons why you think the University of Chicago is the best school for you. For each reason, you should describe what UChicago offers and connect it back to your interests and skills to show how you're a good match for the school. Remember to answer the prompt completely; this means talking about both the learning and community at UChicago, as well as your plans for the future and how UChicago can help you achieve them.

Tips for a Great Response to the Why UChicago Essay

Regardless of how you decide to answer this prompt, there are four tips everyone should keep in mind to make sure they're fully answering the question, giving the information UChicago wants to see, and making sure they stand out from other applicants.

#1: Do Your Research

Before you begin writing your response to this essay prompt, you should know exactly why you want to attend the University of Chicago. There are multiple ways to do this research:

• School website
• Course catalog
• School newspaper
• Campus visit
• Meeting with an alum or current student
• Meeting with a professor

#2: Be Specific

From your research, you should have come up with specific reasons why UChicago is a great school for you. The more specific you can be when answering this prompt, the better. Don't say UChicago has great academics, caring professors, and an interesting student body. Most schools have that.

Instead, try to mention opportunities only UChicago can provide, such as specific professors, course names, extracurriculars, or research opportunities. The things you discuss should be things your other top schools don't offe— things that really make UChicago stand out.

#3: Show Your Passion

UChicago wants students who care a lot about their studies and their school, so make sure this comes across in their response. A bland statement like, "I am impressed by UChicago's strong economics program" doesn't tell the school anything about you or help you stand out from other applicants.

You've done your research to mention specific qualities of UChicago that have enticed you, and now you need to discuss specific qualities about yourself as well . Why does the economics program make you so excited? What do you want to get out of it? Do you want to use your knowledge to study the economies of different developing countries and use that knowledge to fight global poverty? That's what you should write about.

Showing a passion that's unique to you will help differentiate you from other applicants and show UChicago that you're going to take your studies seriously.

#4: Discuss Your Vision for the Future

The "Why UChicago?" prompt clearly asks you to connect your desire to attend UChicago with your future goals. So let them know your plans!  Do you hope to use your time at UChicago as a launching pad for a career as a researcher at Fermilab? Do you want to major in theater and performance studies and eventually open a drama school for underserved kids?  UChicago wants students who dream big, so let them know what your dreams are.

"Why UChicago?" Essay Examples

To help you get a better idea of what a great response to this prompt can look like, below are two Why UChicago essay examples. The first is an excerpt of an essay written by an admitted student, and the second is an essay we wrote. After the examples we explain what makes them excellent responses.

As I prepare to leave my home for a university, I dream of joining the University of Chicago community. In all honesty, UChicago is probably the only university that will accept and even encourage my eclectic thinking and passion for finding adventure in everyday life. Although I hope to major in Computer Science, I also want to study political science and the Italian language to the extent that I can confidently debate Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan and copy Dante's terza rima poetry. I want to learn about game theory and astrophysics not just in surface-level introductory classes, but through in-depth discussion and analysis. At UChicago, the Core curriculum will feed my hunger for a broad undergraduate education by guaranteeing  that one-third of my studies will be dedicated to the exploration of the humanities, sciences, and arts. I yearn to engage in vibrant discussion with UChicago musicians who study neurosciences, business majors who star in theatrical productions, and psychology students who are learning Mandarin. At any other school, I would be an untraditional student, but at UChicago, I will fit right in. Traditional warrior princesses feel at home in castles; it is no surprise that UChicago's campus is full of them. At UChicago, surrounded by diverse thinkers and unique personalities of every kind, I know that I will feel at home, too. — Samantha M.

It was reading an issue of the Chicago Shady Dealer that made me know the University of Chicago was the right school for me. Any school that produced a satire paper that included hilarious and clever articles joking about students taking a math class in an abandoned parking garage or hysterical preaching and projectile vomiting during alumni weekend was a place where I knew I'd belong.

After speaking with a current UChicago student, I felt even more strongly that this is the school for me.  This student is a Creative Writing major, as I plan to be, and he mentioned so many opportunities for University of Chicago students to publish their writing, from the Shady Dealer , to the Chicago Maroon , to Sliced Bread . My only concern was having enough time to write for all these publications! I'm especially interested in the student magazine Diskord because of its focus on student opinions of national and global news. Many people dismiss young people as uninformed or naïve, but I've found many have my peers have extremely important things to say, and it's important to hear each other. The student I spoke with on the phone also mentioned that he was able to combine his interests in poetry and French Literature, and I really like how interdisciplinary the major is.

Theater and scriptwriting is something I've always been interested in learning more about, and I think University of Chicago's theater workshops and groups like Court Theatre could help me gain more skills in this area. People joke the University of Chicago is where fun comes to die, but from what I've seen, it's just the opposite. I've never met a group of students who were so funny, creative, and intent on making an impact, and I'd love to be a part of that.

Why Do These Essays Work?

• Answer the entire prompt:  Both of these responses answer every part of the "Why UChicago?" essay prompt. They mention the type of learning the writers hope to receive, the type of community they want to be surrounded by, and what their plans for the future are.
• Give details:  There are many details in both these responses, such as specific classes the authors want to take, what they want to major in, specific extracurriculars, and school publications they want to join.
• Show where they fit in: It's clear from reading these essays how the authors see themselves fitting in at UChicago The first hopes to major in computer science while also debating famous literary works with fellow classmates, whereas the second wants to become a writer for school papers and possibly work on theater productions. They've shown that UChicago has opportunities they want to take part in and contribute to, and they tie this into their goals for the future.

The "Why UChicago?" essay likely won't be the make-or-break factor in your application, but it can help give the admissions teams a good idea of why UChicago is a great fit for you .   The purpose of this essay prompt is for you to show UChicago that you've done research on their school, you feel it's a good fit for you, and you already know some of the opportunities at the school you want to make the most of.

In your UChicago essay, you can write about multiple topics, including academics, the student body, extracurriculars, and research opportunities. Just make sure to thoroughly research the school, be specific, show your passion, and mention plans you have for the future. When in doubt, don't forget to check out successful "Why UChicago?" essays!

What's Next?

You'll need to write one other essay when you apply to the University of Chicago. Check out our other guide to learn how to tackle both UChicago essays .

The "Why This College?" is a common essay topic on college applications. Learn how to write a great "Why This College" essay for every school you're applying to by reading our guide on the topic.

Want to see some more college essay examples? We have links to 145 great college essays that includes our expert analysis on how you can write a standout essay of your own.

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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Essay writing advice: "why x university" essays.

As an admissions counselor and UChicago alumna, one of my favorite things to do is talk about the university and all it has to offer! One of the easiest ways for students to let me know they are just as excited as I am about UChicago is through the first required essay of their UChicago application, what we in College Admissions call the “Why UChicago?” essay. As you are beginning your college application process, you may notice that many of the schools you interested in have a similar “Why X University?” prompt. I wanted to provide some tips as you begin writing these essays and familiarizing yourself more with different colleges and what they have to offer. 

