ApplyWithUs℠ Other Apps
Gateway to Prep Schools® St Paul's School CMP Universal College Application®
Sign In Sign Up
Applicant Evaluator / Recommender Advisor

Essay Instructions

First Year Essay Instructions

Many UCA colleges require or accept the UCA Essay or Personal Statement. The college may also ask additional essays as part of their college-specific supplement. Use the information below to prepare your responses in advance.

Essay Prompts

Personal Statement

650 or fewer words
First-Year Admissions Application
Please write an essay that demonstrates your ability to develop and communicate your thoughts. Some ideas include: a person you admire; a life-changing experience; or your viewpoint on a particular current event.

Activity Description

100-150 words
First-Year Admissions Application
Tell us about one of your extracurricular, volunteer, or employment activities.

College Specific Essays

College Supplement
In addition to the topics above, a college may also require additional essays in the Supplements section of the application. To learn more about a specific college's requirements, visit their UCA page. See the complete list of colleges on the UCA Colleges page.

Transfer Essay Instructions

Many UCA colleges require or accept the UCA Essay or Personal Statement. The college may also ask additional essays as part of their college-specific supplement. Use the information below to prepare your responses in advance.

Essay Prompts

Personal Statement

650 or fewer words
Transfer Admissions Application
Please write an essay that demonstrates your ability to develop and communicate your thoughts. Some ideas include: why you are transferring; what you have learned about yourself at your current institution; or a description of an experience at your current institution that has changed your viewpoint.

Activity Description

100-150 words
Transfer Admissions Application
Tell us about one of your extracurricular, volunteer, or employment activities.

College Specific Essays

College Supplement
In addition to the topics above, a college may also require additional essays in the Supplements section of the application. To learn more about a specific college's requirements, visit their UCA page. See the complete list of colleges on the UCA Colleges page.

Essay Writing Tips

1

Brainstorm

Starting your essay is the hardest part. Before you write a single word, take some time to brainstorm about the topic. Try to identify relatable traits and strengths you wish to present in your essay.
2

Write a first draft

Your first draft isn't meant to be perfect; it is where you start structuring your response and getting your thoughts on paper. Be sure to write your essay ahead of time in a text editor so you have ample time to edit and make changes. It is not recommended that you type your first draft directly into the text box within the application.
3

Show the reader who you are

Your essay is your chance to show the college your strengths, traits, and creativity. The reader should understand who you are after reading your essay.
4

Get feedback from others

Have others read your essays and get feedback. It is often helpful to have freinds, family members, and teachers read your essay so that you can get multiple perspectives.
5

Proofread and make corrections

Before submitting your essay, use the feedback from others to proofread and put the finishing touches on your essay. Be sure there are no grammatical or spelling errors.

Submission Instructions

There are two ways to submit your Personal Statement:

1. Enter in Text Box

Copy your essay into the text box provided in the applicaton. Be sure that you adhere to the specified word and character limits.

2. Upload a PDF

If you choose to upload your Personal Statement response, make sure your file is in PDF format and no greater than 1 MB in size. For assistance in creating a pdf file, please visit the Support Site. You should also indicate in the text box that you have opted to upload your response.