How to Write the 2025-2026 UGA Supplemental Essay

Many supplemental essay questions touch on common themes, such as your academic interests or what communities you belong to. The UGA supplemental essay, however, is a different story. The University of Georgia asks students to share a memorable middle school book and the impact it made on them. Let’s explore this thoughtful prompt and how to craft an excellent response. 

Also see: How to write an essay about yourself

Prompt #1

The transition from middle to high school is a key time for students as they reach new levels of both academic and personal discovery. Please share a book (novel, non-fiction, etc.) that had a serious impact on you during this time. Please focus more on why this book made an impact on you and less on the plot/theme of the book itself (we are not looking for a book report).

We are not restricting you to the exact years of 8th-9th grades, but rather the general timeframe of the middle to high school transition, which can extend somewhat further than one year on each end. Feel free to use your discretion in your choice of the timeline focused on the shift to your high school years.

Ok, let’s take a look at how to show a bit about who you are through a particular book. First, think back to your time transitioning from middle school to high school. Remember, you do not need to be a profound reader to answer this question! Just think of any book that has importance to you specifically. 

To begin, you need to choose a book! Here is a list of some common books you may want to choose. Remember, though, that your selected book must have significance to you first and foremost.

• The Giver

• Bridge to Terabithia

• Hatchet

Try to avoid extremely popular books such as the Harry Potter series, because it is likely that a ton of students will write about it in their responses. So, try to pick a unique book that has significant meaning to you during your transition from middle school to high school. 

Next, discuss what this book means to you and what impact it has had on your life! This can range from practical to vulnerable implications. For example, perhaps reading To Kill a Mockingbird has granted you a bigger idea of the injustices found in the world and has led you to join some advocacy groups or create a club at your high school. Another example could be how reading the Percy Jackson series has caused you to appreciate viewing things in your life through a child-like lens by using more imagination in your everyday life. 

No matter how big or small the book’s impact was on you, write about it. Discuss themes found in the book, compare and contrast a character to your own life, and truly analyze the book. However, be sure to not make it sound like you are simply writing a book report. Rather, reflect on your own personal experiences and life in relation to the book. 

Also see: Top 10 books to read before college

Questions to consider: 

• What lessons or big takeaways did you get from reading the book you selected?
• Why did you choose to read this book during that transition period in your life? 
• Did this book challenge any preconceived notions you had? 

Also see: What looks good on college applications?

Tips for responding to this prompt

• Prove how the book has changed your perspective
• Make it personal! 
• Be sure to detail your book’s personal impact on you 
• Show how your takeaways from the book still reign true today 

Additional resources

As you’re working on college applications, we’re sure that you’ve juggling a lot of tasks at once. There are many decisions to be made and things to accomplish. Luckily, we can help. Check out our guide on how many colleges to apply to, how to find safety, reach, and match schools, and how to get a college application fee waiver. We can also help you fill out your Common App Activities and Additional Information sections to ensure that you present every aspect of your application as best you can. Finally, check out our insider’s perspective of what happens inside a college admissions office to get an idea of how your application will be reviewed. Good luck!

Other colleges to consider

• Georgia Tech (Atlanta, GA)
• Tulane University (New Orleans, LA)
• University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)

Next steps for students

We hope you feel ready to rock the UGA supplemental essays after reading our guide. By now, you should have all the tools to take a successful trip down high school memory lane. Have fun with this prompt and your sincerity will be evident! Make sure that you apply for all the scholarships you qualify for too!

Frequently asked questions about the UGA essay