Essays & Short Answers

  • UT Austin Required Essay in the Common App, or
  • Topic A in ApplyTexas
  • Please keep your essay between 500–700 words (typically two to three paragraphs).

Summer/Fall 2024 and Spring 2024 Essay Topic

Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?

Submitting Your Essay

You can submit your essays:

  • In conjunction with your application.
  • Using the Document Upload System in MyStatus.

*Students do not need to submit other Common App essays. We’ll only review what is required,

Short Answers

  • Submit the required short answers to prompts in your admission application.
  • Answers are limited to no more than 40 lines, or about 250–300 words per prompt, typically the length of one paragraph.

Summer/Fall 2024 Prompts

  • Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?
  • Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT.
  • The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is, “To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society.” Please share how you believe your experience at UT Austin will prepare you to “Change the World” after you graduate.

Optional Short Answer

  • Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance.

Spring 2024 Prompts

Submitting your short answers.

You can submit your short answers with either your Common App or Apply Texas application. Short answer responses must be completed in order to submit your application.

  • Transfer applicants must submit one essay responding to Topic A.
  • Applicants to the School of Architecture and Studio Art, Art Education and Art History are required to upload Topic D in addition to Topic A. 

Essay Topics

Topic a (required).

The statement of purpose will provide an opportunity to explain any extenuating circumstances that you feel could add value to your application. You may also want to explain unique aspects of your academic background or valued experiences you may have had that relate to your academic discipline. The statement of purpose is not meant to be a listing of accomplishments in high school/college or a record of your participation in school-related activities. Rather, this is your opportunity to address the admission committee directly and to let us know more about you as an individual, in a manner that your transcripts and the other application information cannot convey.

Topic D (School of Architecture majors and Studio Art, Art Education and Art History majors only)

Personal interaction with objects, images and spaces can be so powerful as to change the way one thinks about particular issues or topics. For your intended area of study (architecture, art history, studio art, visual art studies/art education), describe an experience where instruction in that area or your personal interaction with an object, image or space effected this type of change in your thinking. What did you do to act upon your new thinking and what have you done to prepare yourself for further study in this area?

Submitting Your Essay(s)

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 UT Austin Supplemental Essay Prompts

austin college supplemental essays

The University of Texas at Austin requires all applicants to submit a set of UT Austin supplemental essays. These essays are a great way to utilize creative writing to make yourself memorable and unique. Take this chance to tell your story and run with it. In this article, we will be breaking down each prompt to make each one easier to understand. Let’s go!

See also: How to write a great supplemental essay

Before you begin

  • Multiple writing samples are required, including a supplemental essay and then four short answers (one of the four is optional).
  • UT Austin offers students the opportunity to submit additional materials to strengthen their applications, such as letters of recommendation or an expanded resume

The UT Austin supplemental essay prompt

“Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?” 

The traditional essay prompt is generally between 500 and 700 words. Compared to other supplemental essays, this is not all that long. In addition, this is an essay all about you. UT Austin wants to hear about your story and what makes you special. This is an easy topic to write about your personal experiences versus an essay that asks you to connect it back to the university. 

With that being said, you don’t have to connect it back to the university, but… it  is always a good idea to do so. This way, the people reading it are able to see what you have to offer the University of Texas, and what you bring to the table as a student. 

So, what makes you unique? If you are planning on talking about challenges for this question, we recommend thinking twice about writing about the Pandemic. This is because although you may have a unique experience, the pandemic was a challenge that everyone had to live through. Pick a challenge that is unique to you, one that makes you you . In addition to that, in the optional short answer, you have the opportunity to talk about the challenges that you were presented with during the Pandemic. 

Short answers

As mentioned above, you’ll need to write three short answer questions (and have the option to write one additional one). These can be quick and easy, but extremely influential to the college admissions process. Each response should be between 250 and 300 words.

Short answer #1

“Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?”

This is a simple question, and easy to answer in less than 300 words. Maybe you have always known what you wanted to study in college, or maybe you are still figuring it out– whatever the case may be, just be open, honest, and concise when you speak about this topic. 

Short answer #2

“Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community, or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT.”

In this short answer, they are offered  the opportunity to talk about the things you are passionate about. Take this and run with it! This is one of the things that makes students stand out among the crowd– what they are passionate about and why. The trick here is connecting it back to how it currently benefits you as a student, and how it will continue to benefit you as a student. 

An example of this could be a student organization that taught you about accountability. From being in a leadership position in this organization, you learned accountability, which helped you to be a better student because you were more apt to be on time with assignments, get ahead on your schoolwork, and to hold yourself accountable. Learning these things early on helped you to build healthy learning habits that you will carry with you into college. 

Short answer #3

“The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is, “To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society.” Please share how you believe your experience at UT-Austin will prepare you to “Change the World” after you graduate.”

This is arguably one of the more important short answers that UT – Austin asks you to write. They want to know that you hold similar values to their founders and the existing student body, and that you will be a good fit for their university holistically, not just academically. 

There are so many different directions that you could take this question. First, think about what you want to do with your degree after college. Then ask yourself, “What can I do at UT Austin that will not only transform my life, but how can what I learn from that experience that will help me be able to transform others’ lives as well”? This is a loaded question, and a lot more than you might be able to answer right now. Just try to be idealistic and think of your future. 

Optional short answer

“Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance. If your response to this question is similar to one of the Common App Personal Essays, feel free to simply copy and paste the important parts of your essay here. Please limit your response to 250-300 words.”

This one is quick, easy, and a short answer that everyone should answer if their situation warrants. This is your opportunity to let UT Austin know about your struggles and help them understand your story a bit better. 

Closing thoughts for students

It is completely understandable if you are feeling overwhelmed after reading through all of these prompts. The only thing that you can do is try your best and be honest about who you are–in other words, stay true to yourself. The college admissions professionals at the University of Texas – Austin simply want to get to know you as a person, and that is why they are asking you so many questions! Remember, the prompts are not meant to make you feel overwhelmed or scared by any means. 

Additional resources

At Scholarships360, we understand that the college admissions process is a long and strenuous process. We want to make things easier for you, so we’ve curated a pretty extensive list of tips and tricks to help you out. Learn how to write an essay about yourself and perfect writing both  250  or  500 word essays. We can help you figure out how many colleges to apply to , and after,  how to make your college application shine . We wish you luck, and remind you to apply for all the scholarships you are eligible for! 

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UT Austin Supplemental Essays 2023-24

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As one of the top public universities in the United States, the University of Texas Austin ( UT Austin ) is a popular choice for many students. Housed within the University of Texas System , UT Austin attracts students from all over the world. An integral part of any application is the UT Austin supplemental essays. Impactful and well-written essays will help your application stand out and allow UT Austin admissions officers to better understand your unique qualifications and personality.

The UT Austin supplemental essays may be only one part of your larger UT Austin application , but they should be taken seriously. This means that you’ll want to carefully and comprehensively respond to each of the UT Austin essay prompts. 

The UT Austin essay prompts are designed to give admissions officers a deeper look into your motivations and goals. Your UT Austin essays can help paint a holistic picture beyond your Common App essay and resume. With UT Austin ranking highly across multiple lists (including U.S. News and Forbes ), ensuring that your essays stand out is crucial. 

For many students, starting the UT Austin essays can feel daunting–especially given the competitive UT Austin acceptance rate. However, we’re here to help! This guide will detail the UT Austin essay prompts and help you work through the University of Texas supplemental essays. Keep reading to learn more about the UT Austin supplemental essays and the best way to help your essays stand out. 

UT Austin Admissions: Quick Facts

University of texas at austin quick facts.

  • UT Austin Acceptance Rate : 31%– U.S News ranks UT Austin #9 on its Top Public Schools list. You can read more about UT Austin’s acceptance rate here .
  • 1 long-form essay (500-700 words) 
  • 3 short answer essays (250-300 words) 
  • UT Austin Application : Students can submit their application through the Common App , or through the Apply Texas application. 
  • Priority Deadline: November 1 st  
  • Regular Deadline: December 1 st  
  • UT Austin Essay Tip : Start your UT Austin supplemental essays early! With so many UT Austin essay prompts, you’ll want to make sure you have enough time to edit and receive feedback. Give yourself several weeks at a minimum, and start earlier if you can! 

Does UT Austin have supplemental essays?

Yes, there are several required UT Austin supplemental essays. Students will need to complete a long-form essay unique to UT Austin, as well as several short-answer essays. These UT Austin supplemental essays help admissions officers understand your application on a deeper level. Therefore, they can help your UT Austin application stand out. 

The UT Austin essay prompts are designed to help you showcase your proudest achievements. The University of Texas Austin supplemental essays allow you to elaborate on your high school experiences – be sure to think through your responses carefully! Think of the UT Austin essays as an opportunity to demonstrate who you are and what you’re passionate about. We’ll detail the UT Austin essay prompts later in this guide, so keep reading! 

UT Austin Essay Requirements

ut austin supplemental essays

According to the UT Austin website , students need to complete a total of four UT Austin essays. The UT Austin supplemental essays will differ if you are a transfer student (we’ll get into this later in this guide). For first-year students, the UT Austin supplemental essays will include one 500-700-word essay and three 250-300-word short-answer essays. The UT Austin essay prompts can be found on the Common App, or the Apply Texas portal, but we will also detail them in this guide. 

The long-form essay prompt for the 2023-24 application cycle is: 

University of Texas at Austin Essay Prompt

Tell us your story. what unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today.

This essay will need to be between 500-700 words. Students will not need to submit other Common App essays to UT Austin. Therefore, you can think of this essay as replacing the standard Common App essay that many other colleges use. 

We’ll discuss some more detailed tips later in this guide, but you should focus on 1-2 core experiences for this essay. 500-700 words is not a lot of space, so it’s important to be mindful of how you use your words. Reflect on who you are today, and try to identify 1-2 things that have shaped you. This can be a club or leadership opportunity, a work experience, or your family/cultural background. The UT Austin essays help admissions officers learn more about you, so think about what you want them to know!

Of course, as you now know, this isn’t the only essay you’ll need to write–it’s simply the longest! Let’s check out the short-answer essay prompts!

