How to Write the UT Austin Essays 2024-2025

The University of Texas, Austin is a large public research university with an enrollment of over 51,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. UT Austin is the flagship institution of the University of Texas system, and is the home to some of the best engineering, architecture, and business programs in the nation.

 

Since UT Austin is a selective school, writing strong essays is essential for making your application stand out. UT Austin’s application requires three prompts (one of which is optional) for all applicants, with additional writing requirements for students applying to these programs: Art/Art History, Architecture, Nursing, or one of the university’s many honors programs.

 

Read these UT Austin essay examples from real students to inspire your own writing!

 

UT Austin Essay Prompts

 

 

 

Ah, the common “Why This Major” college application essay. This essay is important to demonstrate to the admissions committee that you are passionate about the area of study you are interested in. Whatever major is your first choice, you need to take time to reflect and think about what drew you to pursue this field of study.

 

As detailed in CollegeVine’s article about writing the “Why This Major” essay, a couple key topics to cover are how you developed this interest, and your goals in studying this major. 

 

Show how you’ve looked into research or career opportunities that appeal to you, and the steps you have taken to pursue your interest, whether it be through hobbies, jobs, research opportunities, readings, etc. Do you have personal reasons for choosing this major? Detail those reasons, and explain how either a personal experience, inspirational character, or more have impacted your life and decision to study your major.

 

Here are some examples:

 

• Biology — You have been a passionate bird-watcher for most of your life. Your father would take you around to various parks and teach you how to identify various bird calls, differentiate between males and females within a species, and more. This has developed into an interest in the evolutionary and migratory behavior of birds, and you wish to pursue biology as the stepping stone to further graduate studies specializing in birds.

 

• Radio-Television-Film — Growing up, you’ve always had a fascination with movies and have become a huge movie buff. You’ve been especially interested in how the creative team creates and rig up the physical special effects and props. In your spare time, you and your friends make your own home films, and you are often the one who researches and creates any special effects and props with your available budget and resources. Though your home productions are not the most well-refined, you have had fun, and you want to pursue Film to get a better understanding of how to professionally create crazy shots and break into the film industry.

 

• Linguistics — Your family moved around a lot throughout your childhood, and in every new town or city you lived in, you were fascinated by the different slang and accents of the people around you. You’ve lived everywhere — Louisiana, Vancouver, Long Island, South Dakota, Southern California, and more, and you want to further understand how these regional quirks developed and how they affect the culture of an area today.

 

 

This prompt falls under the Extracurricular archetype, which asks you to reflect on one activity that has made a meaningful impact on your high school experience. Whether it’s a club, a sport, volunteer work, or even a family responsibility, the key is to explain why you are proud of this activity, and why it’s relevant to understanding what kind of college student you’ll be.

 

To get started, consider these brainstorming questions:

 

• Which activity made you feel the most accomplished or fulfilled?
• Did you overcome any challenges or obstacles while participating in this activity?
• What did this activity teach you about yourself, your values, or your community?
• How did this activity impact others? Did you help your team, organization, or family in a meaningful way?
• Why are you proud of this activity in particular? Is it because of personal growth, skills you developed, or the difference you made?
• How did you start in this activity, and how did your role evolve over time?

 

While you may have several impressive activities, the goal is to focus on one that holds particular personal significance to you, regardless of how prestigious or “impressive” it may seem on paper. The admissions committee is looking for more than just a description of the activity—they already have your activities list, so in this essay, they want you to go beyond just credentials and accolades, and provide insight into what this experience reveals about your character, values, and growth.

 

Focus on how this activity shaped you as a person. Did it help you grow in confidence, empathy, or leadership? Did it teach you perseverance, teamwork, or time management? Alternatively, did your participation impact others or contribute to a larger cause?

 

Here are some examples of potential topics:

 

• Student A is passionate about art and mental health. She might write about how she has tried out different mediums, from watercolors to clay, to depict her own experiences with anxiety, and how consciously exploring her emotions in the physical world has helped her get a better handle on her illness.
• Student B, a soccer player, could write about how he led his team through a tough season. After their coach was diagnosed with cancer, he assumed additional responsibilities as captain, such as compiling film and coordinating with the team bus driver, which taught him the importance of stepping up and harnessing your own abilities under adverse circumstances.
• Student C, who works at her family’s restaurant on weekends, could focus on how this responsibility taught her time management, customer service skills, and the value of hard work. She might focus on a busy holiday season when she had to take on new tasks, which was stressful, but also rewarding as she got to bring festivity and cheer to people’s lives.

 

In writing your essay, you want to employ narrative elements to tell a story: How did you first get involved? What was your role, and how did it grow? Did you face any challenges along the way? How did you overcome them? Use specific examples to illustrate your points. Don’t just say “I was the team captain”—describe a key moment that demonstrates your leadership and why it made you proud.

 

Now, let’s look at some example responses.

 

 

You can probably tell that this is a weaker response. It’s too general and reads more like a résumé entry than a reflective essay. The student lists achievements without explaining their personal significance, nor sharing specific moments that contextualize those achievements. We’re also missing reflection on why debate matters to them beyond awards and leadership titles.

 

 

This example, on the other hand, vividly describes the student’s experience working at their family’s food truck, creating a tangible image of their environment and role. We can see their ability to handle responsibility and the development of their leadership skills, even as they keep their tone humble. They also reflect thoughtfully on how they learned to handle unexpected situations and became more resilient as a result.

 

Overall, we can easily connect their involvement in this activity to their potential to succeed in college and beyond. In other words, we understand why it should matter to admissions officers that they were part of this activity. To ensure your essay is equally successful, choose a deeply personal experience, and tell a story which allows you to reflect on how this activity has shaped you as a person.

