Over 39,000 students from around the world applied for a place in the UGA Class of 2025. Early indicators suggest that the Class of 2026 applicant pool will be even larger. In fact, the EA round in the 2021-22 cycle broke the previous year’s all-time high mark. This means that the UGA supplemental essay may be even more important in 2022-23 than in previous years.

Last year, the average incoming freshmen took 10 AP, IB, or dual enrollment courses in high school. The average student also earned a weighted GPA above a 4.0. Among those enrolled freshmen who submitted test scores with their application, the average SAT was a 1391. The purpose of this information isn’t to engender fear in the hearts of Bulldog hopefuls; rather, we want to make sure that you take the task of presenting yourself in the best possible light very seriously.

 (Want to learn more about How to Get Into the University of Georgia? Visit our blog entitled: How to Get Into the University of Georgia: Admissions Data and Strategies for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

Although it only has one general essay prompt, UGA’s supplemental section still affords applicants an opportunity to illustrate what makes them uniquely qualified for admission. Below is the University of Georgia’s supplemental prompt for the 2021-22 admissions cycle along with our advice for composing an effective essay.

2022-2023 University of Georgia Essay Question

The college admissions process can create anxiety. In an attempt to make it less stressful, please tell us an interesting or amusing story about yourself from your high school years that you have not already shared in your application (200-300 words)

This isn’t your average supplemental essay so make sure you don’t produce an average response. The “tell us a story” nature of this prompt can truly be a chance to have fun, open up, be willing to laugh at yourself, and make a strong impression on a UGA admissions officer. Since you won’t have a chance to interview at this large flagship school, this essay (as well as the main Common App essay) is one of the best chances you’ll have to forge a personal connection with a member of the admissions committee.

Of course, the words “interesting” and “amusing” are hardly restrictive at all. Those two words are (in this case) wonderfully broad. They allow you to essentially share ANY compelling story that has not been communicated elsewhere in your application.

Big-picture thoughts on the “amusing story” essay

With a 300-word limit, you have a substantial amount of real estate to play around with here. There is enough space in which to tell a fairly substantial and detailed story. Still, in all likelihood, getting this one precisely right will involve a round or two of revision, ideally with some insight and feedback from a trusted adult or peer in the process. Some tips to keep in mind include:

  • Don’t feel boxed into one particular structure for this essay. You could tell a story in multiple acts or present a slice-of-life vignette that took place in a single afternoon.
  • Making the admissions officer laugh gets bonus points. Of course, it’s better to err on the side of family-friendly, non-offensive humor.
  • To continue the thought from the previous section, you don’t need to be a hero in the story, just an ordinary human trying their best to learn how to navigate a challenging world.
  • You can use this opportunity to reveal something deep and meaningful about your personality/character.
  • Make sure the content of this essay doesn’t overlap with your Common App essay. Always remember that an actual human being is going to be reading both documents; they don’t want to read two similar accounts of the same event.

How important is the UGA supplemental essay?

The essays (both the Common App essay and the supplemental one) are “considered” by the UGA admissions committee. This places them the same tier of importance as recommendations, extracurricular activities, talent/ability, character/personal qualities, first-generation status, volunteer work, and work experience.

At UGA, three factors are “most important” in the admissions process. Those are: rigor of your coursework, GPA, and standardized test scores. However, application components like the supplemental essay can serve as a critical tie-breaker between similarly-credentialed applicants.

Want Personalized Essay Assistance with your UGA Supplemental Essay?

If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your UGA supplemental essay, we encourage you to get a quote today.