UT Austin Short Answer Essays

ut austin supplemental essays

In addition to the long-form essay detailed above, students will need to complete three separate UT Austin supplemental essays. All of these essays have a word count of 250-300 words. So, it’s important to be efficient with your answers. Think of these UT Austin supplemental essays as part of a collective whole – try to build themes between each prompt that will help with your overall application narrative. Each essay should add new information to your application. 

Here are the UT Austin essay prompts: 

University of Texas at Austin Short Answer Essay Prompt #1

Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major.

This prompt is best described as a “Why Major” essay. You’ve most likely seen similar prompts in other college apps. Our guide on  Why Major Essay Examples will allow you to see how these essays should be written. Check it out before tackling your University of Texas supplemental essays. In fact, reading essay examples can help inspire you when writing your essays! 

Keep in mind that out of all the UT Austin application essays, this essay requires the most research on UT Austin’s programs. Most importantly, you should be specific in your reasons for applying to your chosen major. So, be sure to search for relevant coursework, professors, and research opportunities. 

University of Texas at Austin Short Answer Essay Prompt # 2

Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community, or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at ut..

This essay is an opportunity to highlight an extracurricular activity, job experience, or leadership skill for the UT Austin admissions officers. Resist the urge to write about the same experiences as the previous prompt. You may notice that this prompt is similar to the long-form answer prompt, so it’s important to write about a different topic and focus on how you’ll make an impact at UT Austin. 

Research similar clubs/leadership opportunities at UT Austin and link them to your experiences. Mention how you’ll build from your high school experiences. As the University of Texas Austin supplemental essays help build a cohesive narrative, you can connect this essay to your long-form essay, but be sure to have a fresh perspective. 

University of Texas at Austin Short Answer Essay Prompt # 3

The core purpose of the university of texas at austin is, “to transform lives for the benefit of society.” please share how you believe your experience at ut austin will prepare you to “change the world” after you graduate..

This essay allows you to imagine your future career goals and how UT Austin will help prepare you to accomplish them. If you’re still not sure what you’d like to pursue after college, the UT Austin essay prompts can help you detail larger-scale goals. Do you want to pursue a graduate degree, start your own business, or help solve a difficult problem? Make sure to build connections to resources available at UT Austin specifically! 

UT Austin Transfer Essays

austin college supplemental essays

It’s important to note that if you are a transfer student, your UT Austin essay prompts will differ slightly. The University of Texas supplemental essays are designed to encapsulate a student’s experiences and qualifications. So, it’s understandable that transfer students have different UT Austin application essays. 

Transfer students must complete two UT Austin supplemental essays, both between 500-700 words. The UT Austin essay prompts are different for transfer students, but they offer the same opportunity to directly address the admissions committee. These UT Austin essays will help determine if you are a good fit, so it’s important to spend adequate time and energy on them. 

All prospective transfer students must complete “Topic A” as the first of two UT Austin supplemental essays:

University of Texas at Austin Transfer Essay Topic A 

The statement of purpose will provide an opportunity to explain any extenuating circumstances that you feel could add value to your application. you may also want to explain unique aspects of your academic background or valued experiences you may have had that relate to your academic discipline. the statement of purpose is not meant to be a listing of accomplishments in high school/college or a record of your participation in school-related activities. rather, this is your opportunity to address the admission committee directly and to let us know more about you as an individual, in a manner that your transcripts and the other application information cannot convey..

Out of all the University of Texas Austin supplemental essays, this prompt is the most open-ended. The personal statement is meant to help you communicate directly with the admissions office, and provide a narrative around who you are as a student. Your UT Austin essays can help explain aspects of your resume or transcript and provide a more holistic sense of your accomplishments. Out of the two transfer UT Austin essay prompts, Topic A allows you to paint a broader picture of your academic experiences. 

Focus on 2-3 aspects of your resume or transcript, and try to build a cohesive narrative around them. Discuss what you studied at your previous university, and talk about your goals at UT Austin. Ideally, use the University of Texas supplemental essays as a way to break down your accomplishments so they stand out in your application. 

Transfer students then need to pick another one of two UT Austin essay prompts in order to complete their application, “Topic C” or “Topic E”. Here are the prompts:  

University of Texas at Austin Transfer Essay Topic C

There may be personal information that you want considered as part of your admissions application. write an essay describing that information. you might include exceptional hardships, challenges or opportunities that have shaped or impacted your abilities or academic credentials, personal responsibilities, exceptional achievements or talents, educational goals or ways in which you might contribute to an institution committed to creating a diverse learning environment.  , university of texas at austin transfer essay topic e, choose an issue of importance to you—it could be personal, school-related, local, political or international in scope—and write an essay in which you explain the significance of that issue to yourself, your family, your community or your generation..

Picking between these two UT Austin essay prompts can be difficult – if you’re not sure which to choose, try to draft a thesis sentence for both. You may then have a better idea of which of the two UT Austin essays will complete your application. It’s important to differentiate your UT Austin application essays, so as to avoid redundancy. Make sure you’re discussing different ideas, experiences, and accomplishments in each essay. Most importantly, write on topics that you’re passionate about. The only way to write an authentic, moving essay is if you truly care about the theme. 

Additionally, you can use this essay to build on a common theme in your application. But, be sure to use the UT Austin supplemental essays to cast a wide net. The more you’re able to communicate across your University of Texas supplemental essays, the better you’ll be able to explain why you’re a good fit for UT Austin! 

How to write UT Austin Supplemental Essays

Writing your UT Austin supplemental essays can feel daunting, so we’ve compiled some tips to help! Most importantly, give yourself the time to prepare and map out your answers. This will make the writing process easier, and ideally, less stressful! Additionally, it will ensure that you write your best UT Austin essays possible!

Here are five tips on how to write your University of Texas Austin supplemental essays: 

Five Tips for Writing University of Texas at Austin Supplemental Essay

1. answer all parts of the prompt.

The UT Austin essay prompts are designed to allow you to elaborate on your resume and overall application. Therefore, it’s important to touch on all aspects of the question. Many students will only address one part of the prompt; however, your University of Texas Austin supplemental essays serve as the best opportunity to speak directly with the admissions office. They developed the UT Austin essay prompts to help them understand you as an applicant. This means you need to address every part of each prompt. When reading through your first draft, ask yourself “Does this answer all parts of the question?”. If it doesn’t, be sure to expand!

2. Rank your accomplishments

With so many UT Austin essays, it can be easy to keep focusing on your top achievements. However, you want to use each essay strategically – the UT Austin essay prompts allow you to expand on many different aspects of your resume. Alternatively, you may want to write on a topic that hasn’t been seen elsewhere in your application. With so many possible paths to take in your responses, a good place to start the essay writing process is to rank your top accomplishments or most meaningful experiences. Then, match them with the different UT Austin essay prompts. This will ensure your UT Austin supplemental essays cover a wide range of experiences. 

3. Create a cohesive narrative 

While you may write them one at a time, the admissions officers will read all your University of Texas Austin supplemental essays all at once. The most impressive UT Austin essays build a cohesive narrative around a student’s accomplishments and goals. If you want to become a doctor, make sure your essays echo this – bring up any experience you have in the medical field or connect your essays to your passion for medicine. You don’t want to be too repetitive but think of 1-2 major themes you want your UT Austin application essays to convey. 

4. Do your research!

Many of the UT Austin essay prompts want to know how you’ll contribute to the overall campus environment. Therefore, it’s important to conduct extensive research for your University of Texas supplemental essays. Spend ample time on the UT Austin website, or consider booking a visit if you’re able. Use specific examples in your UT Austin supplemental essays to help the admissions officers understand your interest. Through these essays, admissions officers should be able to envision the positive impact you’ll have on the UT Austin campus. 

5. Plan ahead 

With so many UT Austin essay prompts, it’s important to plan ahead to make sure you’re able to craft the best University of Texas supplemental essays. You’ll have to spend significant time and effort on your UT Austin supplemental essays. Don’t wait until the day before the admissions deadline to write your UT Austin essays! Create a calendar for yourself to help you stay on track. The earlier you start your essays, the better! Stay organized and focused to ensure you give all of the UT Austin supplemental essays the time they deserve! 

Does UT Austin care about essays?

ut austin supplemental essays

Given the high amount of UT Austin essay prompts, it’s fair to say that your UT Austin supplemental essays matter. The University of Austin supplemental essays allow admissions officers to better understand your application. The UT Austin essays should paint a holistic picture for the admissions office of you as an applicant. Therefore, it’s important that they are an authentic reflection of your accomplishments and personality. With the competitive UT Austin acceptance rate, your University of Texas supplemental essays will need to stand out. 

It’s hard to say exactly how the UT Austin essay prompts factor into the admissions process, but we know that they can greatly add to your application. The UT Austin essays are the best chance you have to speak directly with the admissions office, so it’s crucial that you develop a unique voice. Ensuring that your UT Austin essays reflect your personality and experiences will help your application significantly! 

How to make your UT Austin Essays stand out!

ut austin supplemental essays

Overall, crafting your UT Austin supplemental essays to highlight your proudest accomplishments will help your application stand out. The UT Austin essay prompts are designed to help bring out what you’re most proud of, so be sure to answer all aspects of the prompt for each question. And, most importantly, choose your topics carefully!

For your Why Major essay, make solid connections between your extracurricular experiences and your intended major – this will help your University of Texas Austin supplemental essays feel cohesive. For example, if you’re planning to major in business, be sure to discuss any entrepreneurial experiences you’ve had or focus on how you’ve developed an interest in business through clubs. Making strong connections in each of your University of Texas supplemental essays will help your application stand out. 

In addition to the mandatory UT Austin essay prompts, there is an optional essay for students who wish to expand on additional circumstances: 

University of Texas at Austin Optional Essay Prompt

Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance..

Many students have experienced disruptions to their high school academics, or want to provide context to a dip in grades. If you had a rough semester, this essay prompt allows you to address it formally. Some students explain difficult situations at home that impacted their performance or detail a difficult class or two. It’s up to you if you’d like to complete this essay. But if you’ve had a drop in grades, it can be a good idea to use this opportunity to explain the circumstances. Responding to this optional essay if it pertains to you, will allow admissions to better understand your application as a whole. 

