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University of Florida's 2022-23 Essay Prompts
Additional info short response.
Is there any additional information or extenuating circumstances the Admissions Committee should know when reviewing your application?
Community Service Short Response
Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity.
Family Obligations Short Response
Do you have any employment or family obligations that limit your participation in extracurricular activities? If so, please describe.
College Prep Programs Short Response
Have you participated in or been assisted in your college preparation and search by programs outside of classroom, such as Educational Talent Search, Take Stock in Children, Upward Bound, Boys and Girls Club, etc.? If so, please provide the name of the program, details/benefits of your involvement, and how long your experiences continued.
Honors Program Short Response
Why is applying for the UF Honors Program important to you? Which aspects of the program‘s three pillars of opportunity, community, and challenge pique your interests? How would you engage with the program to exemplify these pillars yourself? How does the program factor into your long-term goals?
Please use a maximum of 400 words in your essay for full consideration
What will first-time readers think of your college essay?
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Admissions decisions for the FHP are determined by the UF Office of Admissions. Questions about University admissions or Honors admissions should be directed to the Office of Admissions .
The University Research Scholars Program (URSP) is coordinated by the Center for Undergraduate Research , and questions about this program should be directed to their office.
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College Essays
Are you applying to the University of Florida? You'll need to answer some essay prompts as part of your application. Read this guide to learn what the University of Florida essay prompts are, what admissions officers are looking for in your response, what you should include and avoid in your answers, and what strong UF college essay examples look like.
What Are the University of Florida Essays?
The University of Florida accepts both the Common Application and the Coalition Application, and applicants must answer one of the Common Application prompts.
As part of your application, you'll also need to answer an additional UF-specific essay prompt, and you'll have the option of answering three additional essay prompts. Your answer to each prompt can be up to 250 words. Here's the prompt:
- Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity
We'll go over how to best answer this supplement question in the next section.
The UF Essay Prompt, Analyzed
In this section, we explain what the prompt is asking for, why UF is interested in this information, what information you should include (and what information to avoid), and what a strong example answer could look like.
Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity.
What the prompt is asking for: A description of the one extracurricular you feel is most important to you.
Why UF is interested: Students who are dedicated to something show they are passionate, interested in learning, and have a strong work ethic. These are all characteristics colleges want their students to have, so having something you're committed to is a major boost to your application. Seeing what you choose also gives UF a better sense of who you are and what you value.
Potential topics to discuss: What the extracurricular, is how long you've involved with it, how much time per week/month/etc. you dedicate to it, what activities your involvement includes, why you consider it meaningful.
Topics to avoid: Listing multiple activities or simply describing the extracurricular without explaining why it's important to you.
Example: "The extracurricular most important to me is my involvement in my high school's Model UN team . I've been involved for four years, since I was a freshman. We meet once a week during the school year to prepare for the four conferences we participate in each year. As a Model UN member, I research different political events and international relations topics, then debate the issues with other team members to build my skills in those areas. Model UN is so important to me because, not only did it solidify my choice to major in International Relations, it strengthened me personally. As a result of my participation, I've improved my debate skills, become a more confident public speaker, and have much more experience finding a compromise even between very different groups."
Tips for the UF Essay Prompt
Follow these three tips when completing the University of Florida supplement essays to make sure your answers are as strong as possible.
#1: Keep Your Answers Concise
You only have 250 words per prompt. That isn't that much! This means your responses need to be brief and to the point if you're trying to fit a lot of information in. You likely have a lot of reasons why a particular extracurricular is the most important to you.
#2: Show Your Strengths
Even though the prompt is short, it’s still an opportunity for you to impress the admissions committee. You can dive into how you've been involved in your extracurricular, as well as any leadership roles you may have had. Try to include themes you've mentioned in other parts of your application , such as your longer essay. For example, if you mentioned that your dream is to be a doctor, try to highlight experiences that reflect that, such as volunteering at a hospital.
#3: Be Honest and Passionate
Sometimes students think they need to tell a story that the admissions committee wants to hear...so they make things up. Do not lie in your college essay—admissions counselors are great at sniffing out fibs!
Instead, lean into the passions and experiences that make you unique . For instance, maybe you made a quilt and entered it in the fair. That's awesome! Just make sure you're explaining why it's meaningful for you! Maybe your grandmother taught you how to quilt and you worked on it together, which taught you the importance passing knowledge down from one generation to the next.
Summary: UF College Essay Examples
There is one main University of Florida essay, and it'll be the Coalition or Common Application (depending on which application you use) prompt of your choice. But there are also additional UF essay prompts to answer. These shorter prompts are a way for the UF admissions committee to learn more about you and have the most accurate look at your application.
Here is where you can discuss extracurricular activities, anything that prevented you from participating in extracurriculars, certain programs you took part in, and anything else you think is important for the people reviewing your application to know. As you answer these UF essay prompts, remember to keep your responses short, don't feel pressured to answer every prompt, and highlight your strengths.
What's Next?
Considering the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship? Our guide to Bright Futures Scholarship programs answers all the questions you're wondering about.
Want to bring up your GPA? Read about four ways to bring up your high school grades fast .
Interested in community service ideas? Check out our guide to 129 great community service projects .
Want to write the perfect college application essay? Get professional help from PrepScholar.
Your dedicated PrepScholar Admissions counselor will craft your perfect college essay, from the ground up. We'll learn your background and interests, brainstorm essay topics, and walk you through the essay drafting process, step-by-step. At the end, you'll have a unique essay that you'll proudly submit to your top choice colleges.
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- How to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples
How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples
Published on February 4, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on September 14, 2022.
A good introduction paragraph is an essential part of any academic essay . It sets up your argument and tells the reader what to expect.
The main goals of an introduction are to:
- Catch your reader’s attention.
- Give background on your topic.
- Present your thesis statement —the central point of your essay.
This introduction example is taken from our interactive essay example on the history of Braille.
The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.
Table of contents
Step 1: hook your reader, step 2: give background information, step 3: present your thesis statement, step 4: map your essay’s structure, step 5: check and revise, more examples of essay introductions, frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.
Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an effective hook.
Avoid long, dense sentences—start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.
The hook should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of the topic you’re writing about and why it’s interesting. Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.
Examples: Writing a good hook
Take a look at these examples of weak hooks and learn how to improve them.
- Braille was an extremely important invention.
- The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.
The first sentence is a dry fact; the second sentence is more interesting, making a bold claim about exactly why the topic is important.
- The internet is defined as “a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities.”
- The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education.
Avoid using a dictionary definition as your hook, especially if it’s an obvious term that everyone knows. The improved example here is still broad, but it gives us a much clearer sense of what the essay will be about.
- Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a famous book from the nineteenth century.
- Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement.
Instead of just stating a fact that the reader already knows, the improved hook here tells us about the mainstream interpretation of the book, implying that this essay will offer a different interpretation.
Next, give your reader the context they need to understand your topic and argument. Depending on the subject of your essay, this might include:
- Historical, geographical, or social context
- An outline of the debate you’re addressing
- A summary of relevant theories or research about the topic
- Definitions of key terms
The information here should be broad but clearly focused and relevant to your argument. Don’t give too much detail—you can mention points that you will return to later, but save your evidence and interpretation for the main body of the essay.
How much space you need for background depends on your topic and the scope of your essay. In our Braille example, we take a few sentences to introduce the topic and sketch the social context that the essay will address:
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Now it’s time to narrow your focus and show exactly what you want to say about the topic. This is your thesis statement —a sentence or two that sums up your overall argument.
This is the most important part of your introduction. A good thesis isn’t just a statement of fact, but a claim that requires evidence and explanation.
The goal is to clearly convey your own position in a debate or your central point about a topic.
Particularly in longer essays, it’s helpful to end the introduction by signposting what will be covered in each part. Keep it concise and give your reader a clear sense of the direction your argument will take.
As you research and write, your argument might change focus or direction as you learn more.
For this reason, it’s often a good idea to wait until later in the writing process before you write the introduction paragraph—it can even be the very last thing you write.
When you’ve finished writing the essay body and conclusion , you should return to the introduction and check that it matches the content of the essay.
It’s especially important to make sure your thesis statement accurately represents what you do in the essay. If your argument has gone in a different direction than planned, tweak your thesis statement to match what you actually say.
You can use the checklist below to make sure your introduction does everything it’s supposed to.
Checklist: Essay introduction
My first sentence is engaging and relevant.
I have introduced the topic with necessary background information.
I have defined any important terms.
My thesis statement clearly presents my main point or argument.
Everything in the introduction is relevant to the main body of the essay.
You have a strong introduction - now make sure the rest of your essay is just as good.
- Argumentative
- Literary analysis
This introduction to an argumentative essay sets up the debate about the internet and education, and then clearly states the position the essay will argue for.
The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.
This introduction to a short expository essay leads into the topic (the invention of the printing press) and states the main point the essay will explain (the effect of this invention on European society).
In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.
This introduction to a literary analysis essay , about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein , starts by describing a simplistic popular view of the story, and then states how the author will give a more complex analysis of the text’s literary devices.
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale. Arguably the first science fiction novel, its plot can be read as a warning about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, and in popular culture representations of the character as a “mad scientist”, Victor Frankenstein represents the callous, arrogant ambition of modern science. However, far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to gradually transform our impression of Frankenstein, portraying him in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.
Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:
- An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
- Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
- A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.
The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .
The “hook” is the first sentence of your essay introduction . It should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of why it’s interesting.
To write a good hook, avoid overly broad statements or long, dense sentences. Try to start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.
A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.
The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:
- It gives your writing direction and focus.
- It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.
Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.
The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.
The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.
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Albert Dorman Honors College
Tips for Writing an Honors College Essay
Writing an Honors College Essay (Max. 400 words)
A college essay is a chance for you to tell us what all your records cannot: who you really are, how you think, and how well you write. It is not an invitation to tell a story, write a novel, or write about other people's experiences. The main point of your essay is to tell us what you have to offer and how you will take advantage of what we have to offer .
