ApplyTexas has announced a new set of essay topics for freshman applications beginning with the 2016–17 academic year cycle opening Aug. 1, 2016. Applicants to the Spring 2017 semester will use the current essay topics. ApplyTexas will display the correct essay topics for the semester to which you apply.
Applications for Spring 2017
All applicants must submit an essay responding to Topic C, along with a second essay addressing topic A, B, D or S.
Topic S, used to detail special circumstances you want considered as part of your admissions application, may be submitted as a second essay, or as a third essay if you are required to submit an essay in response to Topic D due to the major you selected. You may also submit it as a third essay at your discretion.
Topic A
Describe a setting in which you have collaborated or interacted with people whose experiences and/or beliefs differ from yours. Address your initial feelings and how those feelings were or were not changed by this experience.
Topic B
Describe a circumstance, obstacle or conflict in your life, and the skills and resources you used to resolve it. Did it change you? If so, how?
Topic C
Considering your lifetime goals, discuss how your current and future academic and extracurricular activities might help you achieve your goals.
Topic D
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, design, 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?
Topic S
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.
Applications for Summer/Fall 2017 and later
All applicants must submit an essay responding to Topic A, along with a second essay addressing topic B, C, D or S.
Topic S, used to detail special circumstances you want considered as part of your admissions application, may be submitted as a second essay, or as a third essay if you are required to submit an essay in response to Topic D due to the major you selected. You may also submit it as a third essay at your discretion.
Topic A
What was the environment in which you were raised? Describe your family, home, neighborhood or community, and explain how it has shaped you as a person.
Topic B
Most students have an identity, an interest or a talent that defines them in an essential way. Tell us about yourself.
Topic C
You’ve got a ticket in your hand—Where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?
Topic D
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, design, 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?
Topic S
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.
Source: http://admissions.utexas.edu/apply/freshman
