<p>So I just got an email with the U of I essays, I am confused as to if I have to choose one or write both? They somewhat seem like the same question to me and I have an idea of what I could write about that would fit either topic, but if I have to write both I have no idea what to do!</p>
<p>Essays
Essay 1: How have your past circumstances and experiences (such as your upbringing, community, and/or activities) impacted who you are, your future goals, and your choice of major? If you havent decided on a college or major yet, briefly explain your intentions and aspirations for your first year at Illinois. Please limit your response to approximately 300 words.
Essay 2: In no more than 300 words, tell us something about yourself that isnt covered elsewhere in this application, some interest or experience of yours that you think the University of Illinois should know about as part of the admissions review.</p>
<p>Nevermind, I can answer my own question! I just looked on the U of I website and it says to write both, darn… </p>
<p>Students are asked to write two essays:</p>
<p>How have your past circumstances and experiences (such as your upbringing, community, and/or activities) impacted who you are, your future goals, and your choice of major? If you haven’t decided on a college or major yet, briefly explain your intentions and aspirations for your first year at Illinois. Please limit your response to approximately 300 words.
In no more than 300 words, tell us something about yourself that isn’t covered elsewhere in this application, some interest or experience of yours that you think the University of Illinois should know about as part of the admissions review.
Important factors considered by the review committee when evaluating the essays are:</p>
<p>How the applicant ties his or her academic interest to the desired major or, if applying to the Division of General Studies, how the applicant explains his or her varied interests and need for exploration.
How the applicant showcases his or her passion through chosen activities, work experience, research, or course selection in high school.
How the essay reveals maturity and growth through past experiences, evidence of character development, cultural insight, community awareness, and/or leadership. Strength of writing is carefully considered throughout all the application essays.</p>