Be specific! Off the bat, this is the best way to let the person who is reading your application know that you are excited about their school. I recommend that students employ something called the White-Out Test after they have finished writing their “Why X University?” essay. To use this test, read through your finished essay and “white-out” any mentions of a school’s name. If it’s still clear which school you’re talking about, congratulations! You have passed the White-Out Test. If you can’t narrow down what university you are talking about, go back through your essay and make it more specific. Maybe instead of just mentioning a university being in a large, urban city, you could mention the specific neighborhood the university is in and how that will promote your growth and education. Instead of talking about the unique education provided by an institution, maybe you could mention particular majors or classes and why you are excited about them. Overall, the White-Out Test is a great way to check if your “Why X University?” essay is specific enough! 

Avoid just listing out different things available at a particular school. While creating a list of different clubs, classes, professors, or other offerings at a particular school may be a great way to begin outlining your “Why X University?” essay, oftentimes the most memorable “Why UChicago?” essays take a more creative approach. Some of my favorite and most memorable essays I have read included a letter to UChicago from a secret admirer, an essay written from the prospective of the ivy on campus, and an essay that explored all of the implications of the question “Why?” and how UChicago was the best place to get those questions answered. It was immediately clear to me that these students both knew what UChicago had to offer them and, more importantly, that they understood UChicago’s spirit and our foundational ideals of intellectually inquiry and curiosity. Writing this essay in a unique format can help you stand out in a sea of applicants! 

Talk to current students to help better understand a college’s environment. There is no better way to learn about a university than through students that currently attend. While lots of information is available online through course catalogs, information sessions, and a university’s website, talking to current students can provide a unique perspective into everyday life, what courses are most popular, and some great student groups. Conversations you have with current students can be great to highlight in your “Why X University?” essay. Students are readily available to speak to current students either online through email or in-person once campus tours start back up. Reach out to  [email protected]  to chat with a current UChicago student and get any of your questions answered (and check out what other schools may offer to connect with current students)! 

Don’t use templates. While it can be very tempting to use a template when you are writing your “Why X University?” essays, it is pretty easy for an admissions counselor to spot when you are just changing the university’s name in an essay. Each school you are applying to is unique and offers its students different things, so make sure that your essays are also unique and highlight those different offerings! 

Proofread before you hit submit! Because you won’t be using templates to write your “Why X University?” essays, you can avoid the dreaded situation of submitting an essay to a university with a different university’s name in it. However, it is still important to proofread to double and triple check that you are not making any grammatical or spelling errors and that your essay flows. Oftentimes when I want to get a paper proofread, I will pass it off to a trusted friend to get another set of eyes on it. Getting someone else’s perspective will help with catching any major errors as well as making sure that your point is coming across clearly and concisely! 

While everyone’s “Why X University?” essay is going to be unique and tailored to their personal interests, this list of tips should be a good way to get started thinking about what you want to write and how you want to write it. Best of luck to everyone writing these essays and make sure to reach out to  [email protected]  if you have any questions. Now get writing! 

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Find x anonymous, it is a creative response to the famous "find x" question from uchicago. it is written from the point of view of x which is trying to figure out it's identity in different ways..

I’m the heart of a million questions in your math textbook. Universally cursed, universally appreciated. I’m immensely thankful to have the privilege of enjoying a timeless celebrity status -the king of the Hollywood of mathematics. Don’t roll your eyes or cringe. I’m not a black and white outdated guy. I have made it to Hollywood several times - for instance, Captain Jack Sparrow’s map. SpaceX , IphoneX, and countless big brands have embraced me, placing me at the forefront of technology.

I’m not pretentious, self exaggerating. I’m honest and open to my insecurities and vulnerabilities. I face an existential crisis. I’m notoriously famous for being something that is not there. The problem was easy if I could just be a vacuum. But no, I’m 2 or 3 or 0.6666 or maybe even 3.141 depending on the circumstances. I don’t change my colors. It’s just that I don’t have a true color. Who am I? Why do you want to find me? And even if you’ve found me, have you?

As if the invisible cloak on me wasn’t enough, I even have the power to cast an invisibility charm on the numbers on your report card if I appear- clothed in red, on your answer sheet. Although I know you do hate me for this, try not to. I’m the symbolic equivalent for “NO” and...

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A Guide to the UChicago Supplemental Essays 2021-2022

Padya Paramita

August 3, 2021

You probably already know that admission into the University of Chicago, with its acceptance rate of around 6%, is far from guaranteed. But as you gear up to apply, you might get further thrown off by the essays you have to write. Alongside the required classic “why UChicago” question, this highly selective school also presents you with some rather unusual prompts in the UChicago supplemental essays 2021-2022 .  

You don’t expect to see references to Costco or Harry Potter when you’re getting into the mindset of convincing admissions officers why you’re a good fit for a school, and yet these have been part of past UChicago prompts. It goes without saying that UChicago’s unconventional prompts aren’t your typical supplemental essay questions. But despite their unique nature, the goal of the university is the same as any other school—to understand your perspective, to get a sense of your goals, and determine whether your values align with those that UChicago looks for in its students. To guide you through each of the prompts, I have outlined the questions, how to go about tackling them, and more tips to help you write the UChicago supplemental essays 2021-2022 .

The UChicago Supplemental Essays 2021-2022

UChicago prides itself on its thought-provoking supplemental essay prompts. Use these as an opportunity to introduce yourself, what you’re passionate about, and your ambitions and goals. Although there is no set word limit for any of the prompts, InGenius Prep counselor Natalia Ostrowski, who worked as the Assistant Director of Admissions at UChicago, recommends that you limit the first essay (“Why UChicago”) to a page (double spaced in 12 point font). The second essay—the more unusual one of the two—should be about two pages, double spaced, and in 12 point font. 

The voice in your essay can be serious, you can let your creativity completely loose, or you can find an in-between take on any issue you’re writing about. According to Natalia, “UChicago admissions officers want to see how you connect ideas and get a front-row view into your critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and excitement for knowledge.” 

So without further ado, let’s go through all of the prompts—including each of the odd ones—for the UChicago supplemental essays 2021-2022, and ways you should dissect and answer them:

Question 1 (Required)

How does the University of Chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future? Please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to UChicago.

Although there is no strict word limit on this “why UChicago” essay, don’t go overboard with what you like about the university. Admissions officers already know it’s a great school. How do you narrow down what you love about the school? Well, look at the question for hints. The question asks that you elaborate on how UChicago can help meet your needs when it comes to the following:

When reading your response to this question, admissions officers are looking for whether you’ve done your homework on UChicago to determine how much you’d fit into the college. Below are a few questions that Natalia suggests you ask yourself to brainstorm for this essay:

• Why is the Core important to you? (And don’t just copy/paste what you wrote for Columbia and vice versa—they’ll know) 
• What specific majors are you interested in and why? 
• Has it always been your dream to work with [ insert professor here ] or study abroad in [ insert location here ]? Why? 
• Which activities are you excited to contribute to? Why do you want to be a Maroon (yes, UChicago has sports!)?