 

 

This essay is optional and provides you the opportunity to explain extenuating circumstances that have affected your education during high school. This is not necessarily a space where you would include a creative essay about your passion for math or make a political statement. Rather this is room for you to let the UT Austin admissions committee know about any extenuating circumstances that may have affected your academic performance. 

 

Although in the near-past, the COVID-19 pandemic has and is still affecting many students across the world in various ways. This could be a situation that you may want to explain to the admissions committees.

 

Other non-COVID-related experiences may have also impacted you. If there is a circumstance, such as a loss of job, sickness of a close relative, mental health, or more that has affected your school performance, let UT Austin know here so the admissions committee may take it into consideration while reading your application. 

 

If any of these extenuating circumstances are written in your Common App personal statement, then you can include an excerpt here.

 

However, do not use this space as a way to excuse poor performances. Be direct, and let the circumstances speak for themselves. Also keep in mind that many students were disrupted by COVID-19 in similar ways, so you should only write about circumstances that went beyond those common experiences. 

 

There’s no need to take up the full allotted space or even really write a whole essay; just use as much space as needed to explain your situation.

 

 

Here, UT Austin is asking you to reflect on the significance of studying art history in today’s global world specifically. Admissions officers want to see that you can think critically about the value of art, how it impacts society, and what insights it offers about current and past cultures. 

 

To get started, here are some brainstorming questions:

 

• How has art shaped society in the past? Can you think of any historical art movements that changed political, social, or cultural perspectives?
• How does contemporary art reflect today’s global issues, such as climate change, migration, or social justice movements?
• Why is it important to preserve and study art from different cultures and time periods? What do we learn from artworks from a past time?
• What specific pieces or movements in art history have impacted your view of the world?
• How can art inspire change, foster understanding, or build bridges between different cultures?

 

You don’t have to answer all of these questions–you only have 500 words, after all–but hopefully, they give you a general sense of the kinds of things you might discuss in your essay. Note that many of the questions are designed to help you think of specific examples: while the prompt asks for your opinion, and this is ultimately a reflective essay, not an academic one, you should support your ideas with real artworks, to make your points more impactful.

 

Including examples like Renaissance art, 19th-century impressionism, or modern street art will make your essay more persuasive. And the more specific, the better! If you have a particular artist you admire, or even an individual work you find especially compelling, find a way to incorporate it!

 

Check out some possible topics below:

 

• Student A is passionate about how to design cities with communal gathering spaces, a topic they explored through their Latin class by doing a project on the Roman forum. They could draw a connection to the modern world by talking about how as more people move to the suburbs, feelings of loneliness and isolation increase, and how they see revamped urban planning playing a major role in building a more community-oriented society, where people have the opportunity to connect with and learn from others.
• Student B is curious about how the endless stream of visuals we receive through social media impacts our perception of the world, especially atrocities. They could reflect on how artists like Francisco Goya or Käthe Kollwitz used their art to protest war and injustice, and how today, nearly anybody can harness the power of artistic protest, but that has led to oversaturation, which diminishes the impact of any individual piece.
• Student C is of Italian heritage, and their extended family in Florence takes a great deal of pride in the city’s long artistic legacy. They might discuss how many people identify strongly with an artwork from their country’s past, but many people also feel a personal connection to art from a place they’ve never visited, and how in a world that is both polarized and interconnected by technology, art can be a medium to simultaneously take pride in your own identity and understand others’.

 

Notice that all three of these examples don’t just talk about the modern world in general, but about the specifically global nature of our world, through building connection, protesting injustice, and exploring identity respectively. Admissions officers choose the wording of these prompts carefully, so make sure the “global” element is clearly addressed.

 

These examples also show how the art of the past should inform our understanding of contemporary issues, and vice versa. You don’t want to just discuss ancient art in isolation, but show why studying ancient art today still matters on a practical level, whether that’s by driving social change, preserving cultural identity, or shaping technological advances. In other words, you want to explain why you’re drawn to the field of art history, in the year 2024 specifically, in the first place.

 

Finally, to see how to turn your brainstorming into an actual essay, check out the following excerpts from example essays:

 

 

As you might realize, this example lacks depth. There are many statements, such as “art has always allowed people to express themselves,” “studying art helps us understand each other better,” “the universality of the human experience,” and “we have more in common than we think” which are vague, and not supported by personal reflections on the student’s own life and experiences. The student also fails to identify a specific aspect of the modern world that art can help us understand, so we don’t get a sense of what they’re hoping to do with their art history degree.

 

 

This much stronger essay provides a clear link between historical and contemporary art, and analyzes both through the student’s concern over the global issue of climate change. The student chooses specific artworks and artists, and even discusses how they seek to add to the artistic dialogue around this issue in their own work, so the essay has both depth and personal relevance.

 

 

The admissions committee is hoping to get a sense of your goals and reasons for applying to the Architecture program at UT Austin.

 

While impacting the world sounds like a weighty topic, UT Austin isn’t looking for you to embellish. The admissions committee wants to hear how you would apply an education in architecture to help the world in any capacity, and that goes for anything from your local community to the globe. 

 

First define your reasons for pursuing architecture. This is important since the prompt asks what the capacity to impact the world means to you, so you need to reflect on how you’ll impact the world and why you want to do it in that way.

 

Do you want to design houses in low-income neighborhoods since you grew up in low-income housing that wasn’t efficient or livable? Or do you want to design apartments with sustainability in mind since you’re from Hawaii and have seen how construction can disrupt the environment? 

