Supplemental Essays for UT Austin

Any Longhorns around here? I was wondering what kind of supplemental essays UT Austin typically requires and any tips for tackling them?

UT Austin, like many colleges, requires supplemental essays as part of the application process. These essays provide the admissions committee with a more comprehensive view of who you are as a person, beyond your grades and standardized test scores.

As of the most recent application cycle, UT Austin requires one long essay from the ApplyTexas application, with a word limit of 700 words. Additionally, prospective students must submit three short answer questions, with word limits of 250-300 words each. The exact topics can vary, but usually, they tend to touch on areas like leadership experiences, diversity and personal identity, and why you're specifically interested in attending UT Austin.

Now, as far as tips for writing these essays:

Try to be as specific as possible. For instance, if you're explaining why you wish to attend UT Austin, don't just list qualities that could apply to any large public university. Instead, delve into specifics about the programs, resources, or campus culture that really resonate with you.

For leadership or diversity based questions, try to tell a story. Rather than simply explaining a position or club you were a part of, detail a specific experience within that role which allowed you to grow or make a significant impact.

Lastly, make sure your essays are authentic and sound like you. Admissions officers read thousands of essays each year, and the ones that stand out are usually those that convey genuine personality and unique perspectives.

Remember, each essay is a chance to reveal another layer of your character and aspirations, so utilize them to build a well-rounded portrait of yourself. Best of luck with your application!