Resources on the Best Schools in Texas from CollegeAdvisor

In addition to helping you with your UT Austin supplemental essays, CollegeAdvisor has many resources to help you on your college journey. Be sure to read our guides on the Apply Texas Essays and the Best Colleges in Texas . We also have extensive guides on UT Austin, including UT Austin Scholarships and How to Get Into UT Austin . 

Our guides can help you as you answer the UT Austin essay prompts and craft your University of Texas supplemental essays. The University of Texas Austin supplemental essays are only one part of the overall application, so it’s important you’re prepared! Researching the university and application process will allow you to have the best chances of gaining admission to your dream school. Preparation is everything when it comes to writing college essays.

UT Austin Supplemental Essays – Final Thoughts

Your UT Austin supplemental essays can help admissions officers understand you on a deeper level.  Additionally, they should explain why you’re interested in attending UT Austin. The UT Austin essay prompts are designed to round out your application, providing some context for your resume and activities list. It’s important to plan your University of Texas Austin supplemental essays ahead of time in order to avoid repetition and to make sure that they highlight all of your proudest accomplishments. 

Think of your University of Texas supplemental essays as a single assignment, rather than many different essays. They should build off of each other, reflect common themes, and provide a detailed overview of your accomplishments and interests. The University of Texas Austin supplemental essays are the best way to showcase your talents and make your application shine. Be intentional with each essay, and see each UT Austin essay prompt as part of a larger whole. 

Writing about yourself can be challenging; however, the more practice you have, the better. It’s important to use the UT Austin supplemental essays to your advantage, as they can provide a great boost to your application. Write many drafts for each essay, and be sure to collect robust feedback. These essays are your canvas – decide what kind of picture you want to paint!

ut austin supplemental essays

This essay guide was written by senior advisor, Jess Klein . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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2 Awesome UT Austin Essay Examples

austin college supplemental essays

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the hardest colleges to get into in Texas . With a competitive acceptance rate, the school is moderately selective. Writing strong essays, however, will certainly boost your chances. 

UT Austin requires one long essay and three short answers, with an additional optional short answer question. There are also a handful of program-specific prompts. 

In this post, we’ll analyze sample essays written by a real applicants, sharing what they did well and what could be improved.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our UT Austin essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts. 

Essay Example #1

Prompt: Using a favorite quotation from an essay or book you have read in the last three years as a starting point, tell us about an event or experience that helped you define one of your values or changed how you approach the world. Please write the quotation, title and author at the beginning of your essay (prompt from the 2020-2021 cycle). 

“Fortunately, among these people a man was judged according to his worth and not according to the worth of his father.”

– Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart 

Like most children, I aspired to my father. 

I saw my dad as an image of whom I wanted to be. Charismatic, genuine, respected among his peers – he embodied the qualities I saw essential to being a successful person. 

The most appealing to me, however, was my father’s medical background. As the first person to attend university in our extended family, he had always been revered for his accomplishment of becoming a doctor. 

As a direct consequence, biology was a keen passion during my childhood. I remember how each evening, as I was being tucked into bed, I would unload an avalanche of questions on my dad, many of them amusingly simple such as: If my body is 70% water, why don’t I have water spilling out of my finger every time I get a papercut? In school, I’d stay after class to probe my teachers about the topics I had read of but did not yet comprehend. And anytime I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I, without a whiff of doubt, bolted out I was going to be a doctor. 

However, as I got older, I developed new interests – in particular, social science and leadership – which did not always align with my childhood goals of medicine and biology. 

With this dichotomy in my mind, I decided to spend my sophomore summer volunteering at a hospital. 

Once there, it suddenly dawned on me that, for my entire life, I had viewed being a doctor through rose-tinted glasses since the reality of being a medical professional differed wildly from my perceptions. The dozens of biology textbooks I had read had not prepared me for a single drop of blood, as seeing just one could send me into an exhausting realm of dizziness. With every additional day of volunteering, it became painfully clear – I could not follow in my father’s footsteps. 

Disappointed, I began contemplating what made my experience in the hospital so bad and if anything could be done to improve people’s – whether patients’, doctors’, or volunteers’ like myself – experience. Then, a light-bulb switched on: what if I could improve the look of the hospital? As it stood, the hospital was incredibly run-down and inspired depression rather than hope. 

With a goal to improve the hospital’s appearance and thus create a friendlier environment for the people inside, I started the Better Setting – Better Getting project, which was going to decorate the hospital with photographs of nature. Having done so, there was a question of financing ー with the hospital administration over-budget, I had to source the funding entirely from the private sector. It was challenging but, a few dozen cold-calls and a handful of live-pitches later, I found a corporate partner that recognised my vision. Finally, I was ready to make my goal a reality. Legal roadblocks and printing nuances still stood in the way, but, with the enthusiastic support of the hospital community, I was able to navigate my way through. Today, dozens of wall-sized nature photos emit joy and hope into the halls of the hospital. 

My hospital volunteering, which had begun with heartbreak and disillusion, turned out to be a defining experience of self-discovery. It helped me close my chapter on medicine, a chapter I had so often doubted, and helped me validate my passion for leadership; it allowed me to operate free of doubt, knowing that I don’t have to follow my father’s footsteps. Above all, it made me realise that, although I would never be a doctor, I could nonetheless have a positive impact on society in my very own way.

What the Essay Did Well

The author begins with a quote from a historical fiction novel that the author has read. Although their essay topic doesn’t tie directly in with the novel’s plot, the quote they chose is profound and serves as a hook that piques the reader’s interest about the essay subject. 

The author starts the essay by mentioning their father. Their use of first person and writing style makes their first lines seem like the narration at the beginning of a film. This introduction draws the reader in as it seems like the author is building up to something. Similarly, your introduction should start as if you are telling a story to provide the most engaging experience for the reader. 

The author then delves more into their father’s background and describes his medical prowess by showing, rather than telling, readers about it. Instead of saying that his father is exceptional, the author presents a specific detail about how he was the first in his family to attend university. Phrasing your writing like this allows the reader to infer through descriptive detail rather than simply absorbing your words at face value. Ensuring that you create this immersive writing style might take more time, but it is worth it as it will make your essay more memorable to admissions officers.

Eventually, the third-to-last paragraph is the climactic point the reader has been waiting for. It is the most important part of the essay ー it’s time for the author to describe how they grew from the incident. During this portion of your essay, you should take readers through your thought process as you begin to formulate a solution for your conflict. It is not enough to say that you learned something new or to merely state that you felt like a changed person. You must provide concrete examples of how you reached a solution and what that solution entailed. Here, the author mentions their distaste for the hospital, specifically, its aesthetic. This sets readers up to hear their solution. 

In the next paragraph, the author describes how they resolved part of their issues with the hospital and were able to grow into their new career path. When detailing your solution, make sure you are centering yourself as the agent of change and give specific details as to your specific impact in your environment. In this essay, the author doesn’t just say “I learned that I had a passion for business.” Rather, they show readers how their skills developed and mention specific steps they took, like live pitching and navigating legal roadblocks. 

The author concludes this essay by summarizing their journey and bringing their essay back to their chosen quote. By wrapping up their essay in this manner, they underscore their growth in a way that flows well and is easy to read. Furthermore, their open-ended, future-facing final thoughts demonstrate that they intend to continue growing. This inclusion is a key part of any good essay; ending your essay on a strong, future-facing note evokes confidence and illustrates a readiness for the challenges that come with college and beyond.

What Could Be Improved

One area of improvement for this essay is that the section on their transformation is relatively brief. The author spends multiple paragraphs giving context but only dedicates one to the actions behind their growth. The author might want to trim other areas of the essay in order to fully develop this paragraph. They could describe what they did more thoroughly, and really delve into the steps they took to carry out the mentioned processes like so:

Essay Example #2

Prompt: Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?

I woke up. The curtains filtered the sun rays, hitting my face directly. I got up, looked from the bathroom to the kitchen, but my dad wasn’t there. I plopped on the couch, then the door opened. My dad walked in, clutching a brown paper bag with ninety-nine cent breakfast tacos. After eating, we drove to a customer’s house. He sat me in a chair, lifted the floorboard, and crawled under the house to fix the pipes. As he emerged, he talked, but my mind drifted to the weight of the eleven-millimeter hex wrench in my hand. My interest in mechanical engineering originates from my dad, who was a plumber. When I was fifteen, my dad passed away from cancer that constricted his throat. Holding his calloused hand on his deathbed, I wanted to prevent the suffering of others from cancer. Two years later, when I was given a topic of choice for my chemistry research paper, I stumbled upon an article about gold nanoparticles used for HIV treatment. I decided to steer the topic of gold nanoparticles used for cancer treatment instead, entering the field of nanotechnology. After reading numerous articles and watching college lectures on YouTube, I was utterly captivated by topics like using miniscule devices to induce hyperthermia as a safe method of cancer treatment. Nanotechnology is multi-disciplinary, reinforcing my interest in pursuing mechanical engineering as a gateway to participate in nanoscience and nanotechnology research at the University of Texas at Austin. I have learned that nanotechnology is not limited to stories like mine, but to other issues such as sustainable energy and water development that I hope to work towards. It is important for me to continue helping others without forfeiting my interest in nanotechnology, working in collaboration with both engineering and the medical field.

The introduction of this essay stands out for its narrative style. The first sentences only give hints of the story to come, which builds intrigue and keeps the reader engaged. The introduction transitions seamlessly into a vivid, personal story that shows where the author’s academic interests come from. Using a short anecdote like the one in this essay is the most effective way to explain your major choice.

The author then guides readers through their intellectual journey of discovering their academic passions. They demonstrate their passion by discussing specific details about cancer treatments and nanotechnology. Indeed, “nerding out” over your intellectual interests is an excellent way to prove that you are highly motivated to learn about them in college.

Lastly, the end of the essay looks forward to the future. We learn that the author’s dream is to cure cancer, and they want to do it by gaining multidisciplinary knowledge about engineering and medicine. We learn too that UT Austin is a part of the author’s vision. They show their interest in the school by discussing more than the major they want to pursue at UT Austin, highlighting research and the opportunity to explore new applications of nanotechnology.

The main area for improvement in this essay is its formatting. While formatting is far less important than the content of an essay, it can do much more than you would think to make your essay more impactful. This essay only needs one formatting change — paragraph spacing. Here is an example of the improvements:

I woke up. 