Emphasize the community aspect —how do you hope to find your people on campus? Is it the opportunity to participate in student organizations such as Humor Magazine or the intramural wiffleball team that call out to you? Or are you keen to explore Chicago’s Revival Community Improv Theater within walking distance of the college? You might want to continue your community involvement work from high school by participating in the Neighborhood Schools Program, The Civic Knowledge Project, or one of the college’s several organizations that help give back to the greater Chicago community. 

Since you have space, you can provide context on who you are, your passions, and the kind of values you hope to bring to UChicago. Whatever you choose to write about, make sure you prioritize what you’re looking for from your college experience and how UChicago is the ideal place to explore these interests or goals. Show admissions officers that you have done your research and can convincingly argue for your place at the school, clearly outlining the parts of campus you wish to commit to.

Check out all supplemental essay prompts here!

Question 2: extended essay (required; choose one).

Now we get to the more peculiar essays. At first—and even second or third glance—these questions are out of the box in comparison to other schools’ supplemental essays. But where do you even start? Natalia affirms that “Admissions officers want to see how your brain works. It doesn’t matter what you write about or which question you answer—your ideas and how you write about those ideas is what matters.” 

She also adds that from your essay, “Admissions officers will be able to have a glimpse of who you might be in the classroom, or when you’re deep in discussion in the dining halls or dorms, or walking through the snowy Harper Quad on your way to get some hot chocolate at Hallowed Grounds.” 

The takeaway for admissions officers reading your UChicago supplemental essays 2021-2022 should be to understand what makes you tick and how you are going to contribute to the community. This is the goal you should keep in mind throughout your writing process.

What if the moon were made of cheese? Or Neptune made of soap? Pick a celestial object, reimagine its material composition, and explore the implications. Feel free to explore the realms of physics, philosophy, fantasy…the sky is the limit!

This question is quite straightforward, once you read it a couple of times. If you’re interested in astronomy, or even fiction writing, this is a great prompt to showcase your creativity. Think about celestial objects that fascinate you: it could be a planet, it could be the sun, or you could even choose an asteroid. What do you think the object of your choice could be made of—and why? You could choose a logical route to answer your question, referring to theories of math and physics to make your point. Or you can go the imaginary route and make a case for why the sun is actually made of chocolate chip cookies. As long as you “explore the implications,” you should be able to answer this prompt however you wish!

What’s so easy about pie?

This is another open-ended prompt. Since, unlike the last question, the college hasn’t specified that you should use an academic or creative subject to explain your answer, your options are truly unlimited in how you choose to answer the question. This prompt isn’t one where you should bring up your academic interests unless they flow in organically. But it is a great opportunity to show your humorous side and make the admissions officers smile. 

You could talk about an anecdote where an actual pie was involved. It could be the story of how you learned to bake—which would be a literal take on your response. However, you can also create a more elaborate metaphor about something else that equates the simplicity of pie to a broader incident. You can talk about anything—as long as you draw a conclusion about exactly what is so easy about pie. 

In Homer’s Iliad, Helen had a “face that launched a thousand ships.” A millihelen, then, measures the beauty needed to launch one ship. The Sagan unit is used to denote any large quantity (in place of “billions and billions”). A New York Minute measures the period of time between a traffic light turning green and the cab behind you honking. Invent a new unit of measurement. How is it derived? How is it used? What are its equivalents?

The UChicago supplemental essays 2021-2022 can help admissions officers see how you might combine your creative and analytical sides. First of all, think about what you want to measure—and don’t be afraid to go out of the box. It could be the way to calculate the amount of maroon in UChicago’s logo, it could be a unit to measure the number of words in the average English novel. No matter what it is, make sure you go all out in explaining exactly why you’ve chosen to measure this particular thing, why it will be helpful, and how it is connected to other units of measurements.

"There is no such thing as a new idea" - Mark Twain. Are any pieces of art, literature, philosophy, or technology truly original, or just a different combination of old ideas? Pick something, anything (besides yourself), and explain why it is, or is not, original.

This is a great prompt if you’re interested in the humanities. One factor to keep in mind if you tackle this prompt is to make sure that the subject has relevance to you. Since these essays help admissions understand what makes you unique and help them make their decision, think about how you can use your choice of topic to convey an interest or goal. If you want to be a film studies student, for example, you can argue why a particular movie is far more original than the other. If you’re a STEM student, you can also write about this topic! Make sure you’ve made your argument clear on exactly why or why not an issue is original.

It's said that history repeats itself. But what about other disciplines? Choose another field (chemistry, philosophy, etc.) and explain how it repeats itself. Explain how it repeats itself.

This question leans in a more academic direction than the others—since it explicitly brings up fields that you’d study in school and/or college. So if you’re not a fan of creative writing, this question might be more approachable for you since the answer can be framed with a scholarly angle. Whichever approach you choose, make sure to not emphasize the discipline, but rather how you believe it repeats itself. One thing to remember is that thinking broadly about chemistry or philosophy would be a trap.

In the spirit of adventurous inquiry (and with the encouragement of one of our current students!) choose one of our past prompts (or create a question of your own). Be original, creative, thought provoking. Draw on your best qualities as a writer, thinker, visionary, social critic, sage, citizen of the world, or future citizen of the University of Chicago; take a little risk, and have fun!

If you don’t like any of the other options, why not look at 30 of the previous years’ questions that UChicago has provided to inspire you. The question “What can actually be divided by zero?” might appeal to you more than any of the new prompts for UChicago supplemental essays 2021-2022 . And that is okay. 

Note that UChicago is giving you an incredible amount of choice here by providing access to their past prompts. If you decide to go the alternative route and come up with your own question, it HAS to be good enough. It wouldn’t be the wisest decision to go with your own silly prompt with the plethora of options in your arsenal. 

While UChicago doesn’t prefer that you answer questions 1-5 rather than 6, carefully weigh your options before you decide to pick number 6. Is there nothing you might have to say for the first five essay questions? If that is indeed the case, and you’re willing to take the risk (and UChicago appreciates risk-takers) put your unique spin on a previous—or completely original—question!

Additional Tips for Writing the UChicago Supplemental Essays 2020-2021

Now that you’ve taken a look at the prompts for the UChicago supplemental essays 2021-2022 , here are a few tips to help your brainstorming process: 

• Standout essays for standout prompts : The prompts for the UChicago supplemental essays 2021-2022 are without a doubt, highly unique. It’s okay to feel intimidated, and you might choose a prompt that asks for a more academic-leaning response if you’re not a creative writer. While it’s fine to find an option that’s tailored towards your assets, note that other applicants will be writing all sorts of weird and highly imaginative essays. So you need to come up with something memorable and original to stand out among the competition.
• Consider multiple approaches : Each of the questions for the UChicago supplemental essays 2020-2021 have different routes you can choose. For some, such as the “pick something (besides yourself)” prompt or the topic of your choice questions, you can write about anything. So don’t restrict yourself to thinking there is a right answer. While it might feel like the college may want you to answer a certain way, UChicago wants to understand your personality and background. Stay true to yourself and authentically convey who you are and the way you view the world.
• Don’t let the prompts discourage you from applying to the school : While the prompts set by the University of Chicago are definitely unusual and undoubtedly tricky, they are not impossible to answer. The school has set a standard for similarly quirky questions and hundreds of students still get in every year. So the minute you see these on the Common App, don’t be tempted to run away and remove UChicago from your school list. It’s a great school, and if you have a strong application to compete with other top students, don’t miss out on the chance just because the supplemental essays seem a little intimidating!