 

When possible, mention specific UT Austin resources that will help you achieve your goals, as the prompt asks how your goals shape your approach to your college education. For the student who wants to create sustainable architecture, they may mention courses like Modern History of Sustainable Architecture or wanting to be in one of the fastest-growing cities in the US (Austin), offering many opportunities for hands-on experience in sustainable development.

 

 

This is a short prompt! The admissions committee wants to see through your eyes and get an idea of your vision of the world. Be concise in your statement, and make sure your photos have a common thread, even if it’s not initially obvious. For example, you could submit photos of the skyline at important locations or times to you, or you could submit photos of various objects that inspire you. This is a very open-ended prompt, and you can spin it to really show the admissions committee your unique outlook on life and the environment around you.

 

This is also a chance to showcase your creativity and artistic skill. While the program doesn’t require you to submit a portfolio, submitting some of your artwork would give you more of an opportunity to stand out, particularly because UT Austin allows you to mix and match the format of your submissions.

 

Another way to make your response more cohesive and concise is to submit work with an overarching theme, whether that’s various pictures of your neighborhood at sunset, or artwork you made in response to a specific topic. Tying the three submissions together with a bow will give the admissions committee a stronger sense of how you think about the big picture.

 

 

This question allows you to discuss why you chose Nursing as your first choice program. Although you have already answered why you want to pursue your first choice major in the short answers section of the application, this extra space really allows you to dive deeper into why you decided to pursue nursing as a career and allows you to show off your work towards your goal. You can add additional anecdotes about why you chose nursing that you might not have had space to include in your short answer prompt.

 

Before beginning this essay, write down the qualities you feel a good nurse would have. Are they compassionate, culturally aware, patient, knowledgeable, etc.?

 

Then, write down the activities you did that correspond with those qualities. Did you volunteer for your local Red Cross, or organize a fundraiser for your local care facilities? Did you work in a nursing home, or at a daycare to gain experience working with people with varying needs? What academic classes did you take in high school to prepare yourself for a college nursing program? 

 

Maybe instead, your motivations to pursue a career in nursing are more related to your own life experiences. Is someone close to you in that occupation? Have you previously worked in a healthcare-related role? Or have you had your own medical issue where a nurse meaningfully changed your perspective on medicine?

 

Be specific, and dive into details on how your activities or life experiences relate to developing an interest in nursing and a nursing career. Chances are, you have already listed your activities out in another section of your application. Using anecdotes about specific instances or events is crucial in offering new information that will keep admissions officers engaged, and teach them about your passion for nursing.

 

 

This essay is similar to the Why This Major archetype, which asks you to describe your academic interests, with the added layer of needing to explain how they align with the liberal arts, and how a liberal arts education connects to your future ambitions.

 

To get started, reflect on the following brainstorming questions:

 

• What excites you about the liberal arts? Consider specific subjects, themes, or ideas that engage you–rather than just “flexibility,” go a step further, to “the flexibility to explore the intersection between fields that might seem unrelated, like Latin and chemistry.”
• How have your personal experiences shaped your interest in the liberal arts?
• How do you believe a liberal arts education will help you reach your future goals?
• What benefits do you think the liberal arts has for broader society? How can a liberal arts mindset help us address today’s global issues?
• Why does the interdisciplinary nature of the liberal arts appeal to you? Think about how combining specific subjects can enhance your understanding of each one, and the world as a whole.
• Do you have a particular career in mind, and how will a liberal arts education help you get there?

 

Although there are many ways to approach this essay, as “the liberal arts” is a big, nuanced idea, the admissions committee wants to see a clear connection between your personal, intellectual, and career goals and a liberal arts education. They also want to understand how you view the broader significance of the liberal arts in the world today.

 

Check out some example topics below:

 

• Student A, a student interested in psychology and sociology, is fascinated by how societal structures influence individual behavior. Her experiences tutoring younger students, and seeing how their circumstances impacted their ability to study, inspired her to start thinking about how to create a more equitable education system. In college, she wants to explore the intersection between her existing interests and public policy, so that she can get a clearer sense of how she can actually enact some of her ideas for change.

 

• Student B is passionate about writing and storytelling. He grew up in a bilingual household, where he constantly translated for his grandparents and saw how language shapes thought. He plans to major in English and study linguistics within a liberal arts framework to understand the power of language in shaping identity and culture. His goal is to become a writer and translator, and bridge cultural gaps through his work.

 

• Student C is drawn to history and philosophy, and is especially curious about how leading philosophers shaped societal approaches to governance and justice, for better or for worse. In her junior year, she did a capstone paper on how ideas from Plato’s Republic still shape political discourse today, and hopes to continue this research as she works towards her long term goal of working in international law, with a focus on diplomacy.

 

A good response will be specific about how your experiences and interests align with a liberal arts education. Whether through extracurricular activities, personal hobbies, or academic projects, your essay should reflect how your journey so far has naturally led you to studying the liberal arts. 

 

You’ll want to avoid generalizations like “a liberal arts degree teaches critical thinking” or “liberal arts degrees are well-rounded.” Instead, tie these ideas directly to your personal experiences–the key question you’ll want to answer is why critical thinking, or well-roundedness, matter for the field(s) you’re passionate about.

 

Finally, make sure you address all elements of the prompt, including the ones focused on the broader significance of the liberal arts. Answer the “Why should anyone study liberal arts?” or “Why does the world need the liberal arts?” question with a thoughtful reflection on the societal value of this approach to education, by connecting your personal goals to the universal.

