Guide for UK students

Applying to US colleges from the UK: the essays

By Elizabeth Shepard, college essay coach and former admissions reader · October 25, 2026

A US application asks UK students for more writing than they expect, and a different kind. Here's every piece of writing you're likely to face, and how to approach each one.

1. The Common App personal essay

Most US colleges use the Common Application, and every school you apply to through it sees the same personal essay: up to 650 words on one of seven broad prompts. It's about you, not your subject. Think of it as the one place in the application where readers hear your voice. See how to choose your Common App prompt.

2. Supplemental essays

Selective colleges usually add their own questions. Common types include:

• “Why us?” Why this college, specifically. Generic praise doesn't work; specific programs, people, and opportunities do. See how to write the “Why this college” essay.
• Community or diversity essays. What communities you belong to and what you'd bring to campus.
• Short answers. Sometimes just a sentence or a list: a favourite book, a word that describes you. Small, but read closely.

Applying to ten colleges can mean writing ten or more additional essays, so start early.

3. The activities list

The Common App asks for up to ten activities, each with a very short description (150 characters). This is where your sport, music, volunteering, jobs, and responsibilities at home go. Write with verbs and numbers, and don't repeat what's here in your essay.

4. University of California essays

The UC system uses its own application, not the Common App: four short Personal Insight Questions chosen from eight, up to 350 words each, due November 30. See the UC Personal Insight Questions guide.

5. Interviews

Some colleges offer interviews, often with alumni, and many can be done over video from the UK. They're usually conversational. Prepare to talk naturally about your interests and why you're applying to the US.

What surprises UK applicants

• You don't have to pick your subject yet. Many US students declare a major in their second year. Showing curiosity across subjects is a strength, not a weakness.
• Personal writing counts. Grades matter, but essays help readers decide between many strong applicants.
• Each college asks different questions. There's no single statement that goes everywhere.
• Deadlines differ. Early deadlines often fall in November and regular deadlines from around January. Check each college's dates.

Applying to the UK and US at the same time?

The UCAS personal statement and the Common App essay need to be two different pieces of writing. Read UCAS personal statement vs. Common App essay for how they differ and what you can reuse.

I coach UK and international students one-on-one over video, scheduled around UK time. The student writes every word. Learn more about coaching for international students.

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