- Write an essay that addresses the topic specified on the application form. A general essay about yourself or an experience you had is not acceptable.
- Do not write your essay as if it were a novel. "The baby cried until it had to be comforted by its mother;" "I could not believe as I walked into my first class that this was the beginning of my engineering career." These tell us nothing about yourself. Regardless of what you may have been told in school, write a straightforward descriptive essay that directly addresses the question asked.
- Avoid clichéd, generic, and predictable writing, such as "I want to help people." This is particularly applicable to essays for accelerated program candidates.
- Do not quote our own description of our program. We know what we have to offer; we are interested in knowing what you have to offer and how you will use what we offer . Tell us about your interests and why the Albert Dorman Honors College is the right place for you.
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University of Florida (UF) Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022
Not sure how to approach the University of Florida supplemental essays? CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the University of Florida supplemental essays will show you exactly how to write engaging UF supplemental essays and maximize your chances of admission. If you need help responding to the UF essay topics, create your free account or schedule a free advising assessment by calling (844) 343-6272.
University of Florida Essay Guide Quick Facts:
- UF has an acceptance rate of 31.0%— U.S. News ranks the University of Florida as a highly selective school.
- There is one school-specific UF supplemental essay required for all applicants. If you are planning to apply to the UF Honors Program, you will complete an additional two UF essays. This means applicants to the UF Honors Program will complete a total of three UF supplemental essays.
Does the University of Florida have supplemental essays?
Yes. Whether you apply through the Common App or Coalition App , you will respond to at least one UF essay prompt. Your UF admissions essay lets the admissions team learn more about you as they review your application.
Any freshman applying through the Common App or Coalition App also can apply to FHP, the University of Florida’s First-Year Honors Program. In addition to the required UF admissions essay, students applying to FHP must complete two additional UF supplemental essays.
While some schools handle honors admissions separately, UF includes all application materials for FHP in the standard UF application. This includes every UF admissions essay. Students completing the UF supplemental essays for the Honors Program, therefore, will submit all three UF essays through the Common or Coalition App. This means that you must complete the UF essays for the Honors Program before you submit your final application.
Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get great tips from our Common App essay guide .
How many supplemental essays does the University of Florida have?
There are three total University of Florida supplemental essays included on the 2021-2022 application.
The University of Florida has one UF essay prompt every student is required to complete. Additionally, if you choose to apply to their Honors Program, you must write another two UF supplemental essays. The first required UF essay prompt asks about your extracurricular engagements. In contrast, the UF essay topics for the Honors Program ask about your interest in the program and your academic priorities.
How do I write the University of Florida supplemental essays?
Here are some helpful tips to help you get started on the University of Florida supplemental essays!
To begin, the University of Florida supplemental essays give you an opportunity to showcase what motivates you, which academic topics interest you, and how you engage with the world around you. Therefore, think of the UF supplemental essays as your chance to introduce yourself to the admissions team on your own terms.
As you brainstorm the UF essay topics, remember your audience. Admissions officers read thousands of UF supplemental essays. Ultimately, if you are vague, superficial, or misleading, your UF essays won't help the UF admissions team understand who you are. To maximize your UF supplemental essays’ impact, you'll want to be as specific, genuine, and authentic as possible.
If you’re having trouble finding topics for your UF essays, don’t worry! We will discuss each UF essay prompt individually below. But first, here are some more technical tips to keep in mind when writing your University of Florida supplemental essays.
Overall, the most important thing your University of Florida supplemental essays should do is answer the UF essay prompt. Even if you write a perfect UF admissions essay, it has failed to serve its main purpose if it doesn't answer every aspect of the prompt.
Each of the University of Florida supplemental essays has a maximum word limit. In each essay, make sure to stick to the word limit and use your space wisely. For example, if you find yourself quoting someone famous or writing about a friends’ experiences, ask yourself how it relates back to you. In fact, the more “you” that you include in your UF admissions essay, the better!
The admissions team reads countless UF essays every year. This makes it particularly important that your UF admissions essay is as clear and polished as possible. Essentially, the more straightforward and refined your writing is, the more easily your ideas and personality will shine through! For this reason, you’ll want to be sure to give yourself enough time to draft, revise, and proofread your University of Florida supplemental essays.
Below, we have provided the 2021-2022 UF admissions essay prompts. Along with the prompts, you’ll find a breakdown of how to approach each UF admissions essay. As a bonus, we included both the general UF essay prompt and the Honors Program prompts. Additionally, we’ll also discuss tips for narrowing down your UF essay topics. If you follow these tips, you'll write University of Florida supplemental essays that will help you stand out in admissions.
University of Florida Supplemental Essays – Question 1 (Required)
Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity (250 words or less).
To start, this UF essay prompt asks you to choose your single “most meaningful commitment.” Even if multiple experiences pop into your head, you must narrow your UF essay topic down to just one commitment. The best University of Florida supplemental essays will use one commitment to reveal fundamental aspects of an applicant's identity.
If you need help choosing your UF essay topics, try making a list using UF's suggested categories. These include: Extracurricular, Work, Volunteering, Academic Activity, Family Responsibility, Other. While writing, remember that this list can include a sport you’ve played, a job you’ve held, or even a responsibility toward a sibling. Once you’ve completed your list, circle three to five topics that engage you most. Do a five-minute free-write for each. If there’s a topic you can’t stop writing about, there’s a good chance that might be your most meaningful commitment!
Once you’ve selected your essay topic, you can consider the rest of the UF essay prompt. This first UF essay prompt is quite open-ended, which gives you plenty of opportunities to showcase your identity. While “Please provide more details” isn’t very specific, remember that your UF admissions essay is an opportunity for the admissions team to get to know you. As you write, make sure to always connect your topic back to who you are.
Struggling to answer this UF essay prompt? Here are some questions to guide your response:
What did I do? Be specific. If your topic is a sport, like basketball, discuss details of playing basketball that your reader might not know. For instance, you might describe waking up at 6 am for practice, practicing drills and collaborating with teammates, or performing under the pressure of a crowd.
Why did I do it? What was the motivation behind your commitment? Let's continue with the basketball example. Is basketball something you and your little brother grew up playing together? Does playing a sport help with your anxiety? Were you inspired by a certain professional athlete? Including the reason why you pursue the activity will strengthen your response to this UF essay prompt.
What did I take away from this commitment? Learning happens in all places. While this UF admissions essay asks you to describe an activity outside the classroom, asking “what did I learn?” will help take your response to this UF essay prompt from a summary into a story. Maybe you discovered a new passion, a new skill, or a new way of problem-solving. Maybe your commitment to basketball translated into commitment in your classes? Or maybe the teamwork you cultivated in practice changed the way you helped your family at home?
As you expand upon your UF essay topics, think about how your commitment shaped who you are. This will give you a compelling ending to your UF admissions essay.
UF Supplemental Essay Draft Key Questions:
- Does my UF admissions essay reference one (not two, or three) commitment outside of my classes?
- Does my essay show why this is important to me?
- Do I show how I engaged in this activity?
- Does my essay reflect what I gained from this experience?
University of Florida Honors Program Supplemental Essays – Question 1 (Required)
Why is applying for the UF Honors Program important to you? Which aspects of the program’s three pillars of opportunity, community, and challenge pique your interests? How would you engage with the program to exemplify these pillars yourself? How does the program factor into your long-term goals? Please be specific (400 words or less).
The first step in tackling this UF essay prompt is to read about the UF Honors Program’s 3 Pillars of Value . As you think about your UF essay topics, ask yourself what about these pillars draws you to the program. Why are these ideals crucial to your college experience?
If you're struggling to find specific details to discuss in your UF essays, think about your current situation. What are you missing in your high school academic career that you want to experience in college? If your classes aren’t challenging enough, you might want to talk about “challenge” and why the Honors Program would give you the academic rigor you need to reach your greatest potential. Or, if you feel you haven’t met many like-minded individuals in your high school, you might want to talk about “community” and why the Honors Program would provide opportunities to support and be supported by peers. If you aspire to do research or attend a graduate school, you might want to talk about “opportunity” and how the Honors Program will connect you with advisors to put you on track for those experiences.
Think about the future
While this brainstorm can help you begin choosing your UF essay topics, the Honors Program Application Tips reminds prospective students that this UF essay prompt is meant to be forward-facing. This means the admissions team wants to hear about what you imagine for your future rather than what you’ve completed in your past. This is where the second half of the UF essay prompt comes into play.
Imagine the Honors Program as a stepping-stone: what will you do in the Honors Program, and how will that help you reach your goals? Be sure to answer these questions with specific details about the Honors Program. For example, if your dream is to join the medical field, you might reference the Honors Program’s Pre-Health Coordinator and the Professional Development courses you will take to prepare you for medical school.
No matter what draws you to the Honors Program, remember to be specific, answer all four questions in the UF essay prompt, and proofread, proofread, proofread!
- Does my UF admissions essay reference specific details about the Honors Program?
- Do I include both why I am interested in the Honors Program and what I plan to do if I get in?
- Does my essay communicate why the Honors Program is important in reaching my academic goals?
University of Florida Honors Program Supplemental Essays – Question 2 (Required)
Identify two topics you have previously studied that do not traditionally overlap. How do you envision you might bring these topics together during your time in Honors to engage a pressing societal, medical or technological concern? The concern you wish to engage could be of local, national, or global scope, but you should be clear about the issue you want to address. For the purposes of this essay, the topics you identify need not have been formally studied in high school, but you should have studied them since beginning in high school (300 words or less).
This UF essay prompt asks you to think along interdisciplinary lines to express your unique academic goals. This gives you a crucial opportunity to illustrate why you belong in an intellectually rigorous space like UF's Honors Program.
