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University of Vermont

UVM's supplement is optional, but for a 58 percent school you should write it. Six prompts, 500 words, pick one.

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Supplemental essays

1 (optional)

Prompts offered

6 (choose one)

Word limit

500 words

Testing

Test-optional

What UVM rewards

UVM asks for one optional supplemental essay of up to 500 words, and you get to choose one of six prompts. The options range from a straightforward "Why UVM?" to a playful Ben & Jerry's flavor question to an identity-and-community prompt. UVM is test-optional, so scores are voluntary, which only raises the weight of what you write.

The core challenge is that "optional" is a trap. With an acceptance rate near 58 percent, UVM is selective enough that skipping the essay leaves value on the table, and admissions itself recommends writing one. The real task is picking the single prompt that lets you say something specific and true, then using all 500 words to be vivid rather than vague.

01Specific over polished. UVM readers are not chasing fancy vocabulary. They reward concrete detail: the name of the river you cleaned up, the exact flavor you invented, the line of a song that actually plays in your head. Specificity is the whole game in 500 words.

02Genuine fit, not flattery. For 'Why UVM?', generic praise about rankings or pretty campus photos reads as filler. UVM wants to see that you understand its actual character: environmental focus, community feel, Burlington, and that you have a reason to be there beyond prestige.

03Voice and a little fun. The Ben & Jerry's and song prompts exist because UVM likes personality. A reader who smiles at your essay remembers you. Warmth, humor, and a clear point of view land well here.

04Values in action. UVM cares about social change and the environment, but it does not want you to recite that back. It rewards essays where your values show up through something you actually did, not slogans you repeat.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

3 prompts for UVM, each broken down with annotated examples.

Why UVM?500 words (optional; choose one of six prompts)

Why UVM?

Identity & Community500 words (optional; choose one of six prompts)

UVM is a community that celebrates the unique identity of every student, faculty and staff member. Tell us how your identities have shaped the ways you interact with the world.

Ben & Jerry's Flavor500 words (optional; choose one of six prompts)

Established in Burlington, VT, Ben & Jerry's is synonymous with both ice cream and social change. The 'Save Our Swirled' flavor raises awareness of climate change, and 'I Dough, I Dough' celebrates marriage equality. If you worked alongside Ben & Jerry, what charitable flavor would you develop and why?

See all 3 prompts and get a read

Your chance

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Add your GPA, test scores, and profile to estimate your odds at UVM and build a balanced list.

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Deadlines

Early Action (non-binding)Nov 1

Early Decision I (binding)Nov 1

Early Decision II (binding)Jan 15

Regular DecisionJan 15

Cost

Sticker price$36,772

Avg net after aid$20,084

Meets full needPartial

Read my essay for UVM

Explore UVM

How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what UVM weighs most Supplemental essays3 prompts, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $20,084/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes UVM interview? Format, tips, and practice The UVM Reader ProScore your draft against UVM's exact prompts

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UVM FAQ

What is UVM's acceptance rate?

UVM admits a little under 60 percent of applicants, so it is reachable for strong students but not a sure thing. The supplement is technically optional, yet admissions openly recommends writing one. Treat "optional" as "expected" here: a thoughtful 500 words is one of the cheapest ways to separate yourself in a large applicant pool. At UVM, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does UVM require?

UVM requires 3 supplemental essays on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does UVM cost?

UVM's published sticker price is about $36,772 per year, but the average family pays $20,084 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does UVM require SAT or ACT scores?

UVM is test-optional: you can apply without SAT or ACT scores, and strong scores are just one factor among many when you do submit them.

When are UVM's application deadlines?

UVM's application deadlines are Early Action (non-binding) Nov 1; Early Decision I (binding) Nov 1; Early Decision II (binding) Jan 15; Regular Decision Jan 15. Add UVM to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

Campus photo via Wikipedia.

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