 

The three examples above all do this, by focusing on educational reform, intercultural learning, and diplomacy, respectively. If you don’t know exactly what you want to do, that’s okay–touch on some paths you’re thinking of pursuing, and discuss how a liberal arts education will empower you regardless of which one you choose, or potentially even help you choose one in the first place.

 

Now, let’s look at some sample responses.

 

 

If you think this essay is vague and uninspired, you’d be right. It doesn’t show any real passion for the liberal arts, nor does it explain the student’s personal, specific connection to the field. The student comes across as somewhat shallow, and thinking of only how their degree would help their resume, rather than the deeper analytic and reflective skills they could learn. 

 

Let’s look at a stronger example:

 

 

This essay is much stronger. It tells a clear story of how the student’s love for storytelling and curiosity about the universality of the human experience began, then connects their personal passion to a broader societal trend (rapid technological growth) and explains the relationship thy see between the liberal arts and this trend, as well as how they see themself working towards a better world in the future. 

 

Their response is specific and personal, and portrays them as intellectually curious. As you write your own essay, focus on checking those three boxes, and you’ll be sure to show the UT Austin Honors Program why you’re a great fit for their community!

 

 

This open-ended prompt is asking you to provide five distinct sentences that reveal key aspects of your personality, background, interests, and experiences. The flexibility here can be daunting, but on the flip side, you have the opportunity to present five different facets of yourself in a concise, engaging way. 

 

The goal is to give readers a well-rounded sense of who you are in just a few sentences, so each one should be meaningful and carefully thought out. Even though this is a short supplement, you should still carve out ample time for brainstorming, writing, and editing. Fitting your ideas into such a small space can sometimes be more challenging than generating content to meet a longer count.

 

To help you come up with ideas for these five sentences, think about the following questions:

 

• What are your key personality traits? Be specific, and go beyond just “nice” or “smart.” Are you introspective, ambitious, nostalgic, or adventurous?
• What experiences or hobbies define you? What are you passionate about outside the classroom, or even outside your extracurricular list?
• What’s a fun or quirky fact that others might not know about you but helps describe who you are?
• What’s something that has shaped the way you see the world? It could be a cultural experience, a personal challenge, or even a book or conversation that left a lasting impression.
• How do you interact with others? Are you a leader, a team player, or someone who brings people together?

 

Since you’re limited to just five sentences, you’ll need to be strategic in selecting the most impactful and engaging details about yourself. And you also want to make sure you aren’t simply repeating information that can already be found elsewhere in your application. Each sentence should add a new dimension to your story, to give the admissions committee a more fleshed-out look into who you are beyond your academic achievements.

 

To construct a compelling response, you’ll want to be specific, and avoid general statements. Instead of saying “I love reading,” say, “I spent last summer lost in the works of Gabriel García Márquez, enchanted by the magic realism of One Hundred Years of Solitude.” Remember, your goal in these essays is to set yourself apart from other applicants, and the more specific you can be, the more clearly admissions officers will see how you’re different even from someone else who might have a similar hobby.

 

Also, as always, show, don’t tell. In other words, use vivid imagery and details to show who you are, rather than just making blunt, factual statements. Instead of saying, “I love playing the guitar,” you might write, “The rush of adrenaline I feel strumming the final chord at my garage band’s gigs is my favorite high.” 

 

Finally, this is a space to have fun and be imaginative. UT Austin specifically encourages you to be creative and think outside the box, so don’t be afraid to present a quirky or unexpected part of yourself. College applications are generally quite dry by their nature, and injecting some energy here can make a positive impression on admissions officers.

 

For example, you could say something like “I can recognize any Taylor Swift song in under two seconds,” or “Every Halloween, my twin and I pick a different couple’s costume to parody–in response to Barbenheimer, we went as Oppenheimer and Einstein, not Barbie and Ken.” 

 

You don’t want to come across as superficial, so make sure you’re still demonstrating something positive about yourself (dedication and creativity, respectively, in the examples above), but you should feel free to present the traits you’re highlighting in a fun way.

 

To conclude, let’s look at a complete package of five sentences:

 

 

In this example, each sentence offers a unique insight into the student’s life, from their cultural background (sentence 1) to their hobbies and personality traits (sentences 2-5). There’s a clear balance between creativity, intellectual curiosity, and personal values, and the sentences engage the reader by using vivid, specific sensory details.

 

To summarize: this prompt is your chance to show the UT Honors Program who you are in just five sentences. Be sure to touch on different topics, and explore them creatively and in depth, by using immersive language rather than general statements or clichés. And lastly, remember that this is a space where you can have fun!

 

 

The core of this question is about how communication—whether in the form of speech, writing, media, or another means—holds immense power, and the responsibility that comes with exercising this power. This prompt is likely quite different from any others you’ve tackled, so to help generate ideas, consider the following questions:

 

• Have you ever communicated something that had a larger impact than you expected? What was the result?
• How has communication shaped major events in history or current events, for better or worse?
• Are there any films or books that illustrate the power of words, media, or other forms of communication?
• What role does social media, and other modern forms of communication, play in demonstrating the power and responsibility of communication in today’s world?
• How do leaders (political, social, etc.) use communication to inspire, and to navigate the responsibility of their influence?

 

To answer this question effectively, you’ll need to do three things. First, you should demonstrate that you understand the power of communication, to persuade, inspire, inform, or even harm. Then, you’ll want to acknowledge the responsibility of harnessing the power of communication by considering relevant ethical or moral issues. Finally, provide a relevant, concrete example to illustrate your point, whether from current events, history, film, literature, or your own life.

