What is the current UT Austin college essay prompt for 2024-2025 applications?
I'm starting to work on my applications for this fall and UT Austin is at the top of my list. I know the essay prompts can change from year to year, so I'm a little worried about using outdated info from online searches. Does anyone know exactly what the UT college essay prompt is for the upcoming admissions cycle?
I've checked their admissions website, but I feel like the wording sometimes matters a lot, especially since I'm not great at essay writing and I want to be sure I'm answering the right question. If anyone has already started working on their UT application and can share the prompt (or any advice for approaching it), I’d really appreciate it.
I've checked their admissions website, but I feel like the wording sometimes matters a lot, especially since I'm not great at essay writing and I want to be sure I'm answering the right question. If anyone has already started working on their UT application and can share the prompt (or any advice for approaching it), I’d really appreciate it.
5 months ago
•
27 views
Camille Luong
• 5 months ago
Advisor
UT Austin’s main essay for the 2024–2025 application cycle is submitted through ApplyTexas. For this cycle, the required prompt (often called Essay A) is:
“Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?”
While the wording has stayed pretty consistent in recent years, you’re right that small differences can make a big impact on your response. The prompt emphasizes your personal story—UT Austin wants to understand what specific circumstances, experiences, or opportunities have impacted your growth during high school years. They are looking for an authentic window into your life, especially things that make your perspective unique or have led to personal development.
For example, maybe your family has moved often and adapting to new schools has shaped your resilience and creativity. Instead of just retelling all the moves, zoom in on a single moment—like the first day at a new high school when you started a club or joined a student group to help others feel welcome. This kind of focus will make your story more memorable and give better insight into who you are.
A few tips for tackling this essay:
- Be honest and specific. Avoid generalities like “working hard in class” unless you tie them to a very personal or unusual experience.
- Don’t shy away from setbacks or challenges, but show how you responded or changed as a result.
- Reflect on *why* these moments matter to you, not just what happened.
- If you’re worried about writing style, try drafting your story in the form of a conversation or letter to a friend and revise it for tone and detail. Sometimes this helps with authenticity and clarity.
Besides the main essay, some UT Austin majors also require additional, shorter essays. Double-check the requirements for your intended major on UT Austin’s admissions site or within the application portal.
The biggest thing: use your authentic voice and focus on something that’s truly shaped *you*, even if it seems ordinary at first. Admissions officers are looking for that real, personal touch.
If you need extra help brainstorming or reviewing drafts, reaching out for essay feedback can be super helpful!
“Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?”
While the wording has stayed pretty consistent in recent years, you’re right that small differences can make a big impact on your response. The prompt emphasizes your personal story—UT Austin wants to understand what specific circumstances, experiences, or opportunities have impacted your growth during high school years. They are looking for an authentic window into your life, especially things that make your perspective unique or have led to personal development.
For example, maybe your family has moved often and adapting to new schools has shaped your resilience and creativity. Instead of just retelling all the moves, zoom in on a single moment—like the first day at a new high school when you started a club or joined a student group to help others feel welcome. This kind of focus will make your story more memorable and give better insight into who you are.
A few tips for tackling this essay:
- Be honest and specific. Avoid generalities like “working hard in class” unless you tie them to a very personal or unusual experience.
- Don’t shy away from setbacks or challenges, but show how you responded or changed as a result.
- Reflect on *why* these moments matter to you, not just what happened.
- If you’re worried about writing style, try drafting your story in the form of a conversation or letter to a friend and revise it for tone and detail. Sometimes this helps with authenticity and clarity.
Besides the main essay, some UT Austin majors also require additional, shorter essays. Double-check the requirements for your intended major on UT Austin’s admissions site or within the application portal.
The biggest thing: use your authentic voice and focus on something that’s truly shaped *you*, even if it seems ordinary at first. Admissions officers are looking for that real, personal touch.
If you need extra help brainstorming or reviewing drafts, reaching out for essay feedback can be super helpful!
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Camille Luong
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Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
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