Choosing a Topic
The first challenge of this UF essay prompt is to choose two topics that do not traditionally overlap. If you are having trouble choosing your UF essay topics, use your transcript and make a bulleted list of your classes divided into basic high school subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, and the Arts. Think about which classes on this list you most enjoyed, and start combining subjects with seemingly little relation. The more unorthodox your combination, the more unique your UF admissions essay will be. For example, if you first choose Statistics and Chemistry, you may want to keep brainstorming as those have quite a bit of overlap. However, if you choose Chemistry and Music, you’ll have a less traditional pair that will make for a fascinating UF admissions essay. Strong UF essays can come from unexpected places!
Choosing a Concern
Next, turn away from your academic interests and choose the societal, medical, or technological concern you'd like to address. Unlike some other UF essays, this UF essay prompt focuses on how you think rather than who you are. As you choose your concern, therefore, focus on how you will engage the topic rather than why it is important to you. Remember, you've chosen this topic because it needs to be addressed, and your reader knows that. If you have a specific, personal connection that impacts the way you view the problem (and will ultimately tackle it), keep your justification brief and always connect back to how you will engage with the topic at hand. The best UF essays will offer concrete, specific details on how an applicant plans to tackle their chosen concern.
As you complete your University of Florida supplemental essays, be sure to reference their Application Tips to ensure you have a strong application.
- Does my essay include two topics that I will combine to solve a problem (not one, not three)?
- Do I show how my two chosen topics inform and relate to one another?
- Does my essay reflect how I plan to engage with this topic (not just why I am interested)?
How hard is it to get into the University of Florida honors program?
The University of Florida Honors Program is a highly challenging and therefore highly competitive program. Last year, the acceptance rate was 13%—well below the University’s acceptance rate. Students who are accepted have excellent scholarly credentials, are leaders in their communities, and plan to push themselves alongside their fellow Honors Gators.
It is important your University of Florida supplemental essays showcase why you belong in the Honors Program. Students accepted to the UF Honors program also have high test scores and GPAs as well as strong UF supplemental essays. You can read more about the 2020 Admitted Student Profile, the Honors review process, and the timeline for the 2021-2022 application cycle here .
What are the requirements to get into the University of Florida?
Your University of Florida supplemental essays are only one element of your UF application. The University of Florida’s Admissions page provides a list of minimum requirements for freshman applicants . That means you need to meet or exceed the following benchmarks to have a competitive application outside of your UF supplemental essays:
- Graduation: You must be on track to graduate from a regionally accredited or state-approved secondary school or the equivalent (G.E.D., etc.).
- Academic Credits: You need 16 academic units distributed across English, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Foreign Language.
- Grade Point Average: Your cumulative GPA must be at least a C.
- Conduct: You must have a record of good conduct. Any major issues may disqualify your application from being considered, regardless of your academic credentials.
- SAT or ACT: You must submit test scores from the SAT and/or the ACT. If you have taken a test multiple times, UF will take the highest scores for each subsection and superscore to create the highest possible total score.
University of Florida Supplemental Essays: Final Thoughts
As you think about the University of Florida supplemental essays, remember that no single element of your application will determine your admissions results. The UF admissions team uses a holistic review process , meaning they take everything into consideration: your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, background, and UF supplemental essays. Admissions will consider your UF supplemental essays alongside your other academic credentials to better understand who you are as a student and how you will enrich the University of Florida community. While your transcript and test scores reflect the kind of student you already are, your UF essays will help them see what kind of student you can become.
While writing the University of Florida supplemental essays can be time-consuming, remember your UF essays—including both your Personal Statement and your UF supplemental essays—are the one part of your application where you have complete control. Be sure to take your time and make your University of Florida supplemental essays as strong as they can be! Give yourself time to think about the UF essay topics before you get started. Consider what you've already included in the rest of your application and use the UF essays to share something new about who you are.
If the thought of distilling yourself into a few short essays seems daunting, spend some time daydreaming about what going to the University of Florida could mean to your future. Think about the possibilities and opportunities you are excited to take on. Let that excitement shine through in your UF supplemental essays. Good luck!
This 2021-2022 essay guide on UF was written by Stefanie Tedards. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources, click here . Want help crafting your University of Florida supplemental essays? Create your free account or schedule a no-cost advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.
How to write an essay: Introduction
- What's in this guide
- Introduction
- Essay structure
- Additional resources
The Introduction
An in troduction generally does three things. The first part is usually a general comment that shows the reader why the topic is important, gets their interest, and leads them into the topic. It isn’t actually part of your argument. The next part of the introduction is the thesis statement . This is your response to the question; your final answer. It is probably the most important part of the introduction. Finally, the introduction tells the reader what they can expect in the essay body. This is where you briefly outline your arguments .
Here is an example of the introduction to the question - Discuss how media can influence children. Use specific examples to support your view.
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The Admissions Strategist
How to write the university of florida essays: the easy-breezy guide.
Apply to the University of Florida with powerful essays. Apply to college with your admissions advantage by enrolling in one of our college application boot camps .
Does your college fantasy include reading outside in the sunshine underneath a palm tree? What about sipping 100% all-natural orange juice on your way to math class? Okay, I might be pushing the Florida stereotype a little hard here.
In all seriousness, if you are craving some sunshine and an incredible academic environment, the University of Florida might be the place for you.
The University of Florida has an acceptance rate of 38%.
While not located directly adjacent to the ocean, Gainesville is a close enough drive to the beach that you can flip through a good chunk of your psych flashcards on the way there (in the passenger seat, of course).
According to their website , the University of Florida is ranked as one of the top ten public colleges in the United States. Their student body is made up of students from the United States and all over the world.
What are the University of Florida essay requirements?
Prospective students must apply for admission via the Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success application. Personal essays are limited to 2,500 characters, and there are five options to choose from. To learn more about writing the Coalition essays, check out our guide here .
In addition to the personal essay, the University of Florida requires that you answer five short-answer questions.
These responses can be no longer than 950 characters. With this limitation, it’s especially important for you to carefully craft your responses and make every word count.
List and describe your community service activities. Please include your role in the activity and level of responsibility. List and describe each job you’ve had, including dates of employment, job titles and hours worked each week. Do you have any employment or family obligations that limit your participation in extracurricular activities? Please describe. List any programs or activities that helped you prepare for higher education, such as University Outreach, Talent Search, Upward Bound, etc. Is there any other information for the Admissions Committee to consider when your application is reviewed?
These questions are fairly straightforward but also incredibly important, as they allow the admissions committee to gain a deeper understanding of your day-to-day life and journey to college.
While few of these questions may not apply to you, you should still read each of the following paragraphs carefully in order to get the most out of your answers.
Community Service
List and describe your community service activities. Please include your role in the activity and level of responsibility.
The first short-answer question asks you to list your community service activities, including your roles and level of responsibility. Let’s first clarify what constitutes as community service.
- Of course, volunteering for an organization such as the American Red Cross or the Boys and Girls Club certainly is community service.
- However, community service is also any time you willfully volunteer your time or resources in order to do good for the public.
- If you have used your skill sets to help an organization in your community, be it a business or community outreach nonprofit, it is community service.
- You might have built an app for a local environmental protection group.
- You might have used your skills in photography to help document some events for a brochure for a nonprofit organization. These types of activities are community service.
For example:
- Have you ever helped to organize a Thanksgiving canned food drive at your school?
- Have you collected clothing donations at your church or other religious institution?
- Do you volunteer to help your dad out at work, where he cares for elderly patients?
- Have you volunteered to tutor the neighbor’s children in Mandarin?
All of the above examples would be appropriate to list.
There is one caveat:
- Perhaps you volunteered at Goodwill in order to meet the requirements of a court order to have a crime expunged from your record.
- While that’s a good outcome for you, it is not an appropriate example for this short-answer question.
Next, you should list your role and level of responsibility.
This provides more context about how you interact during your volunteer work.
- This doesn’t mean that your role as an entry level volunteer is “useless.”
Admissions officers know that volunteers at all levels are important to the success and mission of any organization or cause.
When listing your role, try to be specific. Instead of listing “volunteer,” try a title similar to one of the following:
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Front Desk Volunteer
- Research Assistant
- Community Relations Volunteer
- Bookshop Assistant
- Food Donation Manager
- Social Media Manager
- Graphics Consultant
These examples are much more specific than “volunteer” and can give the committee a hint to the type of work you were doing in your position.
The term “level” refers to whether you had any standing in the hierarchy of the organization.
- For example, “manager” and “assistant” are terms that indicate level.
In this prompt, the University of Florida specifically uses the term “list” and “describe” in the directions.
This is important because it means you should do both (albeit briefly). For example, your response might start with:
- Social Media Coordinator, Asheville Arts Foundation: shared articles about new exhibits, posted Facebook event pages, and created graphics to promote those events.
The above example is brief, descriptive, and follows the directions. It may be true that you have more community service activities to list than the character count allows.
As such, you should only write about the experiences that you have participated in the longest, are most invested in, and demonstrate your uniqueness.
Work Experience
List and describe each job you’ve had, including dates of employment, job titles and hours worked each week.
The work experience section has very similar requirements to the community service short response. You might be thinking, “Hey! This sounds just like a resume.” It is similar to writing a resume, except you don’t have to mess with pesky formatting.
Beyond listing and describing your work experience, you should also mention how many hours you work a week, how long you have been with a company, and your job title.
Check out this example:
- January 2018-Present, Chic-Fil-A, Team Member: Work 15 hours a week running the cash register, refilling customer drinks, and assisting drive-thru.
If you only have one job to list, you have room to be a bit more descriptive. If you have had multiple jobs, you will need to be consistently brief.
When listing your jobs, consider whether it is appropriate to list every job.
- Perhaps you worked for three days at Urban Outfitters and then quit because you found out you couldn’t take off during Spring Break.
- This is not an appropriate job to list because, to the admissions committee, it would appear that you are not committed.
To streamline your response, list your work experience starting with the most recent. If you still work in a position, you can note “present” for the end date.
If you simply haven’t had any work experiences, enter “Not Applicable.”
By taking the time to write “Not Applicable,” the committee understands that you are not refusing to answer the question but that it does not apply to you.