The curtains filtered the sun rays, hitting my face directly. I got up, looked from the bathroom to the kitchen, but my dad wasn’t there. I plopped on the couch, then the door opened. My dad walked in, clutching a brown paper bag with ninety-nine cent breakfast tacos. 

After eating, we drove to a customer’s house. He sat me in a chair, lifted the floorboard, and crawled under the house to fix the pipes. As he emerged, he talked, but my mind drifted to the weight of the eleven-millimeter hex wrench in my hand. 

My interest in mechanical engineering originates from my dad, who was a plumber. When I was fifteen, my dad passed away from cancer that constricted his throat. Holding his calloused hand on his deathbed, I wanted to prevent the suffering of others from cancer. 

Two years later, when I was given a topic of choice for my chemistry research paper, I stumbled upon an article about gold nanoparticles used for HIV treatment. I decided to steer the topic of gold nanoparticles used for cancer treatment instead, entering the field of nanotechnology. After reading numerous articles and watching college lectures on YouTube, I was utterly captivated by topics like using miniscule devices to induce hyperthermia as a safe method of cancer treatment. 

Nanotechnology is multi-disciplinary, reinforcing my interest in pursuing mechanical engineering as a gateway to participate in nanoscience and nanotechnology research at the University of Texas at Austin. I have learned that nanotechnology is not limited to stories like mine, but to other issues such as sustainable energy and water development that I hope to work towards. 

It is important for me to continue helping others without forfeiting my interest in nanotechnology, working in collaboration with both engineering and the medical field.

This new paragraph spacing makes the essay much easier to read. Separating certain parts into paragraphs puts powerful emphasis on the ideas that need them; for example, turning the sentence “I woke up” into its own paragraph creates a captivating hook that intrigues readers into finding out what happens next.

With the new format, it is also easier to see that the fourth paragraph would benefit from a few transitional phrases. To connect the author’s interests in mechanical engineering and cancer solutions, the paragraph could be reworded like so: 

My interest in mechanical engineering originates from my dad, who was a plumber. My interest in finding solutions to cancer — and how mechanical engineering could create them — comes from my dad too. When I was fifteen, he passed away from cancer that constricted his throat. Holding his calloused hand on his deathbed, I wanted to prevent the suffering of others from cancer. 

Where to Get Your UT Austin Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your UT Austin essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. In fact,  Alexander Oddo , an essay expert on CollegeVine, provided commentary on the essays in this post. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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How to write the ut austin supplemental essays + examples.

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Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 10/23/23

Writing the UT Austin essays requires introspection, creativity, and time! To learn how to ace this application component, read on!

University of Texas at Austin clock tower

If you’re planning on applying to the University of Texas and are making your way down your application checklist, you may hit a roadblock when it comes to the supplemental essays . 

These essays often prove to be the most demanding aspect of college applications, as they call for transforming your thoughts into captivating words and leaving a lasting impression on the admissions committee. But fear not! This guide has got you covered! In it, we’ll break down each of the UT Austin essays. 

UT Austin Supplemental Essay Prompts 2023-2024

Student writing essay in notebook

Before we delve into how to write the UT Austin supplemental essays , let’s go over the prompts. You’ll be required to answer one essay prompt and a few short answers. 

The required essay prompt should be around 500-700 words , typically two the three paragraphs. However, your responses to the short answer prompts should be no more than 40 lines or 250-300 words . 

Required Essay Prompt #1

“Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?”

Short Answer Prompt #2

“ Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?”

Short Answer Prompt #3

“ Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community, or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT.”

Short Answer Prompt #4

“ The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is ‘To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society.’ Please share how you believe your experience at UT Austin will prepare you to ‘Change the World’ after you graduate.”

Optional Short Answer Prompt #5

Students may also answer the following short answer if it applies to them:

“Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance.”

How to Write Each Essay Prompt for UT Austin

Now, we’ll delve into how to answer each of UT Austin’s prompts to ensure your responses are original, insightful, and interesting! We’ll go through specific UT Austin essay requirements and also provide successful essay examples to begin your creative process. 

Two female students writing essays

How to Write UT Austin Required Essay #1 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of UT Austin’s required essay prompt : This prompt, by asking you to “tell your story,” calls for some personal reflection on your life so far. UT Austin wants to get to know you as a well-rounded person beyond your application materials. They want to know the things that have shaped and formed you in your life. 

The various opportunities and challenges you’ve experienced say a lot about who you are. By asking you to tell these anecdotes, the admissions committee wants to see you display humility, self-awareness, gratitude, and a desire to learn and grow. Think deeply about significant moments in your life and how they have made you different. 

To write a strong essay for UT Austin, consider following these tips:

Tip #1: Dig into Your High School Memories

Female student looking at photos

Time for a little throwback session! Sit down with a cup of coffee, tea, or whatever else floats your boat, and start digging up all those unique experiences you had during high school. For most of you, you’re likely in your senior year, so this shouldn’t be too hard!

Remember those times when life threw something special at you or maybe even knocked you off your feet? Jot all of these memories down so you can go through them and pick the most meaningful ones to talk about. 

Tip #2: Find the Common Thread

Now that you've got a bunch of high school memories in front of you, see if there's a common theme or a big idea that ties them together. It could be a passion, a challenge you faced head-on, or a turning point that changed the game for you.

Tip #3: Be Descriptive!

Get creative with your writing! Paint a picture with your words. Make your essay engaging and fun to read. You want those admissions officers to be hooked from the start to the finish. 

Tip #4: Get Real and Vulnerable

text that says "Be honest"

No need to put on a show here to worry about what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Be yourself! 

Share your stories and feelings with authenticity. The admissions committee wants to see the genuine you, not some perfectly polished version. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable, share your feelings and emotions, and demonstrate your growth.

Tip #5: Talk About Unique Opportunities

Share those opportunities that set you apart from the crowd. Maybe it was an internship, a special extracurricular , a passion project , or a chance to travel. 

Show them how these experiences opened up new doors and helped you grow.

Tip #6: Face the Challenges, No Holding Back

Person climbing mountain

Life's not always rainbows and sunshine. The admissions committee wants to hear about your struggles and your ability to overcome them. So, discuss those tough moments that you thought you’d never get through, how you pushed on, and what you learned along the way.

Show the committee how all these experiences—the good, the bad, and the ugly—shaped the awesome person you are today. 

Tip #7: End On a High Note

End your essay with a forward-looking approach. You’ve spent most of your essay reminiscing about high school and the lessons you learned from it. Now think about what’s next! 

Offer the admissions committee some insight into your academic and career aspirations. Talk about how you plan on fulfilling these goals at UT Austin and what you plan on contributing to this school!

How to Write UT Austin Short Answer #2 + Analysis and Tips

Textbooks lined up

Short answer #1 analysis : The first short answer is relatively straightforward. There’s a reason you chose your intended major, and now’s your time to demonstrate your passion and explain why your selected program interests you! 

UT Austin is dedicated to making a real difference in the world, so it’s essential you take your essay beyond the realms of your immediate college career. Think about what you’ll do with your education and how you’ll impact those around you!

Keep these tips in mind to ensure you nail this short answer:

  • Showcase your passion and genuine interest : Avoid essay topics that you think the committee wants to hear. Instead, ensure your sincere passion for the major you've selected is evident throughout your essay. Explain why it excites you and what specific aspects of the subject matter resonate with you.
  • Connect to your background : Reflect on any relevant events, challenges, or opportunities that influenced your decision. Share one or two brief anecdotes or stories that demonstrate how your experiences have shaped your aspirations and academic path. This will make your essay personal and engaging. 
  • Highlight your skills and alignment with UT Austin : Explain how your skills, strengths, and natural abilities align with the chosen major. Describe specific talents or aptitudes that you possess and how they complement the demands of your academic program and profession.
  • Emphasise UT Austin's program and opportunities : Demonstrate your knowledge and interest in UT Austin's program. Research its offerings, faculty members, research opportunities, and distinctive features related to your chosen major. Explain how these aspects appeal to you and align with your goals.
  • Discuss your future aspirations : Share your long-term aspirations and how pursuing this major will enable you to make a positive impact in your chosen field and beyond. Discuss how you envision using the knowledge and skills gained from this program to contribute to society or address real-world challenges. 

How to Write UT Austin Short Answer #3 + Analysis and Tips 

Students volunteering

Short answer #2 analysis : With this prompt, UT Austin wants to see drive and commitment to make a difference in the university community as well as proof that you’ve made a difference in other spaces as well. 

This question should demonstrate self-awareness, passion, and motivation. UT Austin wants to know how your past experiences have brought you to where you are, and they also want to know more about your future aspirations. 

By demonstrating your potential to have a positive impact both in and out of the classroom, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate that will make great contributions to the UT community!

Implement these tips into your second short answer response:

  • Highlight your key qualities and experiences : Provide an overview of the experiences, perspectives, talents, and leadership activities that define you as an individual but avoid listing them without adding context and depth. Explain how they contribute to your overall character and worldview.
  • Emphasize leadership skills and potential : Discuss your involvement in leadership activities. Illustrate how you have taken initiative, influenced others, or demonstrated a commitment to creating positive change. All of these traits are highly valued by UT Austin!
  • Talk about your future : Demonstrate how your specific attributes and experiences will allow you to make a positive impact both in and out of the classroom at UT Austin. Explain how your perspectives and background have shaped your understanding of different issues and will enrich class discussions.
  • Connect back to UT Austin : Show that you have done your research on UT Austin's values, culture, and community. Explain how your experiences, perspectives, and talents align with the university's mission and how you plan to contribute to the campus environment. 
  • Be genuine and specific : Throughout your essay, be authentic and avoid any vagueness. Share specific anecdotes and examples to illustrate your points, and be descriptive! Show, don't tell, and immerse your readers into your experiences so they connect to them better.

How to Write UT Austin Short Answer #4 + Analysis and Tips

Person holding small globe

Short answer #3 analysis : This short answer is one of the more challenging UT Austin essays. It requires students to look ahead past their college career and think critically about how they plan on bettering the world. 

While the previous questions are focused on your passions in a more general sense, this prompt asks you to think about your aspirations at UT Austin specifically. How does your desire to attend UT Austin connect to your dreams and goals? 

