What are the current UTSA college essay prompts for this year?
I’m working on my applications for UTSA and I’ve looked all over their website, but I’m still kind of confused about what the official essay prompts are for this admissions cycle. Does anyone know if UTSA requires an essay for first-time freshmen, and if so, what the actual prompts are?
I also saw somewhere that they accept ApplyTexas essays. If that’s true, do I pick from the ApplyTexas topics, or does UTSA have its own separate prompts? I’d really appreciate hearing from someone who applied last year or is applying right now, just because I want to make sure I’m writing the right thing. I don’t want to be caught off guard or submit something that doesn’t fit what they’re asking for.
If you could also share any advice on what they’re looking for in their essays, that would be really helpful too! I’m pretty stressed since their deadline is coming up and I want to make sure everything is in order.
I also saw somewhere that they accept ApplyTexas essays. If that’s true, do I pick from the ApplyTexas topics, or does UTSA have its own separate prompts? I’d really appreciate hearing from someone who applied last year or is applying right now, just because I want to make sure I’m writing the right thing. I don’t want to be caught off guard or submit something that doesn’t fit what they’re asking for.
If you could also share any advice on what they’re looking for in their essays, that would be really helpful too! I’m pretty stressed since their deadline is coming up and I want to make sure everything is in order.
4 months ago
•
111 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
UTSA (University of Texas at San Antonio) typically does not require an essay for general first-time freshman admission, but submitting one is strongly encouraged, especially if you are applying for scholarships, the Honors College, or if you feel that your application needs something extra to stand out.
For UTSA, you can submit an essay through ApplyTexas or the Common App. As of the 2023-2024 application cycle, UTSA accepts any of the ApplyTexas Essay Topics A, B, or C. For the current year, the ApplyTexas prompts are:
- Essay A: Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?
- Essay B: Most students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. Tell us about yourself.
- Essay C: You’ve got a ticket in your hand – Where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?
UTSA does not have its own separate prompts for general admissions. However, specific programs (like the Honors College) may have additional or different requirements, so make sure to check program pages if you're considering those.
When writing your essay, UTSA is looking for insight into your character, your personal growth, and what you'll contribute to their campus. Authenticity and specificity are key. For example, if you choose Essay A, you might tell a story about navigating a family move during high school and how joining a robotics club at your new school helped you find community. Make sure to avoid overly general or clichéd stories unless you can offer a unique perspective or an unexpected twist.
Double check UTSA’s official admissions site for any updates very close to your application deadline. If you're applying for scholarships or special programs, look for any additional essay instructions. The main campus admissions essay is generally optional but can boost your application—especially if your academic record needs context, or if you have a compelling story to share.
Try outlining your essay first, be honest about your experiences, and make sure to show how those experiences have shaped who you are or who you want to become. If you need more help polishing your essay, getting feedback from a trusted teacher or counselor can make a big difference as you wrap up your application.
For UTSA, you can submit an essay through ApplyTexas or the Common App. As of the 2023-2024 application cycle, UTSA accepts any of the ApplyTexas Essay Topics A, B, or C. For the current year, the ApplyTexas prompts are:
- Essay A: Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?
- Essay B: Most students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. Tell us about yourself.
- Essay C: You’ve got a ticket in your hand – Where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?
UTSA does not have its own separate prompts for general admissions. However, specific programs (like the Honors College) may have additional or different requirements, so make sure to check program pages if you're considering those.
When writing your essay, UTSA is looking for insight into your character, your personal growth, and what you'll contribute to their campus. Authenticity and specificity are key. For example, if you choose Essay A, you might tell a story about navigating a family move during high school and how joining a robotics club at your new school helped you find community. Make sure to avoid overly general or clichéd stories unless you can offer a unique perspective or an unexpected twist.
Double check UTSA’s official admissions site for any updates very close to your application deadline. If you're applying for scholarships or special programs, look for any additional essay instructions. The main campus admissions essay is generally optional but can boost your application—especially if your academic record needs context, or if you have a compelling story to share.
Try outlining your essay first, be honest about your experiences, and make sure to show how those experiences have shaped who you are or who you want to become. If you need more help polishing your essay, getting feedback from a trusted teacher or counselor can make a big difference as you wrap up your application.
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Camille Luong
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Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
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5 years
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