University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Essay Prompts 2026-27

For the 2026-27 cycle: 1 optional prompt, program supplements for 2 programs.

Some prompts below are awaiting official confirmation for the 2026-27 cycle and reflect the most recent published set. They are flagged where they appear.

UIUC accepts the Common App, so the personal statement is also part of your application. It counts once across all your Common App schools.

Every applicant applies to one of 2 programs and answers the prompts for that program.

For every applicant

Second-choice major essay

Optional

About 150 words. Answered only by applicants who list a second-choice major. Awaiting 2026-27 confirmation

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

Applicants with a declared first-choice major

First-choice major essays

About 150 words. Awaiting 2026-27 confirmation

Explain, in detail, an experience you’ve had in the past 3 to 4 years related to your first-choice major. This can be an experience from an extracurricular activity, in a class you’ve taken, or through something else.
About 150 words
Describe your personal and/or career goals after graduating from Illinois and how your selected first-choice major will help you achieve them.
About 150 words

Applicants applying Undeclared

Undeclared applicant essays

About 150 words. Awaiting 2026-27 confirmation

What are your future career or academic goals? You may include courses you took in high school and how these impacted your goals.
About 150 words
What are your academic interests? Please include 2-3 majors you’re considering at Illinois and why.
About 150 words

Checked against official sources. Last verified August 28, 2026.

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