Here are some tips on how to approach this question:

Tip #1: Be Realistic

The admissions committee isn’t looking for any sappy or exaggerated goals. They aren’t expecting you to cure cancer or find life on Mars. 

Think about what realistic impact you want to have on the world. Whether it be changing the lives of your patients as a healthcare worker, helping address social issues, or simply being a strong advocate for the environment, any effort to better the lives of others counts!

Tip #2: Be Specific

Don’t make vague statements about your passion to change the world, healthcare, poverty, or any other broad topic. Be specific and clearly state your long-term aspirations and the specific ways you envision changing the world after graduation. 

Think about who exactly you want to help, what issue you aim to address, and the tools you’ll use to do so. 

Text thats says "focus on your goals"

Tip #3: Connect UT Austin's Offerings to Your Goals

Showcase your understanding of UT Austin's unique offerings and how they align with your ambitions. Discuss specific academic programs, research opportunities, clubs, or organizations that UT Austin offers and explain how they will support your personal and professional growth towards your goal of changing the world.

Tip #4: Discuss Your Commitment to Impact

Emphasize your dedication and commitment to creating a positive impact. Demonstrate that you are not just interested in pursuing your career for personal gain, but that you genuinely care about making a difference in the lives of others and improving society.

Tip #5: Be Ambitious

Be ambitious in your goals, but also be realistic about the steps you'll take to achieve them. Demonstrate that you have a clear plan for how your experience at UT Austin will serve as a stepping stone to creating a lasting impact on a broader scale. Demonstrate you have direction and know what it’ll take to reach your goals.

Tip #6: Wrap Up with Confidence and Gratitude

text that says "thank you"

Conclude your essay with a strong and confident statement that reinforces your commitment to changing the world and your gratitude for the opportunity to do so at UT Austin. Leave a lasting impression on the reader that highlights your passion and determination.

How to Write UT Austin Optional Essay #6

Answering the optional essay is simple; stick to the facts and be honest. There is no need to be overly descriptive or create a compelling narrative out of your circumstances. 

This essay should only help the admissions committee learn more about the extent of your circumstances, how they prevented you from achieving your best, and how you attempted to overcome them. As such, you’ll want this essay to be relatively short. It should not exceed one to two paragraphs. 

Examples of UT Austin Supplemental Essays That Worked

It can be really helpful to look at examples of successful essays for inspiration. Below, you’ll find essay examples from accepted UT Austin applicants! We’ll look at each example closely to examine what worked about it. 

Female student holding pen on paper

Sample Essay #1

Your UT Austin essays need to be concise, captivating, and creative to effectively answer this prompt:

Take a look at this example essay:

“‘Gone but never forgotten’---the solemn inscription on the plaque dedicated to my best friend, displayed prominently in our high school. A phrase intended to offer comfort, but one that will always ring hollow for me. The reality remains stark; gone is still gone. No matter how many times I replay his infectious smile or reminisce about our sunlit summers spent surfing until sundown, he remains forever confined to the realm of memories.
Losing my best friend to cancer was a heart-wrenching blow that shattered my world. We had shared dreams, laughter, and endless plans for our future. His untimely departure left an emptiness in my heart and a void in my life that seemed impossible to fill. Grief consumed me, and the once vibrant light of my high school years dimmed significantly. Coping with the loss of such a young, budding life was a challenge unlike any other, and it tested my emotional strength to its limits.
But, In the face of this overwhelming and seemingly unending pain, I found solace in the support of my family and friends. Their unwavering presence and understanding helped me navigate through the darkest times. I realized that I was not alone in my grief and that reaching out for support was not a sign of weakness but an act of bravery. This experience taught me the power of empathy and the significance of connection, shaping my understanding of the value of relationships in life.
While the loss of my best friend left a permanent scar, it also sparked an awakening within me. I became acutely aware of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. As I struggled to regain my sense of purpose, I sought solace in volunteer work at a local cancer support center. Being able to offer comfort and empathy to patients and their families on their own journeys was a cathartic experience that helped me heal and provided me with a newfound sense of direction.
Amidst the challenges, high school also offered unique opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. I found inspiration in the arts, particularly through music and painting. These creative outlets became my refuge, allowing me to express emotions that words could not convey. Art became a powerful medium through which I could heal and explore my own emotions, and it ignited a passion that continues to fuel my aspirations.
As I delved deeper into my artistic pursuits, I discovered my ability to inspire others through storytelling. I started sharing my experiences through writing and public speaking, aiming to bring hope and awareness to those facing similar struggles. This newfound purpose motivated me to excel academically and to embrace every opportunity for growth that high school offered.
With newfound resilience, I became an active member of various clubs and organizations that focused on cancer awareness and support. I initiated fundraisers and awareness campaigns, determined to make a difference in the lives of those affected by this dreadful disease. In doing so, I found strength in unity, as we came together as a community to support a common cause.
Through the highs and lows of high school, I have evolved into a compassionate, determined, and empathetic individual. The loss of my best friend has taught me that life is fragile and unpredictable, urging me to make the most of every opportunity and to embrace challenges with unwavering resolve.
As I prepare to embark on the next chapter of my journey at UT Austin, I am filled with a sense of purpose and determination. I aspire to study medicine, combining my love for the arts with my passion for healthcare to bring comfort and healing to those in need. The experiences of my high school years have shaped me into a resilient individual who values empathy, compassion, and the power of connection. I am confident that my journey through grief and self-discovery will not only enable me to excel academically but will also empower me to change lives and make a lasting impact both in and out of the classroom. So, while my best friend may be gone forever, his legacy will live on; through me, the sunsets I now surf through alone, the patients I will heal, and the grieving families I will support when all they have left to hold are intangible memories.”  

Why It Works

This essay stands out because of its deeply personal exploration of the writer's journey from grief to resilience, fueled by a passion for cancer awareness and healing. 

The unique fusion of art, medicine, and storytelling highlights the writer's distinct personality, aspirations, and well-roundedness. Their commitment to community engagement, coupled with a clear academic focus on medicine, also aligns well with the university's values. 

Short Answer #1 Example

Hand holding pile of books

Below, you’ll find an example essay answering the following prompt: 

“Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?”

Here’s another example essay to draw inspiration from:

“In 'The Alchemist,' Paulo Coelho writes, 'And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.' This profound sentiment resonates deeply with my decision to pursue an English major at UT Austin. For me, the study of English is a transformative journey of self-discovery and a pursuit of understanding the interconnectedness of humanity through the written word.
Like Santiago, the protagonist in 'The Alchemist,' I believe that our desires and dreams can shape our destinies. In the enchanting world of literature, I find myself constantly drawn to the power of storytelling, where words become vessels for ideas, emotions, and shared experiences. 
Choosing UT Austin as the home for my academic pursuits was an easy decision. The English program's reputation for fostering intellectual curiosity and nurturing creativity aligns perfectly with my academic goals. The diverse range of courses, from classic literature to contemporary poetry, promises to provide a comprehensive understanding of literary traditions, nurturing my ability to critically analyze and interpret texts.
Beyond the curriculum, I am excited about the vibrant literary community at UT Austin. Engaging with like-minded peers in literary clubs, workshops, and events will undoubtedly enrich my perspective and encourage meaningful discussions on the intricacies of literature. Moreover, I envision utilizing my passion for writing to contribute to UT Austin's literary publications and participate in creative writing workshops. Embracing opportunities to share my voice, whether through poetry or prose, is essential to my growth as a writer and communicator.
Ultimately, my decision to pursue an English major at UT Austin is driven by a deep-rooted passion for storytelling, a desire to understand the complexities of human existence, and a conviction that words possess the power to change lives.”

Why Essay #1 Worked

This essay begins with an interesting quote that intrigues the reader from the very first line. Then they artfully connect this quote to their personal and academic aspirations, which reflects a thoughtful consideration of the applicant's choice of major and resonates with the transformative power of education.

The alignment of their academic interests with UT Austin's English program also showcases a well-researched understanding of the university's offerings. 

Short Answer #2 Example 

Two male students shaking hands

You’ll need to do some serious brainstorming and reflecting to write an essay that answers this prompt well: 

“Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT.”

You can use the following UT Austin essay to guide you in your brainstorming process:

“My journey leading up to UT has been shaped by a tapestry of experiences: my responsibilities at home, my passion for basketball, and my commitment to community service. Balancing two part-time jobs throughout high school to ease the financial burdens at home has instilled in me a strong work ethic and a determination to excel both academically and personally.
As a devoted basketball enthusiast, the court has become my sanctuary, teaching me invaluable lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. The discipline and dedication required in sports have translated into my academic pursuits, where I strive for excellence with the same fervor I bring to the game.
My commitment to community service is deeply rooted in my family's legacy of veterans, who have instilled in me the importance of giving back. Volunteering at local animal shelters, soup kitchens, and hospitals and organizing charity events has allowed me to witness the transformative power of service firsthand. As such, I am driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, both in and out of the classroom.
At UT, these experiences and perspectives will serve as my compass for engagement and leadership. As a student-athlete, I intend to contribute my skills to the campus basketball team, fostering a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship. On the academic front, my diverse background will enrich classroom discussions, bringing unique perspectives to the table.
Outside the classroom, I aspire to collaborate with service-oriented organizations, amplifying their impact on the community. Moreover, my leadership experience, gained from organizing charity events and coordinating community initiatives, will be instrumental in rallying fellow students to join forces for common causes. I am eager to embrace the enriching opportunities that UT has to offer, using my talents to foster a nurturing environment where empathy, determination, and teamwork thrive.”

Why Essay #2 Worked

The essay effectively highlights how all of this student’s experiences have shaped their character, instilling qualities like a strong work ethic, determination, teamwork, and leadership. 

Their commitment to community service reflects a genuine desire to give back, and their intention to bring this commitment to UT's campus showcases their dedication to making a positive difference in the university community. 