 

As you do these three things, you also want to be sure that your story doesn’t get lost along the way. While this topic might seem more academic than other college essays, your goal is still to teach admissions officers something about you. So, make sure to draw connections to your own values and goals, as otherwise readers might come away from the essay more informed about responsible communication, but not knowing anything new about you.

 

Here are some example topics:

 

• Student A is an aspiring journalist. She discusses the role of journalism in shaping public opinion, using breaking the Watergate scandal as an example of responsible communication, and reflects on how investigative journalists have the power to expose corruption but must ensure they report facts carefully and ethically.

 

• Student B is a member of student government from a town in Texas where many students’ parents have jobs connected to the oil industry. He writes about his experience organizing discussion groups to propose grassroots solutions to climate change, and describes the responsibility he felt to ensure everyone’s perspectives were valued when dealing with such an enormous issue.

 

• Student C is a film enthusiast and uses the movie The Social Network to explore the creation of Facebook and how electronic communication has shaped modern society. She discusses the responsibility that comes with designing such a powerful tool by drawing a connection to anxiety she personally has experienced, due to everyone’s lives seeming perfect online and causing her to feel insecure about her problems.

 

To see how to go from brainstorming to an actual essay, look at the following examples:

 

“With great power comes great responsibility, especially in communication. For example, politicians must use communication to convey their ideas, but they also need to be responsible with their words. If they say something wrong, it could lead to negative consequences, like people getting the wrong idea or losing faith in the government. We see this all the time with political speeches, which is why communication is so powerful.”

 

This response is not very good. It’s vague, and instead of analyzing a specific example, relies on generic statements about politicians. There is also no personal connection, so we don’t learn much of anything about the student themself. In contrast:

 

“In high school, I started a mental health awareness blog, hoping to create a space where my peers could find comfort and share their struggles. I quickly realized that my words carried more weight than I expected. After posting about the importance of seeking help for depression, I received dozens of messages from students thanking me for speaking up. But one response stood out—a friend confided in me about their own struggles with suicidal thoughts. 

 

The power of my words became clear: I had the ability to influence others, which meant I also had a responsibility to ensure the resources I provided were reliable and my advice was sound, as people with their own, real struggles could be relying on my guidance. My platform, while powerful, could easily exacerbate, rather than alleviate, harm if misused, or used carelessly. This experience taught me that while communication can be a force for good, it requires careful thought and responsibility to ensure it doesn’t unintentionally cause harm.”

 

This example is much stronger, as it’s personal, specific, and clearly anchored in an experience that taught the student the power and responsibility of communication. We can also see which skills (empathy, altruism) the student honed through this experience which they’ll take with them to all endeavors and interactions in college.

 

By carefully choosing an example that is meaningful to you and allows you to analyze the intersection of communication’s power and responsibility, you can write a similtarly thoughtful and compelling essay for this prompt.

 

 

This prompt is essentially a hybrid Why This Major and Why This College essay, but with a focus on how you fit into the specific honors program you’re applying for at the University of Texas College of Natural Sciences (CNS), rather than the school as a whole. You’ll need to explain why the program is the right fit for you, as well as what you will contribute to the honors community. 

 

First, remember that the three programs (Dean’s Scholars, Health Science Scholars, Polymathic Scholars) have different emphases:

 

• Dean’s Scholars: Focuses on research as well as academic excellence in the sciences and emphasizes connection and community among students
• Health Science Scholars: Centers on students interested in health-related careers, and blending research with service
• Polymathic Scholars: Encourages interdisciplinary study, by allowing students to pursue science alongside a custom field of study

 

To answer effectively, you’ll need to reflect on your academic background, current passions, and future goals, and explain not only why you’re a good fit for your chosen program right now, but also how you’ll continue to grow through it over the next four years.

 

Here are some questions to help you get started:

 

For Dean’s Scholars:

 

• What scientific research or projects have you been involved in?
• Why do you want to pursue research at a high level, and what skills will you bring to a research-oriented community?
• What areas of scientific inquiry are you passionate about, and how will this program in particular help you explore them?

 

For Health Science Scholars:

 

• Why are you passionate about health sciences or healthcare?
• How have your experiences (internships, volunteering, shadowing) shaped your desire to join the health sciences field?
• What specific opportunities (research, service, leadership) in this program excite you?

 

For Polymathic Scholars:

 

• What other fields, besides the natural sciences, interest you?
• Why is it important for you to blend these fields, and what unique perspective does this interdisciplinary approach offer that you couldn’t get by studying each field in isolation?
• What is a custom field of study you might pursue, and how does it relate to your long-term goals?

 

Make sure you research the particular honors program you’re applying for. A common mistake is writing an essay that could apply to all three programs instead of targeting your chosen one. So rather than saying something general like you “love science” or “want to help people,” or simply rattling off a list of every single one of your achievements, be specific about your interests and experiences, and how one particular program aligns with your goals.

 

You also need to show how you’ll contribute to the community–in other words, why you’re a good fit for the program, not just why it’s a good fit for you. Be concrete about your potential contributions, as your goal is to show what you’d add that nobody else could.

 

Check out some examples of topics for each program:

 

• Dean’s Scholars: Student 1 is a biochemistry major fascinated by genetic research. In high school, she worked in a university lab studying CRISPR technology and attended a summer program in molecular biology. She sees Dean’s Scholars as an ideal community to pursue her passion for genetics further, and do outreach in the Austin community to encourage younger students to get involved with research early like she did.
• Health Science Scholars: Student 2 wants to become a pediatrician and has been involved in health-related volunteering since high school, such as working at a local children’s hospital checking in children to receive their Covid-19 vaccines. Health Science Scholars’ emphasis on blending service and research resonates with his desire to explore how to make healthcare environments less intimidating or scary to children.
• Polymathic Scholars: Student 3 is passionate about neuroscience and art history. She envisions a future studying the intersection of brain function and creativity. Polymathic Scholars would allow her to explore a custom field of study: neuroaesthetics, the study of how the brain processes and creates art. She is excited to collaborate with both science and humanities students, contributing to the program’s intellectual diversity.