The UChicago supplemental essays 2021-2022 can add depth to your application and help admissions officers understand who you are and what you’re looking for from your college experience. The “why UChicago” prompt is your chance to convey how you would be a good fit at UChicago and vice versa. On the other hand, the essay question is a great component to capitalize on so that admissions officers understand your interests, creativity, and how you view the world. The task at hand might seem like a tough uphill battle, but it’s definitely not impossible. Good luck!

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16 Successful UChicago Essays

Updated for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle.

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The University of Chicago is a private research institution with a strong history and dedication to education quality, located in the lively, diverse city of Chicago. Founded in 1890, UChicago has long been a national leader in research, academic rigor, and cutting-edge technology. Known for its strong humanities and social science programs—particularly its economics department—the University of Chicago houses Nobel Prize-winning faculty and over 15,000 students from all walks of life. The school is also known for its deep commitment to social justice, and it has projects centered around economics and poverty, the environment, and global health. For students hoping to access a vibrant campus culture at an excellent Midwestern school, the University of Chicago is an incredible option.

Unique traditions at UChicago

1. Fundamentals: University of Chicago students, faculty and alumni perform a complex swing dance known as "Fundamentals" each year at the University's reunion weekend. 2. Rubbing the Russell: It’s believed that if you rub the staff of sculptor Henry Hering’s Russell on the Main Quad at the University of Chicago, you will get an A in your next class. 3. Scav-Hunt: The world-renowned Scavenger Hunt is a five day event hosted by the student organization organization, the Hysterical Society. Teams compete to complete tasks, photo challenges, and other odd tasks for the chance to win a trophy. 4. Kerplunk: Every year, the University of Chicago holds an unofficial competition called “Kerplunk,” in which teams compete to build an intricate, motorized sculpture and have it reach the top of the campus' tallest building. 5. Student Court: Each year, the University of Chicago holds a unique mock trial competition called the Student Court, in which students must put on a fully-staged trial in order to prove the innocence or guilt of one of the University's most famous alumni.

Programs at UChicago

1. Student Government: University of Chicago’s elected Student Government is a student-led organization that focuses on creating a more vibrant and passionate campus community. They host programming and advocate on behalf of students on a wide range of issues. 2. debate Team: The University of Chicago debate Team engages in preparation and research to compete with the highest levels of collegiate debate. It offers a unique space for students to both improve their debating skills and learn the importance of civic engagement. 3. Maroon Investment Group: This unique club provides University of Chicago students with the opportunity to develop their financial knowledge and to create and manage a real-world portfolio of local stocks and mutual funds. 4. Music Association: This student-run music association provides support for budding student musicians and creative expression. Through events, like jams and artist meetups, the Music Association provides a safe and collaborative space for students to explore various genres of music. 5. International House: Located near the main campus, the International House is a unique living space for students from all over the world to live together and develop a global perspective. The house also offers a range of educational, cultural and social activities that promote global understanding and cross-cultural exchange.

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Real Essays from UChicago Admits

Prompt: how does the university of chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to uchicago..

Reading about random things is fun. No seriously, have you ever tried it? Well, let me explain it to you! If a stranger could take a peek in my search history, they would find me dual-tasking subjects that have little to no connection, and leave with a puzzled look on their face. My after-midnight reading about the Collatz Conjecture is balanced with watching countless UChicago student videos filled with squirrels and hammocks. On other nights, they would see me looking through the New York Times, reading about the international disagreements of America, Russia, and China, all the while scrolling through the university’s vast, fascinating—and quite funny—meme Facebook page.

Because of my interest in exploring different topics, it has come to the pressing time where I need to make an important decision—which thematic track of global studies would I like to pursue at the University of Chicago? Law, Borders, and Security lets me dive into the complexities of borders, and how people immigrate to other countries to uncover new opportunities, as my Jamaican parents did. During high school, I conducted an independent study on misinformation and global politics. While researching, it led me to discover the ways these two things can create false perceptions concerning countries and migration. Reading the syllabus for Professor Solomon's course “Anthropology of Borders,” has made me excited to study the trends and practices of border crossings, and how the police and military play a role. However, the connections between different aspects of human life, from urbanism and environmentalism, compel me to consider the Health, Environment, and Urban Studies track. Getting lost in sustainable cities through my [Name Redacted] research, I learned about governance and the established policies for urban farming, while developing new solutions for food insecurity. Because of this, I wish to take Professor Schlutz’s course “Philosophies of Environmentalism and Sustainability,” allowing me to study the philosophical nature of land ethics, and the ways that humans have treated land.

Fueled by my night time Google searches, I’ve found myself intrigued with the stars up above and our genetic code. But there’s an easy fix for this, which also happens to be my favorite part of UChicago: the Core. My desire to take classes in these subjects is allowed by the various options within the interdisciplinary curriculum, and supported by the average class size of under twenty. I can apply all my searching and reading by being allowed to pick and choose what kind of classes I can take to fulfill the requirements. I can ultimately learn more about why stars shine so brightly and the development origins of cells. And, I can even ramble on and on about what I’ve learned to my future inquisitive and motivated UChicago classmates. Speaking of classmates, I have big plans to develop future friendships. Being able to spend time in one of many libraries—with my personal favorite being the automated Mansueto—we can study topics we’re deeply passionate about. At Hallowed Grounds, I can grab a snack and laugh with them over The Shady Dealer. And on Wednesdays, we can drink $1 milkshakes, while walking around the main Quad and talking about our lives.

UChicago allows me to keep up with my love for discussion and diplomacy through its Debate Society and Chicago Model United Nations. Providing accurate reporting is very important, so I aspire to get involved and become a positive influence in the UChicago journalism community. I wish to continue my journalistic writing I did throughout high school, by joining the university’s student newspaper, The Chicago Maroon, where I can report on campus, and cultural news. UChicago also fosters my interest in discovery and understanding, so I hope to conduct research in the Energy and Environment Lab. Here, I’m able to combine everything I did during my [Name Redacted] research, including when I studied the connection between food production and economics. I’m excited to work in this Lab where I can learn more about various aspects of city sustainability, including how to limit the impacts of air pollution and improve urban settings.