Obligations
Do you have any employment or family obligations that limit your participation in extracurricular activities? Please describe.
In the third question, you should list any work or home obligations that have interfered with your ability to participate in extracurricular activities . If you have a list of activities that is a mile long, type in “Not Applicable” and move on to the next question.
However, not everyone is able to participate in extracurricular activities. The following list includes obligations that may have interfered with your participation:
- Helping parents to run a family restaurant
- Working full-time to be able to afford bills
- Having a young baby to care for at home
- Caring for younger siblings
- No or limited access to transportation
- No or limited access to funds to pay for the extras associated with extracurricular activities, such as cleats for soccer or canvas for the art club
- Caring for disabled or elderly parents/family members
Don’t be hesitant to list this information.
There is no shame in needing to put family obligations above extracurricular activities. However, admissions can’t read your mind, and it is important that you describe these obligations so that they can have a broader context when considering your application.
For this section, you are asked to describe the obligation. Be cautious here.
The admissions committee doesn’t need to know the entire backstory that led up to an obligation. Instead, briefly discuss the obligation(s), how you are involved, and why this prevents you from participating in extracurricular activities.
Preparing for Higher Education
List any programs or activities that helped you prepare for higher education, such as University Outreach, Talent Search, Upward Bound, etc.
There are a variety of organizations that help students to attain their dreams of higher education.
- If you participated in groups such as Advance via Individual Determination (AVID), Upward Bound, Talent Search, University Outreach, or any others, you should list them.
Sometimes, universities reserve spots or give preference to students who have participated in these programs. Colleges also like to see that you have been planning ahead for college.
Although it’s not stated explicitly, if you have enough room, briefly describe in what way you worked with the organization. This information will be helpful to admissions, especially if you participated in a program for multiple years.
- From 6th-12th grade, I participated in the AVID program during the school day. While I had to give up an extracurricular class, it was worth it because by participating in the program, I learned…
It’s important to be honest on your application. If you’ve heard that a program exists in your school but you didn’t participate, you should not list it.
If the question does not apply to you, write “Not Applicable.”
Other Considerations for the Committee
Is there any other information for the Admissions Committee to consider when your application is reviewed?
In the final section, you are provided the opportunity to add additional comments that you believe admissions should consider with your application. This is a chance to provide background information on anything that might look “off” on your application.
- For example, perhaps you attended four different high schools because your parents serve in the military.
- If that information did not appear anywhere else in your application, it would be appropriate to list that here.
- If you sustained a serious injury while playing sports and missed 40 consecutive school days, list that information in this section.
- You should explain to admissions that you were participating in physical therapy and on bed rest during this time.
If there is space, it wouldn’t hurt to mention that you Skyped into class and submitted work digitally in order to stay up-to-date with your schoolwork.
Another appropriate example would be if you had to take a class online because it was not offered at your school.
- Some schools do not have enough students demonstrate interest in AP courses, such as Computer Science A or the Physics C courses.
- If you took the initiative to be the only person in the school taking such a course through an online program, that deserves to be highlighted to the admissions committee.
As with all other responses above, simply list “Not Applicable” if you have nothing to write in a section.
Conclusion: Writing the University of Florida Essays
While responding to the above questions, remember that you are limited in your character count.
Since these are short-answer questions, the admissions committee does not want to know why you volunteer with Meals on Wheels or what you get out of the experience. Instead, focus briefly on what you do for the organization.
Overall, you should only elaborate when absolutely necessary. It’s important to show the committee that you can explicitly follow directions. While there is so much more you might have to say, save it for the personal essay! Remember, you can read more about how to write that essay here .
As with any writing, be sure to proofread and have another person review your work. You want to put your best foot forward on every application.
Short-answer responses are just as important to review as your personal essay.
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University of Florida (UF) Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022
Not sure how to approach the University of Florida supplemental essays? CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the University of Florida supplemental essays will show you exactly how to write engaging UF supplemental essays and maximize your chances of admission. If you need help responding to the UF essay topics, create your free account or schedule a free advising assessment by calling (844) 343-6272.
University of Florida Essay Guide Quick Facts:
- UF has an acceptance rate of 31.0%— U.S. News ranks the University of Florida as a highly selective school.
- There is one school-specific UF supplemental essay required for all applicants. If you are planning to apply to the UF Honors Program, you will complete an additional two UF essays. This means applicants to the UF Honors Program will complete a total of three UF supplemental essays.
Does the University of Florida have supplemental essays?
Yes. Whether you apply through the Common App or Coalition App , you will respond to at least one UF essay prompt. Your UF admissions essay lets the admissions team learn more about you as they review your application.
Any freshman applying through the Common App or Coalition App also can apply to FHP, the University of Florida’s First-Year Honors Program. In addition to the required UF admissions essay, students applying to FHP must complete two additional UF supplemental essays.
While some schools handle honors admissions separately, UF includes all application materials for FHP in the standard UF application. This includes every UF admissions essay. Students completing the UF supplemental essays for the Honors Program, therefore, will submit all three UF essays through the Common or Coalition App. This means that you must complete the UF essays for the Honors Program before you submit your final application.
Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get great tips from our Common App essay guide .
How many supplemental essays does the University of Florida have?
There are three total University of Florida supplemental essays included on the 2021-2022 application.
The University of Florida has one UF essay prompt every student is required to complete. Additionally, if you choose to apply to their Honors Program, you must write another two UF supplemental essays. The first required UF essay prompt asks about your extracurricular engagements. In contrast, the UF essay topics for the Honors Program ask about your interest in the program and your academic priorities.
How do I write the University of Florida supplemental essays?
Here are some helpful tips to help you get started on the University of Florida supplemental essays!
To begin, the University of Florida supplemental essays give you an opportunity to showcase what motivates you, which academic topics interest you, and how you engage with the world around you. Therefore, think of the UF supplemental essays as your chance to introduce yourself to the admissions team on your own terms.
As you brainstorm the UF essay topics, remember your audience. Admissions officers read thousands of UF supplemental essays. Ultimately, if you are vague, superficial, or misleading, your UF essays won’t help the UF admissions team understand who you are. To maximize your UF supplemental essays’ impact, you’ll want to be as specific, genuine, and authentic as possible.
If you’re having trouble finding topics for your UF essays, don’t worry! We will discuss each UF essay prompt individually below. But first, here are some more technical tips to keep in mind when writing your University of Florida supplemental essays.
Overall, the most important thing your University of Florida supplemental essays should do is answer the UF essay prompt. Even if you write a perfect UF admissions essay, it has failed to serve its main purpose if it doesn’t answer every aspect of the prompt.
Each of the University of Florida supplemental essays has a maximum word limit. In each essay, make sure to stick to the word limit and use your space wisely. For example, if you find yourself quoting someone famous or writing about a friends’ experiences, ask yourself how it relates back to you. In fact, the more “you” that you include in your UF admissions essay, the better!
The admissions team reads countless UF essays every year. This makes it particularly important that your UF admissions essay is as clear and polished as possible. Essentially, the more straightforward and refined your writing is, the more easily your ideas and personality will shine through! For this reason, you’ll want to be sure to give yourself enough time to draft, revise, and proofread your University of Florida supplemental essays.
Below, we have provided the 2021-2022 UF admissions essay prompts. Along with the prompts, you’ll find a breakdown of how to approach each UF admissions essay. As a bonus, we included both the general UF essay prompt and the Honors Program prompts. Additionally, we’ll also discuss tips for narrowing down your UF essay topics. If you follow these tips, you’ll write University of Florida supplemental essays that will help you stand out in admissions.
University of Florida Supplemental Essays – Question 1 (Required)
Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity (250 words or less).
To start, this UF essay prompt asks you to choose your single “most meaningful commitment.” Even if multiple experiences pop into your head, you must narrow your UF essay topic down to just one commitment. The best University of Florida supplemental essays will use one commitment to reveal fundamental aspects of an applicant’s identity.
If you need help choosing your UF essay topics, try making a list using UF’s suggested categories. These include: Extracurricular, Work, Volunteering, Academic Activity, Family Responsibility, Other. While writing, remember that this list can include a sport you’ve played, a job you’ve held, or even a responsibility toward a sibling. Once you’ve completed your list, circle three to five topics that engage you most. Do a five-minute free-write for each. If there’s a topic you can’t stop writing about, there’s a good chance that might be your most meaningful commitment!
Once you’ve selected your essay topic, you can consider the rest of the UF essay prompt. This first UF essay prompt is quite open-ended, which gives you plenty of opportunities to showcase your identity. While “Please provide more details” isn’t very specific, remember that your UF admissions essay is an opportunity for the admissions team to get to know you. As you write, make sure to always connect your topic back to who you are.
Struggling to answer this UF essay prompt? Here are some questions to guide your response:
What did I do? Be specific. If your topic is a sport, like basketball, discuss details of playing basketball that your reader might not know. For instance, you might describe waking up at 6 am for practice, practicing drills and collaborating with teammates, or performing under the pressure of a crowd.
Why did I do it? What was the motivation behind your commitment? Let’s continue with the basketball example. Is basketball something you and your little brother grew up playing together? Does playing a sport help with your anxiety? Were you inspired by a certain professional athlete? Including the reason why you pursue the activity will strengthen your response to this UF essay prompt.
What did I take away from this commitment? Learning happens in all places. While this UF admissions essay asks you to describe an activity outside the classroom, asking “what did I learn?” will help take your response to this UF essay prompt from a summary into a story. Maybe you discovered a new passion, a new skill, or a new way of problem-solving. Maybe your commitment to basketball translated into commitment in your classes? Or maybe the teamwork you cultivated in practice changed the way you helped your family at home?
As you expand upon your UF essay topics, think about how your commitment shaped who you are. This will give you a compelling ending to your UF admissions essay.
UF Supplemental Essay Draft Key Questions:
- Does my UF admissions essay reference one (not two, or three) commitment outside of my classes?
- Does my essay show why this is important to me?
