How to strengthen your University of Delaware application

Sign up + add your profile to see your specific gaps for University of Delaware.

Best application round for you

EA gives you an early decision without a binding commitment. Same or slightly better odds than RD.

What University of Delaware weights most

UD values applicants who demonstrate clear interest in applied majors and regional engagement, especially in engineering, Lerner business, agriculture, and fashion merchandising. They favor students with hands-on experience, such as internships, research, FFA or DECA leadership, maker projects, or sustained community work in Delaware/Mid-Atlantic. Compared with more selective flagships, UD is more forgiving of slightly lower test scores if a strong major fit and practical accomplishments are shown, but they are stricter about demonstrated preparation for technical majors and expecting solid STEM grades for engineering applicants.

Supplemental essay strategy

For the "Why UD" or program-specific essay, cite precise opportunities: mention Lerner Center programs or a specific engineering lab, the Clarice Smith Center, the Udairy cooperative, or UD's Summer Scholars/Research programs, and connect one to a past project or career plan. If applying to engineering, business, agriculture, or fashion, name faculty, labs, student organizations (e.g., Blue Hen Aerospace, UD Consulting Group, UD Fashion Group), and describe exactly how you will use UD resources in year one and beyond.

Recommended competitions

Where to focus next

If you only have time for one thing this month, do this:

1. Read 2 admitted-student essays from University of Delaware (search official admissions site or Reddit r/udel). Notice the level of specificity — that's the bar.
2. Write the ‘why this school’ supplement first, before anything else. If you can't fill 250 words with school-specific reasons, pick a different school.
3. Find one current student to ask about their experience — admissions offices often connect prospective applicants with current students. The follow-up email becomes specific essay material.