Ultimately, the university fulfills my desire to continue giving back, as many of my weekends are spent tutoring children in my city. The Neighborhood Schools Program allows me to keep my passion for mentoring by being able to help children around Hyde Park excel in various subjects. But, with everything that UChicago offers, it has left me with one final question: What impact do I wish to make? I have hopes of becoming knowledgeable about the laws that govern us in order to help people, but I also wish to pursue deeper research of global issues to benefit others. However, no matter where my future at UChicago takes me, I want to have a bit of fun by writing about it too.

Essay by Neverland

Political Science Major (Maybe Pre-Law we'll see lol) at the University of Chicago

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Someone with the same interests, stats, and background as you

University of Chicago Essay Prompts

• Why Us - Example 1
• Other - Example 2
• Dreamer - Example 3

Read our complete Application Guide for The University of Chicago

The University of Chicago requires two supplemental essays. One is a straightforward “Why Us” essay. The other is somewhat infamous, as UChicago asks strange questions for their second essay. The prompts are different every year and are submitted by current and former UChicago undergraduates.

These questions are difficult to answer. This is done on purpose, as the school is hoping applicants will self-select. If you are not the sort of person who enjoys thinking about and answering this prompt, you likely will not enjoy the overall experience at the school. Due to the nature of this prompt, it is difficult to give concrete advice about answering any specific question they ask. Instead, we will provide some examples of well-written answers and try to give general guidelines for answering these sorts of questions.

Why Us - Example

How does the University of Chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future? Please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to UChicago.* (250-500)

Multispection (seeing from many angles) was never my strong suit. Instead, my innate desire to solve problems as efficiently as possible often gave me tunnel vision. It wasn’t until disaster struck my street during Hurricane Harvey that I learned the value of analyzing a subject from all sides.

I used the three weeks trapped in my house to wade into the muddy waters of public policy. It was only by scouring a vast array of disparate sources that I was able to painstakingly piece together the concrete consequences of decades-old decisions. How can we learn from disasters like Harvey to develop sustainable crisis response methods that prioritize personal safety?

UChicago’s emphasis on engaging with a wide range of perspectives from various disciplines when tackling pressing social issues will enable me to answer such questions. As a Public Policy Studies major, I am eager to dive into the dialectical relationship between economic pursuits and moral responsibility. While classes like  Modern Political Thought and Liberalism: Origins and Challenges will fuel my curiosity about how political systems can advocate for social justice, courses like Urban Economics and Industrial Organization will ground my lofty ideals in concrete data.

Hyde Park is more than just a group of English Gothic buildings filled with endless classrooms. Organizations like the Chicago Journal of Public Policy and Environmental Research Group will allow me to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom in a real-world urban setting. Furthermore, while engaging with Lean on Me and Camp Kesem, I will have the opportunity to add a little sweetness to The Windy City. I can’t wait to immerse myself in UChicago’s vibrant atmosphere as I munch on signature deep-dish pizza, stifling a laugh as I watch Off Off Campus’ latest set.

Why Us - Analysis

This is a straightforward question, especially compared to the other UChicago asks. Many schools want to know why you want to attend there in particular, and UChicago is no different. They do consider demonstrated interest, and this essay is one of the best places to demonstrate that you have considered the merits of the school, and show how they align with your interests. 

The goal of the essay is not just to discuss why you like the school, but to explain why its offerings make it the best possible place for you to go to college. All top schools have impressive academic offerings, but this does not mean that they are the same in all ways. Focus on what a school offers that you can’t find elsewhere. 

In the example above, the author does a good job by discussing why UChicago’s philosophy of learning appeals to them, along with more concrete academic and community offerings. While this is not necessary, it does show admissions officers that you are serious about the school, and that you will fit in with the kind of learning community they want to create. UChicago cares greatly about students’ intellectual vitality, and that they care about learning and discovering for their own sake. Showing how these aspects of UChicago appeal to you in this essay demonstrates your own love of learning.

The author also does a good job specifically describing what aspects of life both inside and outside the classroom appeal to them. The specificity is key, as it is with every why us essay. By being this specific, the author shows that they cared enough about the school to properly research it, and discover which elements spoke to them.

The author includes some aspects in this essay which read like a why major essay. This is entirely acceptable, as UChicago does not ask this question. The key is to frame your answer as why you want to study this major at UChicago specifically. While this isn’t necessary, if you are certain about what you want to major in, it can be a useful inclusion. The key, regardless of what you discuss, is to show genuine passion for whatever you’re writing about.

Other - Example

Find x. –Inspired by Benjamin Nuzzo, an admitted student from Eton College, UK

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Have you found X? If so, read on.

An X is made of two lines, two different parts that intersect. I see myself the same way – my life is composed of two parts and defined by the intersection of those parts. The first part of me can be found in the laboratory, study hall, and office hours. She finds new opportunities to gain knowledge through learning from her mistakes. The other part is out dancing, attending yoga classes, and playing the clarinet wildly; she’s spontaneous and creative in her ability to explore new modes of expression.

The ability to learn from my mistakes defines one part of me; my time researching the neurodegenerative disease Friedreich Ataxia (FA) has taught me to value it. After my first experiment went awry—I should have taken extra steps against cross-contamination—I was terrified to admit my error to the team, but I never would have guessed that I was actually going through a rite of passage for every scientist. I was stunned when a senior researcher beat me to the punch at our weekly lab meetings, telling us that she made the same error and discussing the protocol she should have followed. The small moment changed my perspective; I began to see research not only as living up to expectations, but as discovering new and improved techniques. Ultimately, what made the difference was a paradigm shift: beginning research afraid of mistakes, I finished with the Zen acceptance that these mistakes were an opportunity to self-correct. Now, I’ve become transparent, overcoming the awkwardness of admitting my own mistakes and freely sharing my learning experiences with others.

My other side holds my ability to comfortably step out of my comfort zone and into new, unfamiliar areas. Growing up as a classically trained dancer in the Indian style of Kathak, I was used to the familiarity of the beats, bells, and bhols (a sound used to identify rhythms). When I moved to the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, I left my former dance guru behind and prepared a radical change by signing up for modern studio dance. Initially, I struggled with hip-hop – popping and locking didn’t really blend with my classical upbringing – but giggling at myself as I swung my arms and jumped with my friends helped me enjoy the new style. This made for the perfect end to my junior year, when I rallied my creative juices, choreographed my take on a Bollywood dance, and performed with my floormates for our school talent show. I spun to the beat, remembering my roots and exhibiting my Kathak-hip-hop rendition of Andy Grammer’s “Good to be Alive.” Since then, I’ve explored even more forms of dance, and come to appreciate that inexperience is just an opportunity to find new interests.

X is found by sharing. In the intersection between a mistake and its solution or a habit and a new experience, there’s a moment we decide to take the parts of ourselves we understand and incorporate something novel. It’s always a bit scary; whether I’m sharing with my lab group or performing in front of my class, growing is at least as demanding as it is fun. Over the last year, I’ve come to embrace that intersection of effort and recreation. I’m no longer the girl who hesitates. Novel situations no longer flood my body with nerves—rather, I’m excited to face new situations and embrace the unfamiliarity they bring, as epitomized by the intersection of the two lines of the X.