- Do I show how I engaged in this activity?
- Does my essay reflect what I gained from this experience?
University of Florida Honors Program Supplemental Essays – Question 1 (Required)
Why is applying for the UF Honors Program important to you? Which aspects of the program’s three pillars of opportunity, community, and challenge pique your interests? How would you engage with the program to exemplify these pillars yourself? How does the program factor into your long-term goals? Please be specific (400 words or less).
The first step in tackling this UF essay prompt is to read about the UF Honors Program’s 3 Pillars of Value . As you think about your UF essay topics, ask yourself what about these pillars draws you to the program. Why are these ideals crucial to your college experience?
If you’re struggling to find specific details to discuss in your UF essays, think about your current situation. What are you missing in your high school academic career that you want to experience in college? If your classes aren’t challenging enough, you might want to talk about “challenge” and why the Honors Program would give you the academic rigor you need to reach your greatest potential. Or, if you feel you haven’t met many like-minded individuals in your high school, you might want to talk about “community” and why the Honors Program would provide opportunities to support and be supported by peers. If you aspire to do research or attend a graduate school, you might want to talk about “opportunity” and how the Honors Program will connect you with advisors to put you on track for those experiences.
Think about the future
While this brainstorm can help you begin choosing your UF essay topics, the Honors Program Application Tips reminds prospective students that this UF essay prompt is meant to be forward-facing. This means the admissions team wants to hear about what you imagine for your future rather than what you’ve completed in your past. This is where the second half of the UF essay prompt comes into play.
Imagine the Honors Program as a stepping-stone: what will you do in the Honors Program, and how will that help you reach your goals? Be sure to answer these questions with specific details about the Honors Program. For example, if your dream is to join the medical field, you might reference the Honors Program’s Pre-Health Coordinator and the Professional Development courses you will take to prepare you for medical school.
No matter what draws you to the Honors Program, remember to be specific, answer all four questions in the UF essay prompt, and proofread, proofread, proofread!
- Does my UF admissions essay reference specific details about the Honors Program?
- Do I include both why I am interested in the Honors Program and what I plan to do if I get in?
- Does my essay communicate why the Honors Program is important in reaching my academic goals?
University of Florida Honors Program Supplemental Essays – Question 2 (Required)
Identify two topics you have previously studied that do not traditionally overlap. How do you envision you might bring these topics together during your time in Honors to engage a pressing societal, medical or technological concern? The concern you wish to engage could be of local, national, or global scope, but you should be clear about the issue you want to address. For the purposes of this essay, the topics you identify need not have been formally studied in high school, but you should have studied them since beginning in high school (300 words or less).
This UF essay prompt asks you to think along interdisciplinary lines to express your unique academic goals. This gives you a crucial opportunity to illustrate why you belong in an intellectually rigorous space like UF’s Honors Program.
Choosing a Topic
The first challenge of this UF essay prompt is to choose two topics that do not traditionally overlap. If you are having trouble choosing your UF essay topics, use your transcript and make a bulleted list of your classes divided into basic high school subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, and the Arts. Think about which classes on this list you most enjoyed, and start combining subjects with seemingly little relation. The more unorthodox your combination, the more unique your UF admissions essay will be. For example, if you first choose Statistics and Chemistry, you may want to keep brainstorming as those have quite a bit of overlap. However, if you choose Chemistry and Music, you’ll have a less traditional pair that will make for a fascinating UF admissions essay. Strong UF essays can come from unexpected places!
Choosing a Concern
Next, turn away from your academic interests and choose the societal, medical, or technological concern you’d like to address. Unlike some other UF essays, this UF essay prompt focuses on how you think rather than who you are. As you choose your concern, therefore, focus on how you will engage the topic rather than why it is important to you. Remember, you’ve chosen this topic because it needs to be addressed, and your reader knows that. If you have a specific, personal connection that impacts the way you view the problem (and will ultimately tackle it), keep your justification brief and always connect back to how you will engage with the topic at hand. The best UF essays will offer concrete, specific details on how an applicant plans to tackle their chosen concern.
As you complete your University of Florida supplemental essays, be sure to reference their Application Tips to ensure you have a strong application.
- Does my essay include two topics that I will combine to solve a problem (not one, not three)?
- Do I show how my two chosen topics inform and relate to one another?
- Does my essay reflect how I plan to engage with this topic (not just why I am interested)?
How hard is it to get into the University of Florida honors program?
The University of Florida Honors Program is a highly challenging and therefore highly competitive program. Last year, the acceptance rate was 13%—well below the University’s acceptance rate. Students who are accepted have excellent scholarly credentials, are leaders in their communities, and plan to push themselves alongside their fellow Honors Gators.
It is important your University of Florida supplemental essays showcase why you belong in the Honors Program. Students accepted to the UF Honors program also have high test scores and GPAs as well as strong UF supplemental essays. You can read more about the 2020 Admitted Student Profile, the Honors review process, and the timeline for the 2021-2022 application cycle here .
What are the requirements to get into the University of Florida?
Your University of Florida supplemental essays are only one element of your UF application. The University of Florida’s Admissions page provides a list of minimum requirements for freshman applicants . That means you need to meet or exceed the following benchmarks to have a competitive application outside of your UF supplemental essays:
- Graduation: You must be on track to graduate from a regionally accredited or state-approved secondary school or the equivalent (G.E.D., etc.).
- Academic Credits: You need 16 academic units distributed across English, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Foreign Language.
- Grade Point Average: Your cumulative GPA must be at least a C.
- Conduct: You must have a record of good conduct. Any major issues may disqualify your application from being considered, regardless of your academic credentials.
- SAT or ACT: You must submit test scores from the SAT and/or the ACT. If you have taken a test multiple times, UF will take the highest scores for each subsection and superscore to create the highest possible total score.
University of Florida Supplemental Essays: Final Thoughts
As you think about the University of Florida supplemental essays, remember that no single element of your application will determine your admissions results. The UF admissions team uses a holistic review process , meaning they take everything into consideration: your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, background, and UF supplemental essays. Admissions will consider your UF supplemental essays alongside your other academic credentials to better understand who you are as a student and how you will enrich the University of Florida community. While your transcript and test scores reflect the kind of student you already are, your UF essays will help them see what kind of student you can become.
While writing the University of Florida supplemental essays can be time-consuming, remember your UF essays—including both your Personal Statement and your UF supplemental essays—are the one part of your application where you have complete control. Be sure to take your time and make your University of Florida supplemental essays as strong as they can be! Give yourself time to think about the UF essay topics before you get started. Consider what you’ve already included in the rest of your application and use the UF essays to share something new about who you are.
If the thought of distilling yourself into a few short essays seems daunting, spend some time daydreaming about what going to the University of Florida could mean to your future. Think about the possibilities and opportunities you are excited to take on. Let that excitement shine through in your UF supplemental essays. Good luck!
This 2021-2022 essay guide on UF was written by Stefanie Tedards. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources, click here . Want help crafting your University of Florida supplemental essays? Create your free account or schedule a no-cost advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.
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University of Florida 2022-23 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide
The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words
Supplemental Essay Type(s): Activity
Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity. (250 words)
What would your life be mundane without? Elaborate on an activity, responsibility, or passion that is meaningful to you. Unlike an activities resume entry, this should be expanded to reflect your priorities, worldview, and sense of purpose. Do you babysit your cousins when your aunt gets called into work? How does it feel to support your family members in this way and what does the phrase, “it takes a village,” mean to you? Do you foster rescue cats until they find their forever homes? What does this hobby mean to you? Maybe you inherited your animal love from your dad who used to work as a farmhand. Use your experiences to tell admissions something about you they wouldn’t already know from your list of extracurriculars. What gives your life meaning? Why do you wake up in the morning? What are you working toward?
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Essay Writing Guide
Writing An Essay Introduction
A Complete Essay Introduction Writing Guide With Examples
13 min read
Published on: Feb 24, 2023
Last updated on: Mar 16, 2023
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Writing an essay introduction can be a daunting task, especially if you don't know where to start.
Essay introductions are the first impression that your reader will have of your paper. So, it's important to make sure they're well written and engaging. You want to draw in your readers with an interesting opening that sets the tone for the rest of your work.
If you're having difficulty crafting your essay introduction, let MyPerfectWords.com lend a hand!
We offer expert advice on how to write an effective essay introduction that will grab your reader’s attention from the very beginning and keep them engaged throughout.
With our tips and examples, you can create an incredible essay introduction that will set the tone for a well-written, powerful paper.
Without further ado, let's begin!
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The Definition of an Essay Introduction
An essay introduction is the first part of your paper that introduces the main points and presents your stance on the topic.
It should provide a brief overview of what readers can expect from the body of your paper, as well as any relevant background information. It should also be concise and direct, as too much fluff can quickly detract from your overall argument.
Purpose of the Essay Introduction
The purpose of an essay introduction is to provide the reader with a brief overview of your paper and its main points.
It should also set the tone for the rest of the paper by summing up your argument or presenting any pertinent background information. Essay introductions should be written in such a way as to capture the reader’s attention and keep them interested in reading the rest of your paper.
How To Write An Essay Introduction
The beginning of the essay sets the tone for the reader. It is essential to write an essay introduction that picks your reader’s interest and encourages them to read further.
There is no one way of starting an essay. Some people prefer getting started with the essay and write the introduction at the end of the writing process.
Whenever you decide to write the introduction, always focus on the tone and purpose of your essay.
Here is a quick guide on how to write an introduction paragraph for an essay.
Step 1: Start With a Hook
Start your essay introduction with an interesting hook statement that should pull the readers in. This is usually the first sentence that sets the tone of your essay. Start with something interesting, clear, and concise to grab the reader’s attention.
Here are some expert suggestions on how to create a hook:
- Start with an interesting fact
- Share an anecdote
- Write about a common misconception about your essay topic
- Start with a rhetorical question
You can also refer to other catchy hook examples for writing a captivating start of the essay introduction.