 

Finally, let’s examine some excerpts of example responses:

 

Dean’s Scholars Example: “I’ve always loved science, and especially enjoyed my biology classes in high school. Dean’s Scholars would allow me to learn from top professors and pursue research opportunities in the areas that most fascinate me, such as how climate change is impacting biodiversity.”

 

This example is obviously too vague. Although the student briefly touches on a topic that interests them, they don’t provide any detail about what they’ve done to explore it in the past, nor what specifically they’re going to do through the program to delve more deeply into it.

 

Health Sciences Scholars Example: “As I stood in the neonatal unit, cradling the tiny hand of a premature baby, I knew that healthcare was my calling. Volunteering at St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital introduced me to the complex, emotional world of pediatric care, and I’m determined to continue taking a service-oriented approach to research, to ensure patients always remain front and center of my work. Through the Health Science Scholars program, I hope to distribute brochures every winter not just encouraging people to get their vaccines, but explaining their long-term benefits, beyond simply avoiding the flu this season.”

 

This much more compelling example cites a personal experience that has a clear connection to the future. The student demonstrates both an understanding of the program and a commitment to contributing to it through service and leadership.

 

By crafting a well-researched, specific, and personal essay, you’ll be able to show the admissions committee not only why you’re a great fit for the program, but also how you’ll enrich the CNS Honors community at UT Austin.

 

 

This prompt is a standard Why This Major essay, which asks students to explain why they are drawn to a specific honors program in the School of Human Ecology (either Nutritional Sciences or Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS)). The admissions committee wants to understand your academic motivations, personal connections to you desired field of study, and how the honors program at UT Austin specifically will support your goals.

 

To begin, think about these brainstorming questions:

 

• What personal experiences have influenced your interest in Nutritional Sciences or HDFS? Was there a particular event or situation that sparked your interest?
• Why are you passionate about studying human health, family dynamics, or nutrition? Have you done any relevant research, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities?
• How do you plan to use your degree in the future? How will this specific honors program at UT Austin help you achieve those goals?
• What about UT Austin’s honors program in the School of Human Ecology stands out to you? Are there specific professors, research opportunities, or other resources that align with your interests?
• What draws you to the honors program? Do you value the smaller classes, research opportunities, or academic rigor? How will being part of an honors cohort impact your experience?

 

The key is to demonstrate a clear, thoughtful connection between your personal experiences, academic interests, and reasons for applying to this program. You’ll need to dig deeper than just “I want to be challenged,” and show how UT Austin’s School of Human Ecology Honors Program will help you achieve your academic, career, or personal goals.

 

Here are some example topics to consider:

 

• Student A has a passion for public health and food insecurity after spending a summer volunteering at a local food bank. They’re particularly interested in UT Austin’s Nutritional Sciences honors program because of the opportunity to work on research addressing food insecurity in underserved communities. The student could discuss how the program’s emphasis on research and interdisciplinary collaboration aligns with their goal of becoming a public health nutritionist.

 

• Student B became interested in HDFS after seeing the impact of divorce on their younger brother’s development. As their brother became a teenager, they took on a more active role in supporting him and offering him stability by doing things like taking him to practice, which made them curious about how family structure and dynamics influence young people’s emotional well-being. They want to join UT Austin’s honors program to study family systems more deeply and participate in faculty-led research on early childhood intervention programs.

 

The most compelling responses will have a specific personal connection and mention an experience or story that influenced your interest in the field. You should also include specific courses, research labs, or faculty members that make UT Austin the right place for you, and explain why you are interested in the honors aspect of the program. Don’t just say “I want to work with well-renowned faculty.” Instead, go a step further and name a specific faculty member whose work aligns with your interests.

 

Finally, tie your academic interest to your future plans. Admissions officers want to see that your choice is purposeful, which you can demonstrate by showing how this honors program will help you achieve your ambitions.

 

Lastly, read through these example responses for some inspiration.

 

“I have always been interested in how people interact with each other, which is why I want to study Human Development and Family Sciences at UT Austin. I like that the honors program is more challenging and will allow me to work with top professors. I want to learn more about families and how they influence individuals so that I can work in counseling one day.”

 

This essay is not terribly effective. It’s too vague, as the student does not provide a strong personal connection to the field nor explain why UT Austin’s honors program specifically appeals to them, as opposed to some other school with a similar program. There are no details about how the program will help them achieve their goals or what specific resources they are excited about.

 

“Growing up in a household where food was both a source of comfort and conflict, I became fascinated by the relationship between nutrition and mental health. After my mother was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, I witnessed firsthand how dietary changes transformed her well-being. This experience fueled my curiosity about the science behind nutrition and motivated me to explore Nutritional Sciences at UT Austin. 

 

I’m particularly excited about the honors program because it offers the opportunity to conduct hands-on research on metabolic disorders, an area I am passionate about. The chance to collaborate with Dr. Molly Bray on her groundbreaking research on Circadian clocks aligns perfectly with my goal of pursuing a career in dietetics, where I can help patients manage chronic diseases through nutrition.”

 

This response is much more specific and personal. The student clearly explains how their interest in Nutritional Sciences grew from personal experience, connects this interest to their future goals, and references UT Austin’s specific research opportunities that will help them achieve those goals.