Other - Analysis

There are several ways to answer these questions. The first, and perhaps easiest, is to answer it in the style of other college essays. When you do this, you display multiple aspects of your personality and background to the school, let them know what you’ve experienced, and what you’ve learned from these experiences. With a bit of creativity, you can even reuse other essays you’ve had to write when assembling the UChicago essay, even if all of the framing will need to be done anew.

The other way to answer these questions is to lean into it. Give an answer to the question at hand, no matter how absurd, and in so doing demonstrate how you think logically and approach the problems ahead of you. This is more difficult, as many of these questions do not, at first appearance, have reasonable answers. Therein lies the challenge, and doing this well demonstrates your ability to think critically about difficult topics.

In the example above, the author opts for the first approach. They use the first paragraph to frame how they will answer the question, and they do so cleverly. By making the question reflexive, and then finding the “x” which represents them, they are able to both answer the question, and tell admissions officers more about who they are and what they’ve done.

The first branch of their X talks about an academic extracurricular, performing research in a lab. They show what they have learned from the experience, maturing enough to own their mistakes, and acquiring a new perspective on their purpose while pursuing research. The material used here would work well in another essay, and has merely been reformatted to answer a question they asked themselves.

The second branch of their X is about who they are outside of the classroom, and discusses how they transferred from traditional Indian dance, to stepping outside of their comfort zone and attempting new styles. In many ways, this resembles a community essay, and while the message has been changed to fit, they were likely able to reuse material between essays.

Finally, they tie the strings together, covering the convergence of both strands into the X which is them. This is a strong conclusion, and demonstrates their desire to continue learning and growing, expanding upon who and what they are. 

The point of this essay is to demonstrate how you think and approach a novel problem. The questions are esoteric on purpose; how else will they deliberately provoke the sorts of answers they wish to see? If you decide to take the more esoteric approach to answering the question, then know that your reasoning and logic matter far more than the answer you give. There is no right answer to a question such as this, which means that they are not looking for rightness in a response. Instead, admissions officers want to see how you think, and how you apply your thinking.

There are a variety of prompts each year, some more like this, others geared towards letting you discuss your own achievements more easily. When deciding which prompt to answer, and how to answer it, consider your strengths, and how to play to them. If you have fantastic achievements in extracurriculars you long to share, you can find a way to work those in. If your extracurriculars were worn out from the personal statement, and you long to write and reason for their own sakes, then consider answering the prompts in their own style, and respond as you have been asked. We’ll give an example of how to do that below.

Dreamer - Example

Spanish poet Antonio Machado wrote, Between living and dreaming there is a third thing. Guess it. Give us your guess.

Inspired by Jill Hampshire, AB 08

Between the living and dreaming is a world of ideas. These ideas come as we are falling asleep, or just beginning to wake, and often flee with the remnants of dreams. But this state of ideas between dreams and reality is where the truly fantastical ideas come from. It is where anything is possible and nothing is forbidden, this strange landscape of our minds is where we come up with our most incredible ideas. This place cannot be called a dream, for you aren’t asleep, but you are not completely awake either. Technically it could be called daydreaming, but this is not quite correct. In daydreams we purposefully change our situations in ways we know will never happen, but wish were true. In the world of ideas between dreams and wakefulness are ideas that seem impossible, and yet just within our reach, if we only stretched out a little further.

Ideas exist between dreams and life because they combine elements of both. Like dreams they can be incredibly unrealistic or even magical, but like life you have some control over what happens. In dreams you are nothing more than a passenger, along for the ride, hoping it ends well. Ideas, on the other hand, can be changed or rearranged or even destroyed outright, if they do not suit our purposes as they are. In real life there are many things we are unable to control, but with our ideas, in the world of our minds, every detail and aspect can be made perfect. Transferring ideas to reality is much harder, but is not always impossible. Often the hardest part is coming up with a good idea in the first place, but that is where dreams come in.

In life, it seems everything that can be invented already has, and all else else is physically impossible. In dreams, however, anything and everything is possible, and flying cars are real and present as lightbulbs. In ideas, we combine the possibilities presented in dreams with knowledge from life experience. Before we could fly, someone dreamt of flight, saw the mechanics of birds, and combined the two into an idea of powered flight. Obviously this idea was not practically applied when it was first conceived, but the idea was there, and ideas have power. In the place between dreams and life, the ideas of others act as seeds in fertile soil, and give fruit to new ideas. The more knowledge and dreams there are, the more ideas can be conceived, and from them even more ideas. Ideas combine the impossibility of dreams with the practicality of life to bring new things out into the world. If we only had dreams, then nothing would be accomplished, because dreams are often impractical to the point of impossibility. If we only had life, and did not dream, we would have no inventions, and no sense of wonder. Ideas are the meeting place of the two, where impossible dreams are made practical enough to be able to succeed in life. Between living and dreaming are ideas, and from ideas the world as we know it was born.

Dreamer - Analysis

This essay seems to tell us nothing about the author. We do not learn what activities they did, where they succeeded or failed, what their life is like; indeed, this essay goes against most advice you will see on how to write college essays.

Yet the essay still works, because you do learn about the author through reading it, and because of what UChicago is looking for in these essays. The author shows us how they think, how they form an argument, and how they reach conclusions. Most importantly, they show how they fit into the ethos of UChicago. Among other jokes, UChicago is known as one of the most theory-focused universities. They did not add an engineering department until 2011, and it still serves grad students primarily, with undergrads an afterthought.

Thus an essay glorifying theory regardless of practicality fits quite well into how UChicago sees itself, and shows that the author would fit into what they are trying to build. By showing their ability to form and argue an opinion on a very weird topic, the author shows their intellectual capabilities. UChicago cares deeply about having students who are able to express themselves clearly through writing; a large part of the core curriculum is devoted to ensuring this. Thus demonstrating your ability to think and argue, especially on an esoteric topic like their essays provide, goes a long way towards showing your fit for the school. While the essay tells us nothing about what the author has done, it does demonstrate some of who the author is, and how they think. A perfect essay would likely cover all three, but an essay of logic alone is enough here.

We should note that essays of this kind only work for UChicago. They ask weird questions in order to elicit weird and interesting responses, due to the kind of students they are trying to attract and admit. You should not write essays of this kind unless schools are clearly asking for them, and even then you do not have to. There is nothing wrong with writing a more standard college essay and making it fit the prompt. That said, if you want to write about something weird, and are capable of doing so at a high level, you can do so for these essays, so long as you demonstrate how you think.

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5 UChicago Supplemental Essay Examples

• essay topic
• college application essays

The University of Chicago is one of the most competitive U.S. universities known for its economics, statistics and mathematics undergraduate programs. But for college applicants, the school is probably best known for its out-of-the-box, creative supplemental essay prompts.