Step 2: Background Information
Give the background of your essay topic first, and then identify the themes.
The introduction always begins with an orientation. It contains statements that show how the topic relates to bigger issues addressed in the next part of the essay.
The information you present here should be focused and must relate to the main argument of your essay. You can mention points that you will discuss in the body section. But do not give much information in this section.
Here's an example of it:
Step 3: State the Limitations of Your Essay or Discussion
Since you cannot discuss everything that is present about the given topic, it is important that you limit your discussion. Narrow down your focus and inform the readers how and why you have chosen the given topic or subject.
Here's a demonstration of it.
Step 4: Write the Thesis Statement
The last part of the introduction is the thesis statement. The thesis statement is a brief overview of the entire essay. It demonstrates the fundamental idea and approach of the writer toward the essay topic.
The thesis statement is written at the end of the introductory paragraph.
Step 5: Conclude the Essay Introduction
Finally, you must conclude your essay introduction by summarising the points mentioned in it. This should be done in such a way that readers are encouraged to read further and start exploring the rest of your paper.
Your conclusion should also include a call-to-action that encourages readers to engage in further discussion.
Here's an example of a well-crafted introduction:
The Essay Introduction Structure
An essay introduction serves as the first impression for your reader. It sets the tone for the rest of your paper and tells the reader what to expect from your work. The structure of an essay introduction should include a hook, contextual information, and a thesis statement.
A hook is used to grab readers' attention and draw them in. It can be a quote, an anecdote, or an interesting fact. The goal of the hook is to make your reader interested in reading your essay and keep them engaged until the end.
Contextual Information
Contextual information gives the reader background on the subject you are writing about. This can include facts, definitions, and historical information. By providing this information, your reader will be better equipped to understand the rest of your essay.
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Thesis Statement
Your thesis statement is the main point of your paper and should be stated clearly in one sentence. It should briefly explain what you plan to discuss in the body of your paper. A good thesis statement should be specific and narrow in focus so that the reader can easily understand your argument.
Essay Introduction Outline
Essay Introduction Sample
Essay Introduction Examples
Here are some interesting introduction examples for different types of essays for you to go through and take help from.
Argumentative Essay Introduction Example
A good argumentative essay introduction is like an opening statement of the court. It involves presenting the facts at hand and the main argumentative approach in a rational and intellectual manner.
Here is an example for you to understand how to write an argumentative essay introduction.
Persuasive Essay Introduction Example
Writing a persuasive essay introduction is a tricky one. One of the reasons persuasive essay introductions are difficult to write is because it is difficult to persuade readers. As an author, you need to apply a subtle approach to your introduction.
Below is a perfect example of a persuasive essay introduction.
Compare and Contrast Essay Introduction Example
The compare and contrast essay introduction analyzes the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. They are often assigned to enhance the student’s critical abilities, analytical reasoning, and academic writing skills. A compare and contrast essay introduction is different in many ways; for instance, it introduces two elements within its first paragraph.
The following is a great introduction for a compare and contrast essay that you can refer to.
Descriptive Essay Introduction Example
Writing a descriptive essay introduction is easy when you know how to pen down your ideas. A descriptive essay provides a clear image of the topic and conveys a comprehensive understanding of the topic to the reader.
Here is an outstanding descriptive essay introduction example for your help.
Covid - 19 Essay Introduction Example
The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on life in many countries. But it has also shown how resilient people can be in the face of adversity. Writing an essay on this topic requires careful analysis of the current situation and its effects.
The following is a great example of an introduction to a Covid-19 Essay.
Abortion Essay Introduction Example
The abortion debate remains one of the most controversial topics in modern society.
Pro-choice and pro-life advocates have been debating this issue for decades, with no end in sight. Writing an essay on this topic requires thoughtful research and a clear understanding of both sides.
Here's an example of how to write an abortion essay introduction.
Heritage Day Essay Introduction
Heritage Day is an important holiday that celebrates the multicultural heritage of South Africa.
It's a day to remember and appreciate the nation’s diverse culture, while also reflecting on our shared history. Writing an essay on this topic requires careful consideration of its history and purpose.
Here is an example of a great Heritage Essay Introduction:
Essay Introduction: Mistakes to Avoid
For a good introduction, here are some mistakes that you should avoid writing in your introductory paragraph.
- Try to avoid writing a vague introduction of irrelevant details about the topic.
- Do not provide too much information and facts in the introduction. Simply present the topic with sufficient information for the reader’s understanding.
- Avoid using informal language or slang terms in the introduction. Essay introductions should be written in formal and academic language.
- Do not make assumptions about the reader’s knowledge of the topic. Provide only basic background information to fill any gaps in understanding.
- Finally, do not introduce any new information in the introduction. The introduction should only provide an overview of what will be discussed in the essay, not dive into details.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that your essay introduction is clear and concise. It will help readers easily understand the topic and follow your argument throughout the paper.
Essay Introduction Writing Tips
The following are some expert essay writing tips that you can follow for an interesting introduction.
- The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and inculcate a sense of curiosity amongst them to read the whole essay.
- Provide background information. The background gives context to your essay. But the claims, arguments, and information should always be present within the body of the essay.
- Don’t forget to provide a thesis that is the main argument of the essay.
- Always leave out irrelevant information and use appropriate language that adds precise information.
Remember, an essay introduction is very important as it is the first element of an essay outline . However, it is not an easy task to accomplish.
Watch this video to learn the steps required for crafting a compelling essay.
Lastly, keep in mind that there are many ways you can be creative with your essay introduction. Well-composed opening lines will help you grab the reader’s attention.
Hopefully, the guidelines in this blog helped you in coming up with a strategy to engage your readers from the start.
If you are struggling to make your essay introduction engaging, look no further. We are a professional online essay writing service that guarantees top-quality essays.
MyPerfectWords.com will provide the perfect "hook" for an introductory paragraph and write a compelling story from start to finish!
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Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs): Undergraduate Honors Theses
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The Institutional Repository at UF (the [email protected] ) includes the Undergraduate Honors Theses collection. During their graduating term*, Honors students are invited to submit their their final Honors project for inclusion in this collection. This is a free service of the UF Libraries. After students who have completed their submission graduate with Honors, the Libraries will add their works to the [email protected] and email a permanent link to them that they can include in applications, résumés, social media, or share with friends, colleagues, and family.
Honors degree requirements vary by department , so be sure to check with your advisor and/or undergraduate coordinator to see whether your department requires you to submit your thesis or other project to the [email protected]
*Students in the Medical Honors Program complete their theses during their third undergraduate year because they start their first year of medical school during their last year as undergraduates.
Guidelines vary by degree program
Be sure to talk to your thesis or project advisor and/or your department's Honors coordinator about department-specific guidelines. Departments can set their own deadlines for Libraries submissions and we provide them with a list of successful submissions after the department's deadline passes.
Libraries' default submission deadlines
- Spring 2023 Graduates - April 26
- Summer 2023 Graduates - August 11
- Fall 2023 Graduates - December 13
Important: If your department requires you to defend your thesis or project, your Libraries submission deadline might be different. Please contact your faculty advisor or Honors coordinator if you do not already know your department's deadline for Libraries submissions.
Graduation requirements
Libraries : Deadlines to submit to the Libraries will not affect your graduation unless your department requires a completed Libraries submission .
Department : Deadlines to submit your Honors thesis/project to your department might affect your graduation.
Submission assistance
Department : Contact your academic mentor and/or your department's undergrad coordinator.
Libraries : Contact the submissions team at [email protected] or 352-294-3785.
- Honors co-author grant of permission
Submitting to the Libraries
- Do I need to submit?
- What do I submit?
- How do I submit?
- Why should I submit?
- Your faculty advisor and/or your department’s undergrad coordinator can tell you whether you must submit a thesis or other terminal project.
- For preservation purposes, you need to submit the approved version of your Honors work to the Libraries.
- You also have several options for restricting access to your thesis or project; see the document linked below for details.
- If you unfortunately fail to graduate with Honors but your faculty advisor accepted your Honors thesis or project, we can include it in our Undergraduate Works collection. Please email [email protected] to let us know that you want to take advantage of this service.
- Restriction Options for Honors Theses and Projects
Thesis or project file(s):
- "Standard" here means a plain PDF saved from Microsoft Word or another word processor.
- Please do not scan a printed copy of your work to send to us.
- Media, dataset, and other types of submissions must conform to the acceptable formats list .
If necessary, a signed letter (or letters) of permission to quote or reproduce copyrighted material for all copyrighted material included beyond fair use (i.e. entire graphics and large portions of text or data where someone else holds the copyright). If you cannot get the answer you need from the copyright guide, you can email your question(s) to [email protected]
- If you are the sole copyright holder of your work, you do not need to submit a Permission to Quote form.
- If you have co-authors who are not UF faculty, staff, or graduate students, you will need a signed Honors Co-author Grant of Permissions from them.
Please do not submit your Honors thesis or project until you have final approval of your work from your department.
Write to us at [email protected] if you have any questions while you are preparing your Honors submission to the Libraries.
- IR Accepted Formats A list of the accepted format types for inclusion in the [email protected]
- Keep copies of your work and the form(s) that you submit to your department.
- Requirements vary by department . Be sure that you understand yours well before their deadline.
- After you log in with your GatorLink credentials, complete the online form at http://apps.uflib.ufl.edu/Honors/ to submit your work to the libraries by our deadline (see the Basics box on the left for deadlines). If you are not using a campus computer , connect to the VPN.
Note: If you see an Honors level that seems wrong to you, or no Honors level at all, please do not be concerned. The form uses the Honors pre-certification data. Not all colleges/schools enter that data and the final Honors level is occasionally different from what colleges enter for pre-certification.
- If your project file is larger than 15 MB, you will not be able to upload it to the form. Please do not compress the file; instead, write to [email protected] and we will assist you. There is effectively no file size limit and we want to archive the highest possible quality version of your work.