 

 

This prompt asks you to reflect on possible gaps in your high school’s curriculum and imagine a course that could fill that gap. Unlike more traditional essays about your academic interests, this one encourages you to think outside the box and propose an entirely new course that you didn’t actually take. 

 

You’ll need to think critically about your own educational experience–what was missing, and why would that subject be beneficial not only to you, but to future students as well? This is a great opportunity to showcase your intellectual curiosity and values, to provide insight into the unique perspectives or interests you would bring to UT Austin.

 

To get started, think over these questions:

 

• What subject or skill do you wish you had learned in high school?
• How would learning this subject have benefited your academic or personal development?
• Why do you believe other students would benefit from this course as well?
• Is there a gap in your school’s curriculum that you think is important to address (e.g., life skills, social justice, emerging technologies)?
• What personal experiences have shown you the importance of this subject?

 

As a note, proposing a subject that’s already widely offered or widely desired, like “Personal Finance” or “College Prep,” without adding any unique angle can make your response feel generic. While those courses are valuable, your goal here is to show off your distinct way of thinking, and citing something many other people have already thought of isn’t the best way to do that.

 

You should also avoid general statements like “students need this course because it’s important.” Be specific about what the course would cover and why students need to learn that material. Simply proposing a course isn’t enough–you need to explain why this course should be part of the curriculum, based on your personal beliefs and intellectual curiosities.

 

Finally, while it’s important to explain why you would have benefited from this course, don’t forget to consider how it could benefit others. Frame the course as something that would positively impact the broader student body, not just you. That being said, you should still relate the course to your larger goals or values. Show how this course ties into your own passions, long-term academic or career goals, or worldview, to ensure admissions officers learn something about what you’d bring to this program.

 

Check out these topic ideas for some inspiration:

 

• Student A is a prospective Sociology major interested in mental health advocacy. She would propose a course on “Mental Health and Emotional Intelligence.” Growing up in a household where mental health was stigmatized, she wishes she had learned emotional regulation techniques to cope with stress much earlier on. To help ensure other students have the tools they need, she’d implement a course that teaches students how to manage their mental health, understand common mental disorders, and develop emotional intelligence. 

 

• Student B is an aspiring Environmental Science major with a passion for sustainability. He would suggest a course titled “Sustainability in Everyday Life.” After starting an environmental club at his high school, he realized that most students lacked basic knowledge about how their daily habits impact the planet. He wishes his high school had a class that taught practical ways to reduce environmental footprints–like composting, sustainable shopping, and energy conservation–and explored the science behind climate change. This course could help foster a generation of environmentally conscious citizens.

 

To see how to put your brainstorming into action, look over these example responses.

 

“I would add a personal finance class because students need to learn how to manage money. This course would teach important life skills like budgeting, taxes, and saving for retirement. If I had learned about these topics in high school, I’d feel more prepared for the real world. Everyone needs to know how to handle their finances, and this class would make sure students are ready for adulthood.”

 

While the idea of a personal finance class isn’t bad, the response is too vague and lacks creativity. The writer doesn’t provide any personal connection to the course or unique insights. Additionally, personal finance is a common suggestion, which makes this response feel generic and less impactful.

 

“In my high school, discussions about mental health were often swept under the rug. We had counselors, but the topic of mental health remained stigmatized, and I personally struggled to communicate with coaches and teachers about my performance anxiety. To help others avoid similar struggles in the future, I would introduce a course called ‘Mental Health and Emotional Intelligence,’ which would teach students how to identify their emotions, manage stress, and recognize common mental disorders like anxiety and depression. 

 

This course could not only help students improve their own emotional resilience, but also create a more supportive school environment. For example, if I had taken this class, I could have done a project on how famous performers prepare for the biggest moments, to teach myself and others techniques we could utilize on a much smaller scale. My ultimate goal is to proactively teach students to be conscious of their mental health without fearing it.

 

This response is much stronger, as it identifies a clear gap in the curriculum, provides specific details about what the course would cover, and explains why it would be valuable to both the writer and other students. It also ties the course into the writer’s personal experiences, so we can clearly see why they care about the subject.

 

By proposing a thoughtful, unique course and explaining how it would benefit both you and others, you’ll stand out in your UT Austin application with this essay!

 

 

This prompt is the same as the second Honors prompt, so you can refer to that breakdown above.

 

 

This prompt is a Why This Major essay focused on two majors (Computer Science (CS) and Business), which wants you to discuss why you’re passionate about both subjects, how they complement your career goals, and how your high school experiences have prepared you for this interdisciplinary path. 

 

To start thinking about this prompt, consider the following questions:

 

• What specific career path are you considering that requires both CS and Business? Is it tech entrepreneurship, product management, or something else?
• What excites you about the intersection of technology and business? How do you see these fields working together?
• What hands-on experiences have you had in CS or Business? Have you coded a project, led a business club, or completed an internship?
• How do the skills you’ve gained from both fields complement each other? For example, has learning about algorithms improved your problem-solving in business situations?
• What courses, extracurriculars, or personal projects have helped you prepare for the dual degree program?
• How will the Texas CSB program help you achieve your future goals? Be sure to explore the Texas CSB website and mention specific opportunities that stand out to you.

 

UT Austin’s Texas CSB program is competitive and innovative, so your response should highlight both your intellectual curiosity and practical experience in these fields. The admissions committee wants to see a clear and well-thought-out connection between your past experiences, academic goals, and career aspirations, so that they can have confidence you’d take advantage of all this program has to offer.