To apply to UChicago , students must submit an additional supplemental essay – what’s referred to as the Extended Essay. UChicago releases 5 new essay prompts inspired by their students every year, along with a set of past prompts applicants can choose from.

While students are encouraged to be creative, how creative can you (or should you) be? For those interested in applying to UChicago , here are a few examples of essays that worked:

Prompt from 2016-2017 season:

Vestigiality refers to genetically determined structures or attributes that have apparently lost most or all of their ancestral function, but have been retained during the process of evolution. In humans, for instance, the appendix is thought to be a vestigial structure. Describe something vestigial (real or imagined) and provide an explanation for its existence. —Inspired by Tiffany Kim, Class of 2020

University of Chicago ‘21

“People often ask me if I’m scared that I’ll go deaf in the other ear, too. The thought echos in my head sometimes, and it’s certainly an ear-y thought, but I’m not too worried. In some ways, losing a part of my hearing has made the world louder. Instead of focusing on what I lost, I began to appreciate what I always had. Every moment—whether it be the off-tune singing of my little brother in the shower, or the melodious chords from my ukulele—is something to note.”

Prompt from 2015-2016 season:

Joan of Arkansas. Queen Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Babe Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Mash up a historical figure with a new time period, environment, location, or occupation, and tell us their story. — Inspired by Drew Donaldson, Class of 2016

University of Chicago ‘20

“The ball flies to Scottie Pippen, he pulls up, but the shot bounces out. The crowd goes silent. But Rodman grabs the rebound, hooks it to Jordan who scores a three pointer. Everyone in the stadium goes wild, except one man: Napoléon Bonaparte.  “All according to plan” he whispers to himself.

Little does the public know, Napoleon instructed his stars to keep the game close. In reality his superstars could have won easily.  But he needs to attract national attention for the next part of his plan.  

As a child Napoleon obsessed over pop culture. He couldn’t believe the power celebrities held in society; people would trust them with their children, beliefs, and even their spending. After Reagan’s election, he strived to tap into this power. Napoleon would conquer America.”

Prompt from 2014-2015 season:

A neon installation by the artist Jeppe Hein in UChicago’s Charles M. Harper Center asks this question for us: “Why are you here and not somewhere else?” — Inspired by Erin Hart, Class of 2016.

University of Chicago ‘19

“I am here because I can’t be in two places at once. That’s definitely a law of physics or some kind of science I don’t know much about, but that’s the short answer to why I’m not somewhere else, or lots of other places. To know why I’m here, on Earth, in America, in California, in Berkeley, at my house sitting on my favorite worn leather couch, with light from three windows making it hard to see my laptop screen, is a longer story.”

In French, there is no difference between “conscience” and “consciousness”. [...] All of these require explanation in order to properly communicate their meaning, and are, to varying degrees, untranslatable. Choose a word, tell us what it means, and then explain why it cannot (or should not) be translated from its original language. — Inspired by Emily Driscoll, Class of 2018

“Raising the issue of translatable versus untranslatable words is futile; new words should enter a language because of a cultural need to express a specific idea, not just because they can be translated from other languages. Terminology is always a function of development: when a new concept – be it tangible or intangible – enters a society, the language evolves and adapts so that its speakers can discuss the new topic.”

What’s so odd about odd numbers? — Inspired by Mario Rosasco, Class of 2009.

“Why was Six Afraid of Seven?

In the beginning there was zero, and then there was One. Zero and One ruled the universe with undisputed power; together they formed the perfect union. Perfection diminished when One began to feel superior to Zero, and departed his company to rule alone. He quickly discovered the powers of addition, and created Two. Two was to be his new companion, to help oppress the rest of the numerical universe. One began training Two in the dark magic he had discovered. However, Two found One to be a little unhinged, and he sensed a certain instability.”

———-

Interested in reading these students full personal statements, and their creative responses to UChicago’s supplemental essay? Unlock all of them in one go with  our curated package ! 

Our  premium plans  offer different level of profile access and data insights that can help you get into your dream school. Unlock any of our  packages  or search our  undergraduate profile database  to find specific profiles that can help you make an informed choice about where to apply! 

About The Author

Frances was born in Hong Kong and received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She loves super sad drama television, cooking, and reading. Her favorite person on Earth isn’t actually a member of the AdmitSee team - it’s her dog Cooper.

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Sample Essay: University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is famous for quirky and complex essay prompts. UChicago also places a relatively high weight on the essays when making admissions decisions. Submitting outstanding essays to UChicago can help you recover from a few poor grades, or even a slightly lower SAT/ACT score. UChicago always allows its applicants to submit their own essay prompt and corresponding essay, which is a particularly attractive option if you’re relatively creative. Because UChicago is one of the most popular schools amongst our students, and because we have generated so many acceptances to the school, we have decided to release one of our accepted essays to the University of Chicago to aid in helping you think about how to craft your essay. This student chose to submit a unique prompt, and specific details in the essay have been changed to preserve anonymity:

Prompt (Self-Written): Is there any value to popular culture? Or should society attempt to better itself with more refined art forms?”

Popular culture encompasses an expansive spread of art forms ranging from popular sitcoms to “gangsta rap.” And as with broader society, in cultural spheres such as film and literature there exists an amorphous “elite”- primarily academics and critics in each field and their sycophants. This elite’s response to each movie’s release is predictable: Transformers 2’s stellar 19% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes does not surprise anyone who understands film critics, who decry the “mindlessness” of big budget films while praising “smart” and complex independent films that have vibrant symbolism and social commentary. In short, they’d rather you watch Little Miss Sunshine than waste your time on Transformers 6, Iron Man 2, or the latest R-rated comedy featuring Will Ferrell. Such criticism misses two essential points, at least in my personal relationship with culture. The first is that when I watch a film, I am actually seeking precisely the banal and idiotic entertainment provided by big budget Hollywood film that they so vehemently disparage. I admit there are times when I can appreciate vibrant social commentary or hidden symbolism layered into a movie. But mostly, I just want to relax and be entertained for two and a half hours as I enjoy hackneyed humor. Those who religiously eschew mainstream films deny themselves the joy of one’s visceral reactions to the exploding buildings and slapstick comedy of big budget blockbusters.

Even more important is the social bond that emanates from shared cultural experiences.  I recognized this seemingly tenuous link when I visited my family in Chiang Rai, Thailand last September. As huge fans of Thai dramas, my cousin and I decided to binge-watch a romantic comedy called Thara Himalaya, the story of a common villager who fell in love with a wealthy heir. After we finished the drama, I fell into the very trap that I caution against in this essay. Upon Googling Thara Himalaya, I was stunned to discover that a formulaic drama with (what I considered) terrible acting had become one of the highest rated dramas in Thai television history. When I asked my cousin about this seemingly paradoxical outcome, she had a simple explanation: “These types of dramas are so popular because there are a lot of rural and poor women who dream of that kind of ‘happily ever after’.” As I pondered the implications of her statement, the full weight became apparent. Thai women, especially rural ones, live a difficult life. And these sappy dramas release them from these stressors, if only temporarily. They serve the same purpose for me. Even though I may never find out exactly what the lives of these women are like, the fact that we both enjoy the same dramas allows us to bridge the gap between our disparate circumstances.