- Overview of the Online Submission Form
- Publishing your work in the [email protected] is a free service
- Enhance résumés and applications
- Show off to friends and family
- Support ongoing scholarship by enabling others to cite your work in their own
- Prospective students can see the variety and strength of undergraduate research opportunities at UF
Need research help?
Be sure to talk to your thesis or project advisor and/or undergrad coordinator about department-specific requirements.
For research help, you can:
- Check in with your Subject Specialist Librarian.
- Read the University of Florida Honors Program guidance for research projects .
- Explore the Center for Undergraduate Research , which offers peer-organized workshops and peer advising .
You can also explore resources in the ProQuest Theses and Dissertations database:
- Try ProQuest's short eLearning Companions, What is a dissertation or thesis? , How is a dissertation or thesis useful as a source for my topic? , How do I evaluate if a dissertation or thesis is relevant to my topic? , and How do I cite a dissertation or thesis?
- When available, use the Foundational Research box on the right and Similar Dissertations box below the dissertation to find related sources that might be helpful.
Related Links
- Institutional Repository at the University of Florida ([email protected])
- Graduate Editorial Office thesis and dissertation resources
- Making your work accessible
- UF LibGuide: Copyright
- UF LibGuide: Fair Use
- UF LibGuide: Open Access
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How to Write an Essay Introduction for University
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Knowing how to write an essay introduction for university will improve your writing and communication skills. The ability to craft an outstanding essay introduction can as well be manifested in other academic papers, thereby enhancing general performance. Read on for guidelines on how to write a unique and convincing introduction for a university essay paper.
Just like essay introductions for other academic levels, writing an introduction for a university essay paper is not difficult. Knowing how to write an essay introduction for university requires you to first establish the basic elements of this section of the paper. An essay introduction should explain the context, provide the overall focus and describe how the paper will be organized.
In other words, the introduction to your essay should comprise of a hook, background information about the subject and thesis statement. These are the main aspects that you have to highlight in the introduction of the paper. It is also important to note that an essay introduction should be short, however, this mainly depends on the topic to be discussed.
The following tips on how to write an essay introduction for university will help you write a good essay paper with ease.
Tips on how to write an essay introduction for university
Writing the introduction of an essay paper for university is not quite different from other academic papers. This implies you have to make some preparation in advance to ensure that you can deliver a good piece.
Carefully read the following tips for great insights on how to write an essay introduction for university.
Think of what to discuss
As soon as you are given an assignment, the first thing that you should always do is to read and understand the question. This will help you to easily figure out what is required in the essay.
Having in mind what the essay requires, you can now start thinking of what to write. The best way is to pursue a perspective that seems unique and will make the introduction to look and sound compelling.
In the introduction, you will only be giving a brief illustration of what is expected in the essay. Therefore, it is important that you only select the key factors or aspects of the subject to highlight in the introduction. These will help in developing the hook and background information.
Pick a claim
A claim can also be referred to as the thesis of the essay. It is the main argument that you will be proving in the rest of the paper and should be highlighted in the introduction.
Based on the topic or subject of the essay, you will be required to pursue a particular stand or angle that your discussion will be based on. The best way to go about it is choosing a claim that you can easily prove in the essay.
Look into your readers
The audience refers to the people whom you intend to read the essay including your instructors, fellow students among others. In fact, you should consider your general audience to ensure that the introduction is crafted in way that can appeal to a greater percentage of them.
In order to effectively capture your readers, you should establish the specific information to be included that can make your argument useful. Besides, you should also ensure that any term which requires definition is well covered.
Understanding your audience can assist you in knowing the right details to reveal at the start of the essay without giving too much information. Remember that your readers already know certain things, hence, you have to look for ideas that are not very common to use in the introduction.
Draft an outline
An outline is a general representation of the points that you intend to cover. The importance of having one is that it will help you to easily remember what to address in the introduction of the essay.
The outline should act as your guide on what to include in the opening statements in the required order.
Remember to keep the introduction to your essay short and simple. Only provide information that is necessary for the readers to understand your subject or topic of discussion. If the introduction is becoming too detailed or long, it would be advisable that you move some of the points to the body paragraphs.
A good essay introduction should be about just 10 percent of the total number of words for the whole paper.
Steps on how to write an essay introduction for university
As outlined above, there are key aspects that have to be shown in the introduction of an essay paper for university. Besides, each of them should be presented in a particular format to make the intro compelling and subjective.
Below are the steps on how to write an essay introduction for university:
Begin the essay with a hook
Once you have decided on the best hook or captivating point for your essay, you should open the paper with it. However, it is important to note that certain hooks require explanation. For instance, if you use quotations or questions, you may need to give a little explanation.
Give background information
It is on this part that you will need to provide a sneak preview of the main points that you identified. Write a few statements that can show the readers your context so that they are informed about what is to come in the rest of the essay.
In giving background information, you should bear in mind that the introduction should be brief, so do not give a lot of details. Background information should be more like a general outline of the topic of discussion without stressing on your claim.
Insert the thesis
It is always custom that the thesis statement should come at the end of the first paragraph, unless you are instructed otherwise. Clearly state your stand or the angle that you intend to pursue in the essay.
Since the thesis statement comes last in the paragraph, you should also tell the readers the format that you will use in discussing the rest of the essay. Besides, proper transition should also be showcased between the thesis and the body paragraphs.
Simplicity and clarity are other factors that you should also consider when crafting an introduction for university essay paper. Avoid fluff and vague statements that will make the introduction to be too long and boring.
Examples of Essay introductions for University
Sample essay papers can also help you in know how to write an essay introduction for university with ease. The following are sample introductions for university essays that you can refer to for motivation in writing.
Sample Essay on Microsoft Competitive Advantage
‘’What is a Competitive Advantage?
A competitive advantage is a strategy that gives an organization the ability to develop and deliver its goals. Most companies rely on their competitive advantages as a means of creating a niche for themselves and ensuring success in competitive business environments.
As a rule, many organizations do not rely on just one competitive advantage. Instead, companies have various competitive advantages which they exploit in order to cope with different trends and adversities towards long term success…’’ click here to read the rest of this sample university essay.
Importance of Empathy in Healthcare
‘’Empathy is a term that is often underused and misunderstood yet it is of vital importance in the healthcare sector. It is through empathy that therapeutic effectiveness can be achieved and it also helps in the formation of a healthy relationship between the patients and healthcare providers.
The term empathy can be traced back to the 80s when Theodore Lipps, a German psychologist created it to describe emotional appreciation of the feelings of another person…’’ To read the rest of this sample essay, refer to this link .
What is the importance of imitation in early child development?
‘’Imitation involves a sophisticated cognitive process. In the example of imitating adult facial expressions, an infant must recognize the facial expression, retain a representation of the expression in memory and then translate this abstract representation into action. The divergent opinions that exist on when children can imitate are therefore connected to differing theories on the cognitive development of children. Since cognitive abilities in children can only be inferred from behavior, methodological limitations add further to the debate about when imitation takes place. When imitation is considered in a broader sense to include imitative behaviors from the caregiver, the importance of imitation in child development may be considered to play an important role….’’ Read the rest of this sample introduction here.
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Department of English
Honors for the english major.
For all undergraduates at UF, there are two different kinds of honors program:
The University Honors Program
The University Honors Program is a university-wide program structured in two parts: the Freshman Honors Program (FHP) for first-year students and the University Honors Program (UHP) for upper-division students.
Prospective freshmen are encouraged to apply to the Freshman Honors Program in tandem with their main University of Florida application. Conversely, the Upper-Division University Honors Program is open to rising sophomores, as well as students who have successfully completed the Freshman Honors Program requirements.
The University Honors program is located in 201 Walker Hall, where there are Honors Program housing facilities, classrooms for Honors Program courses, and an office for the program where students will find Honors Program advisors. Find out more about the University Honors program.
Upper-Division Departmental Honors
Upper-division gpa requirement.
Beyond the University Honors Program are the various college and departmental upper-division honors programs that permit students to attempt to graduate cum laude (with honors), magna cum laude (with high honors), or summa cum laude (with highest honors). Because English majors are students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, they must fulfill the minimum requirement established by the college to graduate with any level of honors. That minimum requirement is a 3.5 upper-division UF GPA. Upper-division GPA’s are calculated on the basis of the grades students earn in all the courses they take starting in the semester they are ranked 3LS–or to put it somewhat differently, they are calculated on the basis of all the courses students take starting in the semester after the one in which they pass the 60-hour mark. It does not matter if these courses are taught at the upper- or the lower-division level; nor does it matter if the courses count for the major or not. It only matters when students take them.
Honors Seminar and Honors Thesis Requirements
If an English major has an upper-division GPA of 3.5 or better, he or she will graduate cum laude . Majors who establish an upper-division GPA of 3.5 or better once they are ranked 3LS are eligible to take honors seminars and write honors theses in order to attempt to graduate either magna or summa cum laude . To graduate magna cum laude , students must have an upper-division GPA of 3.5, have earned an “A” or “B” in at least one semester of ENG 4936 (Honors Seminar); and have completed one semester of ENG 4970 Honors Thesis, earning at least a “B+.”
To graduate summa cum laude , students must have earned no less than a “B” and at least one “A” in no fewer than two semesters of ENG 4936, as well as an “A” in one semester of ENG 4970. Completion of an honors seminar with a grade of “B” or better is prerequisite to registering for an honors thesis.
Honors Seminars (ENG 4936)
The honors seminars are 15-student classes offered only in the fall and spring semesters. Enrollment for honors seminars is limited to students who meet the 3.5 upper-division GPA requirement. The topics of the seminars change from year to year. Because enrollment is limited to students who have 3.5 upper-division GPA’s, the seminars are typically more intensive and more interactive than the Department’s standard 35-student classes. They will often be organized in ways that anticipate graduate-level courses, and require students to complete assignments that are more demanding than those assigned in standard 35-student classes. Enrollment for honors seminars is controlled by the Department.