Short Answer #3 Example

nurse bandaging patient's hand

For UT Austin’s third short answer essay, it’s important to include meaningful details. However, remember to be concise when answering the following prompt: 

“The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is, ‘To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society.’ Please share how you believe your experience at UT Austin will prepare you to ‘Change the World’ after you graduate.”
Below is a sample essay to help you craft your own detailed and concise response: 
“Aspiring to become a nurse, I am driven by a profound sense of compassion and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin resonates deeply with my aspirations, and I believe my experience at UT Austin will empower me to change the world through the profession of nursing.
UT Austin's esteemed nursing program will provide me with a comprehensive and cutting-edge education, equipping me with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality care to diverse populations. The renowned faculty and state-of-the-art facilities will cultivate my clinical expertise, enabling me to make a tangible difference in patients' lives.
Through hands-on experiences and clinical rotations, UT Austin will offer me invaluable opportunities to work with real patients and understand their unique needs and challenges. These experiences will shape me into a compassionate and empathetic caregiver, dedicated to advocating for the well-being of each individual.
Additionally, UT Austin's commitment to community engagement and service aligns perfectly with my vision of making a difference in society. Participating in health outreach programs and volunteering at local clinics will provide me with a broader perspective on healthcare disparities and strengthen my commitment to serving underserved communities. The diverse and inclusive environment at UT Austin will enhance my cultural competence and foster my ability to provide patient-centered care to individuals from different backgrounds.
My experience at UT Austin as a nursing student will be transformative, preparing me to be a compassionate and skilled healthcare professional. Rooted in the university's core purpose of transforming lives for the benefit of society, I am confident that I will graduate as a competent nurse ready to embrace the challenges of the healthcare field and positively impact the lives of those I serve.”

Why Essay #3 Works

The student grounds their aspiration to become a nurse in a genuine compassion for others and a desire to create a positive impact, which resonates well with the university's core purpose. 

The essay also effectively outlines how UT Austin's nursing program is a perfect fit for the applicant, highlighting the comprehensive education, renowned faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities that will prepare them to deliver high-quality care. 

These points present a strong case for how UT Austin’s program will empower this student and how she will contribute to the university’s community. 

Optional Essay Example

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Remember, you only need to respond to this prompt if it applies to you: 

For your reference, here’s a sample essay explaining the circumstances that prevented a student from achieving the GPA they intended to:

“During my high school years, I encountered a unique set of circumstances that significantly impacted my academic performance. After my single mother was unexpectedly fired from her job and faced challenges finding another, our family's financial stability became uncertain. In order to support my mother and contribute to household expenses, I took on multiple part-time jobs, which demanded a substantial portion of my time and energy. As I juggled work commitments alongside my academic responsibilities, I found it increasingly challenging to maintain the GPA I had envisioned, a 3.8. While my determination to succeed academically remained steadfast, the added responsibilities and time constraints hindered my ability to dedicate as much time to my studies as I desired.
Despite these challenges, I persevered, ensuring that I gave my best effort in every aspect of my life. Balancing work and studies taught me invaluable time management and prioritization skills, but it also meant sacrificing some extracurricular opportunities that could have enriched my high school experience further. While my academic performance may not have reflected the 3.8 GPA I initially aimed for, I am proud of the resilience I demonstrated in the face of adversity. The experiences I gained from shouldering responsibilities beyond academics have shaped me into a diligent and empathetic individual. I believe these life lessons will undoubtedly serve me well as I embrace new challenges and opportunities in the future.”

Why This Optional Essay Works

This answer sticks to the facts and clearly articulates the circumstances the student faced, how they tried to improve their situation, and what they learned from it. The student keeps a positive tone throughout and does not place blame or try to evoke pity from the admissions committee!

Get More Sample Essays Here!

Looking at sample essays can work wonders for your own inspiration and motivation. If you want to check out more college application essays written by admitted students, take a look at our college essay database down below! 

FAQs: UT Austin Essays

Below, you’ll find the answers to any remaining questions about the UT Austin essays!

1. How Many Essays Does UT Austin Require?

UT Austin requires all of its applicants to answer one long essay and three short essays. There is an additional optional essay for students that faced circumstances that negatively affected their high school experience. 

2. Does UT Look At the Common App Essay?

Yes, the Common App essay will be considered in the admissions committee’s evaluations. 

3. Does UT Look At Coalition Essays?

No, UT Austin only uses the Common Application or the Apply Texas application . 

4. How Long Does UT Austin Supplemental Essay Need to Be? 

The UT Austin required essay should be between 500-700 words. However, the short answer essays only need to be 250-300 words. 

5. How Important Are Essays for the University of Texas at Austin? 

According to UT Austin’s most recent common data set , the application essays are taken into consideration. This means that you’ll have make sure your essays are stellar so that your application stands out! 

Final Thoughts

Overall, your UT Austin essays are not just about showcasing your achievements, but also about how your unique journey has shaped you into the person you are today. Embrace the challenges you've faced and the lessons you've learned along the way. 

Be confident in your abilities and potential. Show them how you can make a positive impact both inside and outside the classroom at UT Austin. UT Austin is looking for a diverse array of individuals, so let your personality and potential shine brightly in your essays!

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Navigate the University of Texas at Austin Supplemental Essays '23-'24

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Welcome, future Longhorns! The University of Texas at Austin supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle are your opportunity to stand out from the crowd and convey your unique identity. In this blog post, we'll delve into each prompt, offering insightful advice to help you craft compelling essays.

University of Texas at Austin Supplemental Essay Prompts

  • Why are you interested in the University of Texas at Austin major you selected? (250-300 words)
  • Leadership can be demonstrated in many ways. Please share how you have demonstrated leadership in either your school, job, community, and/or within your family responsibilities. (250-300 words)
  • Please share how you believe your experiences, perspectives, and/or talents have shaped your ability to contribute to and enrich the learning environment at UT Austin, both in and out of the classroom. (250-300 words)

Let's dissect these prompts and discuss how to approach each:

Why are you interested in the University of Texas at Austin major you selected? This prompt calls for specific reasons that drew you to your chosen major at UT Austin. Be it the department's unique approach to education, the research opportunities available, or the faculty's work, express why these aspects make UT Austin's program a great fit for your academic interests and future goals.

From a young age, I've been captivated by the intricacies of human behavior. When I first stumbled upon computational neuroscience, a field that intersects my love for psychology and computer science, I knew I had found my calling. The University of Texas at Austin, with its interdisciplinary approach and focus on research, stood out as the perfect place to pursue this passion.

The Department of Neuroscience at UT Austin has a unique Brain, Behavior, and Evolution program that integrates traditional neuroscience with related disciplines. This aligns with my goal to explore the broad interplay of neural circuits, cognition, and behavior, and eventually contribute to AI models that better replicate human intelligence. Additionally, the opportunity to learn from renowned professors such as Dr. Laura Colgin, whose work on spatial memory and cognitive maps aligns with my interest areas, is an opportunity too enticing to pass up.

Further, UT Austin's commitment to undergraduate research, as demonstrated by the Freshman Research Initiative, would provide me with invaluable hands-on experience early on. I am particularly drawn to the "Neuroscience of Learning and Memory" stream, which could deepen my understanding of neural processes underlying cognition.

UT Austin's collaborative and research-oriented atmosphere makes it the ideal platform to delve deep into computational neuroscience, thereby taking the first step towards my long-term goal of revolutionizing AI technologies with human-like cognitive capabilities.

Leadership can be demonstrated in many ways. Reflect on your experiences where you've shown leadership, from formal roles in clubs or teams to less traditional ways like taking initiative in a group project or helping younger siblings with homework. UT Austin values students who can take responsibility, show initiative, and positively impact their community.

Leadership, to me, is about taking responsibility, initiating change, and impacting others positively. I've strived to embody these qualities as the president of my school's Robotics Club. However, my leadership journey was not always smooth.

When I initially assumed the role, our club was grappling with dwindling membership and lack of motivation. To overcome this, I implemented a mentorship program where older members would mentor newcomers, fostering a sense of belonging. I also introduced weekly challenges that incited enthusiasm and cultivated a problem-solving mentality among members.

Overcoming initial resistance, the changes gradually started showing effect. Membership increased, and our club even won the regional RoboRumble competition, a feat our school had not achieved in years.

Yet, my proudest accomplishment is not the accolades but the vibrant, inclusive community we built. Witnessing shy newcomers evolve into confident contributors reinforced the profound impact of leadership. As I step into UT Austin, I look forward to bringing this same spirit of initiative and transformation to my endeavors.

Please share how you believe your experiences, perspectives, and/or talents have shaped your ability to contribute to and enrich the learning environment at UT Austin. This prompt is about demonstrating your unique value to the UT Austin community. Reflect on how your experiences and talents have shaped your worldview and how these perspectives would contribute to a diverse and inclusive learning environment at UT Austin.

Born and raised in a multicultural household with an American mother and a Korean father, I've learned to navigate and appreciate different perspectives from an early age. This has cultivated in me a deep respect for diversity and an ability to foster dialogue between varied viewpoints.

In high school, I leveraged this understanding to initiate 'Cultural Dialogue' sessions where students discussed global issues from diverse cultural perspectives. These dialogues opened avenues for conversation, leading to a more inclusive school environment.

At UT Austin, I wish to bring this passion for fostering cultural understanding and dialogue. I aim to participate in and lead initiatives that promote intercultural exchange, contributing to UT Austin's diverse and inclusive community.

Furthermore, as a computational neuroscience enthusiast, I hope to bring a unique interdisciplinary perspective to classroom discussions. I am excited to engage in intellectual exchanges within UT Austin's vibrant academic community, learn from my peers, and contribute to the dynamic discourse at UT Austin.

Remember these important pointers:

  • Show, Don't Tell : Use concrete examples and narratives to demonstrate your points rather than merely stating them.
  • Reflection is Key : Don't just recount experiences. Highlight what you learned from them and how they shaped you.
  • Be Genuine : Authenticity speaks volumes. Write from your heart and let your true personality shine through.

Embarking on the UT Austin supplemental essays can seem daunting, but remember, this is your chance to present your unique story to the admissions committee. Good luck, and Hook 'em Horns!

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Command Education Guide

How to write ut austin’s essays, updated for 2023-2024.

Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major? Please limit your response to 250-300 words.

Explanation:

This essay prompt is asking why you are interested in studying your first-choice major at UT Austin. The admissions officers want to know where your passion stems from. Provide some background details about how your interest in this field came about. Then, look back at your activities list and include experiences that demonstrate your interest and dedication to honing skills necessary for your major of choice.