The same is true in the United States. In recent years, the gulf between college educated Americans and the rest of society has widened. While part of this divergence is driven by economics, there is a cultural gap as well, which drives misunderstandings and exacerbates conflict. How can one expect to understand the mindset of the proverbial “other half” if there are no shared experiences to draw upon? Therein lies the value of embracing the mainstream; when I share experiences with the average American, I am more likely to understand his or her mindset, dreams, and desires. The resultant social cohesiveness is extremely valuable – a characteristic lost when elites isolate themselves in the embrace of haute culture.

The broader implications of this epiphany did not truly become apparent until I returned to the US, when I ate dinner at my mother’s friend’s house. After dinner, I was forced to spend time with her kids, whom I had never met before, and came from completely different circumstances. Initially, we sat around in awkward silence. After a few minutes of painful small talk, almost by chance, we began to discuss the Seattle Sounders, and their prospects for the upcoming season. We had finally found some common ground. For the next four hours, we discussed sports of every variety, from the NBA to the Cricket World Cup. The initial awkwardness had completely vanquished, and we found that we enjoyed each other’s company. The connection between that evening and the value of the mainstream was elucidated later that night, when I reflected on similar experiences that I had had in the past. Whenever I’m at a party or social gathering where I meet new people, the way that I connect with others is by talking about popular sports, movies, or TV shows. Many of my peers decry the perceived sexism or Darwinism in sport. And indeed several of my closest friends scoff at the four major American athletic pastimes. Yet knowing about sports (a cornerstone of American culture) has often come in handy during new and unfamiliar situations – it is my tool for connecting with new people. In fact, one of my best friends in the whole world is from a completely different social, economic, and racial background. When we met five years ago at camp, we bonded over our love of basketball. For me, embracing the mainstream allows me to empathize with and engage with people from completely different social circumstances. Were we to apply this principle to broader society, rather than pursuing the intellectual for its own sake, some of the adverse effects socioeconomic divergence might be halted, and perhaps even reversed. So yes, there is much value to popular culture.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, looking for uchicago supplemental essay examples.

Hello all! I'm applying to UChicago and was hoping to find some successful examples of their supplemental essays. Do you know where I can find some or did you come across any useful strategies while writing yours? Appreciate any help!

Hello! It's a great idea to look at examples to get a better understanding of what UChicago might be looking for in their supplemental essays. You're in luck because UChicago is known for its unique and creative essay prompts, which can make for some exciting examples!

Firstly, I recommend checking out the UChicago Admissions website itself. They often feature past years' successful essays from admitted students. This is a valuable resource that shows exactly what UChicago appreciated in those essays. You can find some examples here: https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/apply/uchicago-supplemental-essay-questions

Another great source for sample essays is CollegeVine, whose guides cover a variety of schools, including UChicago. You can check out this link for guidance on writing UChicago supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-uchicago-essays-2023-2024

For actual example essays from real students, take a look at this article: https://blog.collegevine.com/uchicago-essay-example

Remember, these essays are an opportunity to demonstrate your creativity, critical thinking, and passion for learning. A unique and well-executed response will make a memorable impression on the admissions committee. Good luck!

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• Six UChicago scholars elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2024

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‘are we doomed’ class debates end of the world—and finds reason for hope, an uncommon approach yields creative college essays.

Earlier this summer, prospective students around the globe with an interest in the University of Chicago received an email with six unusual essay topics . The writing prompts included references to Oscar Wilde, the Transformer action movies, Susan Sontag, AB’51, and physicist Werner Heisenberg. And this little gem: “So where is Waldo, really?”

The annual release of UChicago’s essay prompts has become an eagerly awaited event — an imaginative exercise that often inspires even more imaginative responses. For many students and alumni, the essay questions help define the College’s wit and sense of intellectual adventure. It’s also a communal undertaking, with the majority of topics coming from current or past College students.

“We want the students to write about things that don’t show up in a workshop on writing college essays,” said Grace Chapin, senior admissions counselor.

In famous past essay questions, students have been invited to write how they feel about Wednesday, to find the meaning in the super-sized mustard at Costco, or to invent the history of an object. One essay question was simply, “Find x.” Another asked, “How did you get caught?”

Funny, poignant, thought-provoking and deadly serious essays pour in every fall and winter. Laura Castelnuovo, a second-year from New York City, chose the essay question: “Everyone knows there are two types of people in the world. What are they?” Her answer began like this:

For centuries, one thing has divided the human population like no other: the tomato. No, I don't mean the never-used alternate pronunciation or even the settled debate of fruit vs. vegetable, I mean that in my experiences I have encountered only two types of people: those who love tomatoes and those who hate them. These Newtonian-ly equal and opposing groups can be found at salad bars and dinner tables worldwide, taking their stance. Because when that fruit is sliced, battle lines are drawn.

The essay prompts are chosen from suggestions from current students and recent alumni. More than a thousand people sent in essay questions this year. Andy Jordan, a fourth-year in economics from Doylestown, Penn., has submitted a few questions for consideration since he applied to the College. “I enjoyed writing the essay when I applied in 2008,” Jordan said. “I answered the question with an entire essay of questions.”

His prompt, “Don’t write about reverse psychology,” appeared on the list for the Class of 2016. While this didn’t earn him a free T-shirt or cash prize, he said his friends were impressed.

“A good set of essay questions will give every student a chance to let their voice shine through,” Chapin said. They supplement the Common Application essay, which usually has a broad prompt like “evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.”

Prospective students are also asked to write an essay explaining why they want to come to UChicago, and to explain some of their favorite books or media. Add those to the “uncommon” essay question and the essay for the Common Application, and each applicant writes a total of four essays.

“We learn a lot by reading these essays,” Chapin said. “You can’t write it the day before it’s due, so we see extremely high-quality writing from the applicants.” The admissions officers read tens of thousands of essays between November and March, seeing the unique personality of each student between the generalities on the Common Application and the thoughtful and often funny essays from the supplement.  

Having found a fitting way to tackle the essays soon becomes a source of pride for the students. Hundreds of admitted students have posted their essays to the UChicago Class of 2016 group on Facebook, where they are met with encouragement and delight from fellow students. “It’s always a conversation topic during Orientation Week,” Chapin said. The shared experience lets people who have just met discuss something besides their hometown and course of study.

The tradition behind the unique essay questions is at least 30 years old. A question from 1984 invited the students to imagine themselves as astronauts on Mars, and asked them whether they would prefer to be teleported, molecule by molecule, back to earth, or to be the person running the teleporting machine.

The College Admissions office usually sees a flood of questions about the essays from applying students as their deadlines approach. This year, the officers created an instant meme for their Tumblr page with some simple advice: “Keep Calm and Study On.”

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