The Honors Thesis (ENG 4970)
Honors theses give students the opportunity to work independently on original scholarly, critical, or creative projects under the direction of faculty members who work in the relevant fields. Students’ honors theses can be the culmination of their undergraduate experiences, and even anticipate the interests they will pursue in graduate studies.
In the English Department, honors theses may take a variety of forms. Most often, students write essays of 30–50 pages in length dealing with topics in literary criticism, history, or theory; film and media studies; or, cultural studies. Such essays are appropriate for students who hope to go on to graduate or professional degree programs. However, students who have pursued the Creative Writing model of study may write short stories, poetry, or even a novella to fulfill the thesis requirement, and students who have followed the Film and Media Studies model of study can produce a short film or video (often accompanied by a brief essay providing a rationale for the project).
Students who register for honors thesis projects must have a 3.5 upper-division GPA, and have earned a grade of “B” or better in at least one English Department Honors Seminar (ENG 4936). Students work with two readers (known as the first and second readers), whom they choose from among the members of the English Department faculty. These two readers may co-direct the thesis, or the first reader may direct the work, with the second reader offering suggestions for revision and improvement only when the project is fairly well-advanced.
Take a look at this video for information on the English Honors thesis process and other research opportunities:
Planning to Graduate magna or summa cum laude
Because students must complete one honors seminar with a grade of B or better before writing an honors thesis, and honors seminars are taught only in the fall and spring semesters, they need to plan ahead in order to fulfill the requirements to graduate either magna or summa cum laude . They must expect that it will take them at least two fall/spring semesters to complete the requirements. So, at the very least, students will need to devote time in their last two fall/spring semesters to fulfilling the requirements. Indeed, depending on seat availability in the seminars, students may want to try to secure seats in honors seminars as second-semester juniors. Students need not worry that the honors seminars and the thesis will impose an extra course burden over and above the 10-course requirement for the major. Honors seminar and thesis registrations count toward fulfillment of that 10-course requirement.
Undergraduate Research as Preparation for the Honors Thesis
Many faculty members who serve as first readers on scholarly, critical or theoretical honors thesis projects encourage (and, in some cases, require) the students whose work they direct to register for undergraduate research (ENG 4911) in the semester prior to the one in which the students will be registered for the honors thesis course. Independent Study registration permits students to pursue preliminary research, reading, and drafting for the thesis project itself so that it is possible to use the thesis registration almost exclusively for writing the thesis. Students should, then, have at least preliminary ideas about their thesis topics before they enter their final two semesters at UF, and they should discuss with the English Department faculty members who will be directing their projects whether or not undergraduate research registrations would benefit them. If a faculty member believes undergraduate research registration is warranted, then the student should follow the instructions to register for ENG 4911. As long as a student registers for ENG 4911 for 3 credits, it will count toward fulfillment of the ten-course requirement for the English major.
The Honors Thesis Registration
Once students have worked out the focus and scope of their theses with their readers, they must submit completed Undergraduate Registration Request Forms in order to be registered for ENG 4970 Honors Thesis. These forms provide space in which students must describe their thesis projects. Students and readers must sign and date the forms. Copies of the Undergraduate Registration Request Form are available from an undergraduate departmental advisor in Turlington 4012, and must be returned to Turlington 4012 once they are completed. After students submit completed forms, and the Undergraduate Coordinator approves their projects, they will be registered for ENG 4970.
In Fall and Spring semesters, final copies of honors theses must be submitted to the English Department Undergraduate Coordinator in Turlington 4012 no later than the last day of classes for the semester. In Summer B/C semesters, final copies are due approximately 10 days before the end of classes.Students must also submit their theses to the institutional repository at UF. Submission instructions are available at “ Honors Thesis .
In the semester in which they are registered for ENG 4970 Honors Thesis, students must establish with their two readers schedules for completing and submitting their projects by the final deadline, keeping in mind that the final copy submitted to the Department on the last day of classes must already have been given approval by the two readers. If students submit first completed drafts no later than week 12 of the semester, that would typically give their readers time to read and respond to those drafts, and students time to make the necessary changes before submitting the final versions on the last day of classes. Given that most students do not get truly settled into their work for a semester until sometime in the second week of classes, a week 12 deadline for a completed first draft means that students have approximately 10 weeks in which to complete 30-50-page projects. This is a tough task if one is simultaneously trying to keep up with deadlines for other courses. So, students need to establish schedules and keep to them.
Deciding Whether or Not You Want to Pursue High or Highest Honors
Before embarking on pursuit of graduation magna or summa cum laude , students should think seriously about their motivations for doing so, and about the level of commitment they can give to the work. Honors seminars are generally demanding, and the honors thesis is a project unlike any other they will have undertaken in their work as English majors. The thesis, in particular, requires a level of dedication and a compelling interest in the topic that together make the research and writing pleasures as well as requirements to be fulfilled. Students need to be able to say to themselves, “I can’t imagine completing my undergraduate degree without writing a thesis on this topic,” if they are to make worthwhile use of the opportunity presented by the thesis course.
Those students who attempt to graduate magna or summa cum laude simply in order to be able to list this accomplishment on their resumes rarely have a rewarding experience in the upper-division honors program. They often find the demands too great, and sometimes end up looking to do the minimum amount of work to fulfill the requirements. This is not a recipe for success. By contrast, students who hope to go to graduate school for English, for Film and Media, or for Creative Writing should seriously consider taking honors seminars and writing honors theses. Undergraduate honors seminars provide students with an experience of the seminar setting typical of graduate education in humanities disciplines, and a scholarly honors thesis ideally will prepare students to write the kind of complex extended arguments expected in coursework at the graduate level. This is not, by any means, to say that only students interested in going to graduate school should take honors seminars and write honors theses. For students who excel in English, and who have a passionate interest in their studies, the seminars and the thesis project can be the perfect culmination of their experience as majors, giving them the opportunity to do the kind of advanced independent work for which their earlier coursework has been preparing them.
VIDEO
COMMENTS
First, you'll need to narrow down your list of extracurricular activities to just one to write about. It's important to choose an activity that you're passionate about, you have been involved in for a while, and has helped to shape you into the person you are today. Here are some ideas of the types of topics you can write about:
University of Florida Short Answers All Applicants List and describe your community service activities. Please include your role in the activity and level of responsibility. (250 words) List and describe each job you've had, including dates of employment, job titles, and hours worked each week. (250 words)
Any student applying to the University of Florida through freshman admissions can apply concurrently to the Honors Program. Using the Common Application for UF admissions, prospective Honors students should complete the additional Honors essay as indicated in the application.
250 Words. Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful. This could be related to an extracurricular activity, work, volunteering, an academic activity, family responsibility, or any other non-classroom activity. Read our essay guide to get started.
The UF Honors Program is structured in two parts: the First-Year Honors Program (FHP) for first-year students and the University Honors Program (UHP) for upper-division students. At every level of the program, we provide tailored advising, opportunities for community-building and interdisciplinary engagement.
Follow these three tips when completing the University of Florida supplement essays to make sure your answers are as strong as possible. #1: Keep Your Answers Concise You only have 250 words per prompt. That isn't that much! This means your responses need to be brief and to the point if you're trying to fit a lot of information in.
Table of contents Step 1: Hook your reader Step 2: Give background information Step 3: Present your thesis statement Step 4: Map your essay's structure Step 5: Check and revise More examples of essay introductions Frequently asked questions about the essay introduction Step 1: Hook your reader
Writing an Honors College Essay (Max. 400 words) A college essay is a chance for you to tell us what all your records cannot: who you really are, how you think, and how well you write. It is not an invitation to tell a story, write a novel, or write about other people's experiences.
There are three total University of Florida supplemental essays included on the 2021-2022 application. The University of Florida has one UF essay prompt every student is required to complete. Additionally, if you choose to apply to their Honors Program, you must write another two UF supplemental essays. The first required UF essay prompt asks ...
An introduction generally does three things. The first part is usually a general comment that shows the reader why the topic is important, gets their interest, and leads them into the topic. It isn't actually part of your argument. The next part of the introduction is the thesis statement. This is your response to the question; your final answer.
In addition to the personal essay, the University of Florida requires that you answer five short-answer questions. These responses can be no longer than 950 characters. With this limitation, it's especially important for you to carefully craft your responses and make every word count. List and describe your community service activities.
University of Florida Essay Guide Quick Facts: UF has an acceptance rate of 31.0%—U.S. News ranks the University of Florida as a highly selective school. There is one school-specific UF supplemental essay required for all applicants.If you are planning to apply to the UF Honors Program, you will complete an additional two UF essays.This means applicants to the UF Honors Program will complete ...
University of Florida 2022-23 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide. The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words. Supplemental Essay Type (s): Activity. Please provide more details on your most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom while in high school and explain why it was meaningful.
Step 2: Background Information. Give the background of your essay topic first, and then identify the themes. The introduction always begins with an orientation. It contains statements that show how the topic relates to bigger issues addressed in the next part of the essay.
I also share what I wrote about for my University of Florida college essay as senior in high school in 2016. I hope you find this helpful and insightful. If you do, don't forget to share it...
The Institutional Repository at UF (the [email protected]) includes the Undergraduate Honors Theses collection. During their graduating term*, Honors students are invited to submit their their final Honors project for inclusion in this collection. This is a free service of the UF Libraries. After students who have completed their submission graduate with ...
Below are the steps on how to write an essay introduction for university: Begin the essay with a hook Once you have decided on the best hook or captivating point for your essay, you should open the paper with it. However, it is important to note that certain hooks require explanation.
In the English Department, honors theses may take a variety of forms. Most often, students write essays of 30-50 pages in length dealing with topics in literary criticism, history, or theory; film and media studies; or, cultural studies. Such essays are appropriate for students who hope to go on to graduate or professional degree programs.
Writing Honors College Essays - UF Honors Program Essay - Purdue Honors College Essays SCORE: Your College Counselor 1.54K subscribers Subscribe 52 2.8K views Streamed 1 year ago...