Do not forget to actually include the name of the specific UT Austin major! Next, include specifics about that major at UT Austin- what specific resources and opportunities would you pursue should you be admitted? Include details like specific classes, hands-on learning opportunities, renowned professors and/or their research. Lastly, write about how majoring at UT Austin will help you successfully achieve your career goals.

Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community, or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT. Please limit your response to 250-300 words.

This prompt asks about all types of experiences, some of which might not have found their way onto your activities list, so go beyond and pull from those unique involvements and aspects of your life where you have demonstrated leadership. As always, show, don’t tell, how you display leadership through these experiences. You can show this by writing about the new school club you started, that school project you lead, or your responsibilities as an older sibling or as captain of your soccer team. Include how you hope to bring these leadership experiences with you to UT Austin and make an impact on their campus. UT Austin considers itself a bold, ambitious leader , so if applicable, include details that show that type of leadership. Also, don’t forget to answer the full question, and include details about how you will make an impact both in and out of the classroom – how will you impact the UT Austin community? As one of the most diverse campuses in the nation , UT Austin values diversity, inclusion, equity, and helping all people. In writing about your impact outside the classroom, we encourage you to focus on how your leadership experiences can help you embody these values as a member of the UT Austin community.

The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is, To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society. Please share how you believe your experience at UT-Austin will prepare you to Change the World after you graduate. Please limit your response to 250-300 words.*

The admissions officers are looking for applicants who are genuinely committed to UT Austin’s core values – learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity and responsibility. Be sure to include some of these values when discussing your experience at UT Austin. Be specific about the resources and opportunities at UT Austin that will help prepare you to make a difference post-graduation.

Optional Short Answer (250-350 words):

Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance.

If your response to this question is similar to one of the Common App Personal Essays, feel free to simply copy and paste the important parts of your essay here. Please limit your response to 250-300 words.

This is a good opportunity to demonstrate any context or environment-specific challenges you have faced and have had to overcome. These could include: socioeconomic status, family responsibilities or unique circumstances, cultural background, race and ethnicity, language spoken in your home, or a transition that proved difficult to adjust to. Additionally, you can use this space as an opportunity to explain a time you failed academically, and demonstrate how you worked to overcome this setback.

UT Austin Essay (Required):

Note: This is the only long essay UT-Austin requires. We do not require any of the Common App Personal Essays. Common App Personal Essays will not be used in our holistic review process.

Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?

Please keep your essay between 500–700 words (typically two to three paragraphs).*

This prompt is answered in either the CommonApp or the ApplyTexas application. As UT Austin does not require you to submit a Common App Personal Essay, feel free to use that essay to answer this prompt!

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University of Texas at Austin 2023-24 Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Dec 1

You Have: 

University of Texas at Austin 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations 

The Requirements: 1 essay of 500-700 words; 3 essays of 250-300 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Community , Why , Additional Info , Personal statement

All freshman applicants must submit a required essay, Topic A in ApplyTexas and the UT Austin Required Essay in the Coalition application. Please keep your essay between 500–700 words (typically two to three paragraphs).

Tell us your story. what unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today (500-700 words).

Whether you’re using the Coalition or ApplyTexas to apply to UT Austin, you’ll have many opportunities to document your greatest high school achievements. So for this essay, it’s important that you focus on telling a personal story (it’s right there in the prompt!) that doesn’t appear elsewhere on your application. What opportunities and challenges were specific to your high school experience? The goal isn’t to craft a list, so aim to focus on one central story that describes either an opportunity or a challenge. When brainstorming , on the other hand, we recommend writing the longest list you can think of: two columns or a Venn diagram documenting every hurtle or special chance you got throughout high school. 

As you consider your “opportunities,” keep in mind that your reflection on the event or opportunity that shaped who you are today will be a source of great insight for admissions. Maybe being fluent in Tagalog opened up a unique opportunity for you to start an online exchange between your school and a school in the Philippines.  Or were you invited to perform with your dance group at a community event? Did this experience launch you to seek out other performance opportunities, spurring your interest in entrepreneurship? As you sift through your “challenges” route, aim to showcase qualities like resilience, perseverance, or simply an ability to turn lemons into lemonade. Perhaps the long commutes on the bus between home, school, and your internship taught you about time management or inspired an interest in urban planning. The challenges you choose to write about can be serious (dealing with bullies or discovering a learning disability) or seemingly banal (a public speaking #fail). While the possibilities are almost endless, students should be careful not to choose challenges that may seem trite (getting a B on a big project or winning lottery tickets to Hamilton). 

Regardless of the direction you choose to pursue, remember to make sure that admissions is learning something new about you through personal anecdotes and specific details. 

All applicants must submit three required short answers responding to prompts in your admissions application. Answers are limited to no more than 40 lines, or about 250–300 words, typically the length of one paragraph.

Note special requirements: architecture, art and art history, nursing, and social work require additional short answer questions of their applicants. , required short answer 1: , why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major.

This prompt sounds simple enough: describe what you want to study and why you like it so much that you’re willing to dedicate four years of your life to it (at the very least). While you might be tempted to get technical or poetic in your response, your reader will expect you to connect your intended major to some prior experience and/or passion. In other words, tell a story. Lucky for you, we would have advised you to start with an anecdote anyway. The most memorable essays spring from concrete descriptions of your experiences. What excites you and why? When was the last time you got drawn down a Reddit rabbit hole – and what was the topic? While you don’t need to pinpoint the exact moment you became interested in ancient history or calculus, try to zero in on some inspiring experience. What was the best TED Talk you ever watched? The first time you spoke to your new friend in ASL? Your story should showcase your unique connection to your chosen course of study. And don’t forget to talk about UT Austin! By the end of your essay, your reader should not only know why you are passionate about your chosen major, but also what excites you about Austin’s program. In admissions, we call that your fit!

Oh and a quick shoutout to all the undecideds out there: don’t worry! If you can’t decide, then tell a story that demonstrates your wide range of interests or natural curiosity. Focus on the opportunities UT Austin offers across departments and how you plan to explore once you arrive on campus. It’s normal to want to try new things at the start of college!

Required Short Answer 2:

Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community, or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at ut..

In short, this is an essay about diversity and the aspects of your life and experience that distinguish you from your peers. For some applicants, the answer might be obvious: you might have been the only one at your school with a certain background, belief system, or inherited skill set. But whether this prompt seems like it was made for you or just a total head-scratcher, we encourage you to dig a little deeper than your first thought. What about your history, experiences, perspectives, or talents might be worth highlighting for an admissions officer? And how can the experience, perspective, or talent you choose enrich the learning environment at UT Austin?

Maybe you grew up in a military family that moved around a lot, and you want to write about how this experience has shaped your ability to make new connections super quickly. Perhaps you’ll teach your floor-mates about what makes for a great ice breaker. Maybe you were raised on a farm and developed a strong work ethic at a young age as you helped your parents tend to the fields. Perhaps you will be a natural leader in group projects and take initiative in the many clubs you’d like to join. Be sure to connect your personal story to a future vision of yourself at UT Austin. The most important thing to remember for this prompt is that your experience, perspective, or talent is dynamic and specific to you and who you are, and no one else.

Required Short Answer 3:

The core purpose of the university of texas at austin is, “to transform lives for the benefit of society.” please share how you believe your experience at ut-austin will prepare you to “change the world” after you graduate..

UT Austin seeks to invite movers and shakers to campus, students who dream of a better tomorrow and have a plan to make it happen. Admissions wants to know what change you would like to effect in the world. Maybe you want to be at the forefront of the fight against climate change and global warming. How do you plan to contribute and how will your time at UT Austin set you up for carbon neutral success? Perhaps you would like to see more reparations in place for marginalized and historically deprived communities in the United States. Will UT Austin’s Race, Indigeneity, and Migration major help prepare you for a career in public service?

However you decide to answer this prompt, be sure to show admissions that you care about the wellbeing of others. And make sure they know you want to be part of positive change and will make UT Austin proud long after graduation.

Optional Short Answer 4:

Please share background on events or special circumstances that may have impacted your high school academic performance..

T his essay is perfect for students who have encountered outstanding challenges, and need an opportunity to explain them. In fact, we recommend saving those details for an Additional Info essay, so that you can use the rest of your application to highlight other parts of your amazing personality. So, if something has happened that affected your academic performance, this is a great opportunity to explain the circumstances. Did a COVID-19 infection during your junior year cause your participation in clubs and activities to take a hit? Did a family emergency cause an overall drop in your GPA? A drop in grades or a gap in your resume does not define you. Remember to make this essay not about the things you couldn’t control, but the actions you took to improve the situation. You don’t want to come off as a victim of circumstance, but as a resilient person who can take steps to positively affect their situation.

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austin college supplemental essays

Samara has spent seven admissions cycles helping students best represent themselves as both individuals and applicants in the elite college admissions process. As an alumna of Cornell University and child of 2 Harvard alumni interviewers, Samara is familiar with the Ivy League's rigorous academics and application process. Using her academic foundation in communication and Fortune 100 PR and brand management experience, Samara collaborates with her clients to craft narratives that best represent themselves to admissions committees. The wit, candor, and strategy Samara brings to collaborating with clients has been highly effective. Her clients have gained admission to Columbia, The University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, UC Berkley, NYU, and Boston University, among others. She looks forward to adding your student’s successful admission to this impressive list!

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January Term 20 24

Travel Courses

  • Austria/France
  • South Korea

On-Campus Courses

  • Animals in the Age of Enlightenment
  • Aristotle's Ethics and Politics
  • Art of Chemical Cooking
  • Astronomy, Ancient and Modern
  • Birds, Humans, and the Environment
  • Children's Literature
  • Civil Rights Texoma
  • Critically Mindful, Mindful Engagement
  • Cultural Diversity in Spain
  • A Dash of India
  • From Chaos to Career
  • Fungi: Friend or Foe?
  • Gamemaking Workshop
  • Genies, Desire, and Orientalism
  • How Movies Work
  • Introduction to OChem Research
  • Learning to Learn
  • Listening to Movies
  • Math and Advanced Strategy
  • Mexicans and Salvadorans in Texas
  • Movement and Mental Health
  • Prohibition, Then Craft Beer?
  • Pulp Magazines and Pop Culture
  • Science in Pop Culture
  • The Science of Photography
  • Wargaming WW2 in Europe
  • We Write What We Eat

JanTerm in May - Nepal

Registration for January Term 2024 courses will start on April 25, 2023.

