UO Duck Express Application Workshop

We are excited to be hosting a Duck Express Application Workshop at your high school! We look forward to assisting you with your admissions application.

We recommend that you start your application for admission before the workshop. UO admissions counselors will be present to help you complete and submit the application. To ensure a complete application, come to the workshop prepared with the items listed in the checklist below.

Visit our freshman requirements page for information about how we evaluate your application for admission.

Checklist

• Your email address
  • We send emails and letters to keep you informed of what is needed to complete a file or to notify you about an admission decision
• $65 non-refundable application fee
  • Credit card — Visa or Mastercard
  • Fee waivers are available for students who qualify.
• Unofficial high school transcript — to complete the self-reported academic record.
• Test scores (optional) — Test scores are not required for admission to the UO. If you would like to apply with test scores, they should be submitted to the UO one of the following ways:
  • Send the scores directly from College Board or ACT
  • Send your school's official transcript, which lists your test scores
• Residency information — Provide answers to the items listed below that apply to you:
  • How long have you lived in Oregon?
  • How long have your parents/guardians lived in Oregon?
  • Dates of military service (if applicable)
  • If you are living in the U.S. as a permanent resident or holding a visa classification, you should provide a copy of that status to help determine if you qualify as a resident for tuition purposes.
• Tuition Equity Program
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen and live in Oregon, you may qualify for the Tuition Equity Program.
• Written portions of the application (some are optional) We recommend that you complete your essay(s) before your Duck Express Application Workshop, if possible. We are happy to review your essay(s) and provide feedback.
  • Personal Statement/Essay: Use this space to tell us, in your own unique voice, something about you we cannot find elsewhere on your application. Below is a list of possible topics. When submitting a personal statement or essay, we want you to share what's important to you.
    1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, please share your story.
    2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
    3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
    4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma — anything of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could take to identify a solution.
    5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
    6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
    7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
  • Optional Second Essay: While this essay is not mandatory, we encourage you to use this chance to provide us with additional understanding of who you are.
    As you've looked into what it will be like to attend the University of Oregon, you've hopefully learned about what makes Ducks Ducks. No two are alike, though, so tell us what makes you you, and how that connects to our campus community. We are interested in your thoughts and experiences recognizing difference and supporting equity and inclusion, and choosing one of these two options will guide you in sharing those thoughts. You can learn more about equity and inclusion at Oregon by visiting inclusion.uoregon.edu.
    • Essay Topics: (250—500 words—choose one)
      1. Describe an experience with discrimination, whether it was fighting against discrimination or recognizing your contribution to discriminating against a person or group. What did you learn from the experience? In what ways will you bring those lessons to University of Oregon?
         — or —
      2. The University of Oregon values difference, and we take pride in our diverse community. Please explain how you will share your experiences, values and interests with our community. In what ways can you imagine offering your support to others?
  • Optional special circumstances statement: An optional statement is suggested if you have special circumstances that should be considered as part of your application review. This section can be used for various purposes and gives you an opportunity for discussing any of the following:
    • Your academic record might have included periods of low performance such as grades of D or F, inconsistent or downward trends in grades, or deficiencies in particular subject areas. This might be because of special personal circumstances such as death or illness of a parent, caring for a family member, homelessness, frequent moves, or due to learning disabilities/differences or study habits. If relevant, be sure to let us know what actions you have taken in order to be successful, and what you have learned from the experience.
    • You want to help us better understand how your involvement in activities was limited by work, family obligations, or by the unique setting of your school or community.
    • You need to share other information about yourself that is not provided elsewhere, or UO admissions staff told you to provide certain information in this space
  • Optional Robert D. Clark Honors College (CHC) Essay (if you would like to be considered for admission to the Robert D. Clark Honors College)
    The CHC endeavors to be a diverse and inclusive place. The faculty are involved in the review of applications and are eager to learn about how you think, and how your mind works. The best essays will demonstrate effective storytelling, include thoughtful analysis, synthesize themes in a meaningful way, and give us a sense of your personality and perspective.
    • CHC Essay Prompt: Tell us one specific story about yourself. Choose something that illustrates what you would contribute to the CHC and/or what you hope to get from your time at the CHC (650 words maximum).​​​​​
      Note: All Robert D. Clark Honors College applicants must complete the university application essay requirement and the honors college essay. The UO general essay topics cannot be used to fulfill the Clark Honors College admission essay.
• Apply for aid now by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA). The ORSAA is an alternative to the FAFSA for Dreamer students including students who have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) as well as other undocumented students who are ineligible to submit a FAFSA. Complete one of these applications before March 1 to ensure maximum consideration for all types of financial aid. Note that some UO scholarships require FAFSA or ORSAA submission earlier than March 1. For additional information regarding financial aid, please visit financialaid.uoregon.edu.

Contact

For more information, contact the UO Office of Admissions at 541-346-3201 or at admissions@uoregon.edu or contact your admissions counselor.