January Term VIDEO CHALLENGE Winners

London JanTerm

Abbey Goodman '21 London Theatre

Wyatt Hill '21 Tanzania

Clay Gilbert '21 Guatemala JanTerm

What is January Term?

JanTerm is more than just another month at school for the students of Austin College—it’s an adventure between traditional semesters where students immerse themselves into unique opportunities.  JanTerm classes allow students to travel abroad, explore real-world careers, and stretch their talents in focused courses on campus.

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How can one month change your life? -- Alumni & Faculty Stories

Read about JanTerm from alumnus Nicolas Rodriguez '19

andrea-keith1

Andrea Keith ’08

Executive Director and Co-Founder of LaAsociacion CREAR Andrea Keith is in her happy place. As executive director and co-founder of La Asociacion CREAR in Samara Playa, Costa Rica, she’s found the beautiful balance of helping young people develop—and living on the beach. “I was not a very adventurous kid,” Andrea said. “I was terrified before… [Read More]

Robert Likarish ’09

Robert Likarish ’09

Ironroot Republic Distillery in Denison, Texas, owned and operated by Austin College alumnus Robert Likarish ’09 and his brother Jonathan, celebrates a historic alliance with Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd. The story began long ago when Texas was a nation. After Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas Republic… [Read More]

grant-marcinko-thm

Grant Marcinko ’16

My Janterm to the Dominican Republic was my first trip abroad. I was nervous to say the least, but after getting there, I quickly found that adventure was around every corner. I got to know my host family as they whisked me off for a weekend excursion to the other side of the island and I began exploring… [Read More]

Patrick Duffey

Patrick Duffey – Faculty

My 20 students spent 3 and a half weeks in Costa Rica, living with host families in the Pacific coast beach community of Sámara.  Each student took 56 hours of Spanish language and Costa Rican culture classes at Intercultura Spanish School.  Students took courses according to their language level, which ranged from low intermediate to… [Read More]

Daniel Dominick

Daniel Dominick – Faculty

No other course I teach is anything like Jan Term; it is a time for me to focus on one thing and to dive in deeply.  I typically take a travel course to New York City with 15 to 20 students, most of whom will have their first experiences with hearing classical music live in… [Read More]

Mary Ann Harris

Mary Ann Harris ’70

I met famous authors, saw inspiring art and architecture, attended plays and concerts, and made lifelong friends. I travelled to Mexico City, London and Greece for three different Jan Terms while at Austin College. Neither Jim nor I can imagine a more valuable legacy than making international travel accessible to students. We would like to… [Read More]

JanTerm Memories with AC Alumni

Nicolás Rodriguez graduated Austin College in 2019. He was a double major in Political Science and Southwestern and Mexican Studies and is now a 1L at Columbia Law School. Read about his JanTerm experience below.   Which international JanTerm(s) did you participate in? I went on the Imperial Cultures and Empires with Professor Hunt Tooley… [Read More]

January Term Photo Galleries

JanTerm in France

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IMAGES

  1. Reading My UT Austin Supplemental Essays

    austin college supplemental essays

  2. How to Write the University of Texas-Austin (UT) Supplemental Essays

    austin college supplemental essays

  3. College Supplemental Essay Examples for a Successful Paper

    austin college supplemental essays

  4. Ut austin admissions essay examples in 2021

    austin college supplemental essays

  5. College Essay Guides

    austin college supplemental essays

  6. 8 Tips for Writing Supplemental Essays

    austin college supplemental essays

COMMENTS

  1. How to Write the University of Texas-Austin (UT) Supplemental Essays

    What are the University of Texas Austin supplemental essay prompts? How to write each supplemental essay prompt for UT Austin Prompt #1: Topic A Prompt #2: Short answer #1 + examples Prompt #3: Short answer #2 + examples Prompt #4: Short answer #3 + examples Prompt #5: Short answer #4 + examples UT Expanded Resume tips, sample, + template

  2. Essays & Short Answers

    Transfer Essays (Spring 2024) Transfer applicants must submit two essays responding to Topic A and an additional topic below. (Summer 2024 and beyond) Transfer applicants must submit one essay responding to Topic A.

  3. Apply Now

    Regular Decision: March 1 Transfers Fall Term Admission: August 1 Spring Term Admission: January 15 Test-Optional Application Holistic Review Peaceful Protest will not Impact Admission Students Impacted by Natural Disasters Still have questions? We can help.

  4. How to Respond to the 2023/2024 UT Austin Supplemental Essay Prompts

    The University of Texas at Austin requires all applicants to submit a set of UT Austin supplemental essays. These essays are a great way to utilize creative writing to make yourself memorable and unique. Take this chance to tell your story and run with it. In this article, we will be breaking down each prompt to make each one easier to understand.

  5. Apply for Freshman Student Admission

    One Admission Essay (250-650 words; a topic of your choice) High School Transcript Optional Supplemental Application Materials: An admission interview with a member of the admission staff. Call 1.800.KANGAROO (526.4276) or contact your specific admission representative to schedule an interview; School Report or Counselor Recommendation Letter

  6. Austin College's 2023-24 Essay Prompts

    650 words The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores?

  7. How to Write the UT Austin Essays 2023-2024

    Prompt 1: Inherent in the design disciplines the capacity to impact the world around us. What does the opportunity to develop such capacity mean to you and you approach to your college education? Please limit your response to 250-300 words. Prompt 2: Please provide and upload three images total that demonstrate your creativity.

  8. UT Austin Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

    Required Essay: 500-700 Words "Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?" Short Answer Prompts: 250-300 Words Per Prompt "Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?"

  9. How to Write the University of Texas--Austin Supplement 2022-2023

    There are two things you should do in this essay. One is to talk about yourself and two is to connect it to things at Austin. This is a modified version of the "why do you want to go here" essay, that we see again and again. You will probably need to do a little research into the opportunities at Austin.

  10. UT Austin Supplemental Essays

    Jessica Klein University of Texas - Austin UT Austin Supplemental Essays 2023-24 As one of the top public universities in the United States, the University of Texas Austin ( UT Austin) is a popular choice for many students. Housed within the University of Texas System, UT Austin attracts students from all over the world.

  11. 2 Awesome UT Austin Essay Examples

    UT Austin requires one long essay and three short answers, with an additional optional short answer question. There are also a handful of program-specific prompts. In this post, we'll analyze sample essays written by a real applicants, sharing what they did well and what could be improved.

  12. How to Write the UT Austin Supplemental Essays + Examples

    ‍ If you're planning on applying to the University of Texas and are making your way down your application checklist, you may hit a roadblock when it comes to the supplemental essays .

  13. 2020-21 University of Texas at Austin Essay Prompt Guide

    Regular Decision: University of Texas at Austin 2020-21 Application Essay Question Explanations The Requirements: 1 essay of 500-700 words; 3 essays of 250-300 words Supplemental Essay Type (s): Community, Why, Additional Info, Personal statement

  14. Tips and Eight Examples for New Short Answer "Please share how you

    Generally speaking, effective college essays reference specific experiences in your life. Share about a time you solved a problem, collaborated with a group on a project, or created something that helped simplify the lives of you or others. ... Eight Tips for New UT-Austin Apply Texas Essay A Prompt "Tell us your story" Kevin Martin January 29 ...

  15. Essays

    Texas A&M's Silly Surprise Supplemental Essay Requirements: Diversity, Influential Person, Life Event TAMU Short answers: Tell us about the person who has most impacted your life and why. Describe a life event which you feel has prepared you to be successful in college.

  16. University of Texas at Austin 2018-19 Essay Prompt Guide

    The Requirements: 1 essay of 500-750 words; 3 short answers of 40 lines (or ~250 words) each. Supplemental Essay Type(s): Personal statement, short answer University of Texas at Austin 2018-2019 Application Essay Question Explanations Although the University of Texas wants to drag another 1250-1650 words out of the depths of your soul, it's quite straightforward as far as standalone ...

  17. Navigate the University of Texas at Austin Supplemental Essays '23-'24

    The University of Texas at Austin supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle are your opportunity to stand out from the crowd and convey your unique identity. In this blog post, we'll delve into each prompt, offering insightful advice to help you craft compelling essays. University of Texas at Austin Supplemental Essay Prompts

  18. How to Write UT Austin's Essays

    UT Austin requires students to answer three short answer questions about their academic interests, personal experiences and ambitions in 250-300 words. The school also gives students the option to share a fourth essay detailing an event or facet of their background that impacted their academic performance. Lastly, while UT Austin does not review the Common App Personal Essay in their ...

  19. Live Essay Review with Samara Watkins

    Watch Cornell grad and college consultant Samara Watkins's live essay editing session and learn tips and tricks to improve your essay, common errors, strategies for reducing word count, and more. Samara will be editing a college essay live during Monday's event. She will walk through how admissions officers would read the essay, and go line by ...

  20. Expert College Essay Review

    Essay review. Work with an independent reviewer to improve your college essays. Essay experts go beyond editing for grammar and language. They know what colleges are really looking for, and can help your teen write essays that actually resonate with admissions officers. They can help you develop the right topics, avoid clichés, and showcase ...

  21. University of Texas at Austin 2023-24 Essay Prompt Guide

    Supplemental Essay Type (s): Community, Why, Additional Info, Personal statement All freshman applicants must submit a required essay, Topic A in ApplyTexas and the UT Austin Required Essay in the Coalition application. Please keep your essay between 500-700 words (typically two to three paragraphs). Tell us your story.

  22. Samara Watkins

    About. Samara has spent seven admissions cycles helping students best represent themselves as both individuals and applicants in the elite college admissions process. As an alumna of Cornell University and child of 2 Harvard alumni interviewers, Samara is familiar with the Ivy League's rigorous academics and application process.

  23. January and May Term

    JanTerm is more than just another month at school for the students of Austin College—it's an adventure between traditional semesters where students immerse themselves into unique opportunities. JanTerm classes allow students to travel abroad, explore real-world careers, and stretch their talents in focused courses on campus.