 

To demonstrate your fit, outline specific career paths, industries, or even individual roles you’re interested in, and explain why those require both fields. Admissions officers also want to know why you’re prepared to thrive in both fields, so highlight your relevant experiences throughout high school, and explain how they’ve shaped your interest in the two fields. Do make sure to always tie these experiences back to your long-term goals.

 

Finally, show that you’ve done your research on the Texas CSB program. Reference specific aspects of the program, like its interdisciplinary approach, opportunities for internships in Austin’s tech hub, or courses or professors that excite you. Show you’re serious about the program, not just applying for prestige, and ready to hit the ground running.

 

Take a look at these three example topics for inspiration:

 

• Student A has always been passionate about technology and problem-solving. In high school, she led her school’s coding club and created an app that helps local businesses manage their supply chains more efficiently. She could write about how her experience coding the supply chain app showed her that technology can transform small businesses, which sparked her interest in tech entrepreneurship. She would mention how the Texas CSB program offers the perfect blend of technical and business knowledge that will prepare her to launch her own startup in the future.

 

• Student B became interested in both CS and Business after an internship at a fintech startup. While there, he saw how software developers worked closely with the business team to create financial products. He also runs an online business selling custom-made accessories, which gave him firsthand experience in marketing, finance, and operations. This student could write about how the intersection of CS and Business is essential for the future of fintech, where both technical skills and business acumen are necessary to create innovative financial products. He would highlight the unique curriculum at Texas CSB and how it aligns perfectly with his career goal of becoming a product manager at a fintech company.

 

• Student C has always loved computers, participating in hackathons, and building her own websites. Her interest in business came from her family’s small retail business, where she helped her parents by designing a website and managing online sales. She could discuss how her experience with her family business opened her eyes to the need for tech solutions in small businesses, as not all business owners have a young person around to help out. She could mention how the dual degree from Texas CSB will give her the tools to bring impactful technological changes to small and medium enterprises.

 

Let’s read a couple of example responses.

 

“I’ve always been interested in technology and business, which is why the Texas CSB program is perfect for me. In high school, I took AP Computer Science and was a member of the business club. This combination taught me how both fields are important, and I want to continue exploring them in college. I think Texas CSB will give me the opportunity to do this and help me in my future career, as both fields are especially relevant as the modern economy is continually changing.”

 

As you can probably tell, this example is vague and generic. The student provides only a shallow explanation of where their interest in these fields comes from, and doesn’t say anything about the intersection they see between them. There’s also no mention of specific experiences or how the Texas CSB program will help them achieve their career goals, or indeed even what those goals are. This could be a general application to any program. In contrast:

 

“In sophomore year, I worked with a local bakery to help them set up an online ordering system. While I had no previous experience with business, I quickly realized how crucial it was to understand customer behavior to create a user-friendly interface–that isn’t something we covered in my coding classes. Over the next few months, I collaborated with the bakery’s owners to develop a simple but effective online store, complete with customer data analytics to track popular items and optimize pricing strategies. This project sparked my passion for technology and entrepreneurship, by showing me how powerful these fields can be when combined.

 

Through the Texas CSB program, I hope to continue exploring this intersection. The program’s focus on interdisciplinary learning and hands-on projects will provide me with the skills I need to build innovative tech solutions for businesses. I am particularly excited about courses like ‘Data Management’ and ‘Entrepreneurship Practicum,’ which will allow me to apply my technical skills to real-world business challenges and prepare me to lead a tech startup of my own.”

 

This example is much more effective. It provides a specific story that shows how the student has already combined CS and business in the past, and reflects on how that experience shaped their future goals. The student also references specific opportunities at Texas CSB, to show that they’ve researched the program.

 

By following these tips and providing specific, reflective examples to anchor your points, you can craft a compelling essay that demonstrates your readiness for the Texas CSB program!

 

 

This essay is a combination of the Extracurricular and Why This Major archetypes. UT Austin wants to know two things: what you’ve done so far that’s relevant to computer science, and what your future goals are, as well as how computer science fits into them.

 

To start brainstorming, consider the following questions:

 

• What significant activities (clubs, projects, competitions, or personal initiatives) have you participated in that are relevant to computer science?
• Have you taken part in any coding competitions, hackathons, or other tech-related events?
• Have you held any internships or jobs where you developed technical skills, or worked on projects related to computer science?
• What are your favorite programming languages or areas of computer science (AI, cybersecurity, software development)? How have you applied these?
• What sparked your interest in computer science? Was it a class, a project, a mentor, or a particular experience?
• What are your long-term educational and career goals in the field of computer science?
• How does studying at UT Austin’s computer science department align with your goals?

 

You’re asked to describe specific activities, achievements, or employment that showcase your experience and interest in computer science, which means this is your chance to share how you’ve actively engaged with the field, whether through school clubs, internships, coding projects, competitions, or independent study. 

 

The second part is all about your future. You’ll need to lay out your career aspirations and how studying computer science at UT Austin will help you achieve them. Think deeply about why this field excites you and where you want to take your passion.

 

Your response should balance your past experiences and future aspirations in computer science, but ideally with slightly more emphasis on your future. After all, UT Austin is trying to imagine who you’ll become over the next four years and beyond, not just understand who you are right now.

 

Look over some example topics below:

 

• Student A’s love for coding started in middle school when he built his first game app on a simple coding platform for kids. He joined the computer science club in high school and led a team to develop a mobile app for managing school assignments. He also interned at a local software company where he helped improve the UI/UX of their app. His essay focuses on these experiences to explain how he fell in love with user-centered design and how he hopes to continue working on app development at UT Austin by working at the Mobile & Pervasive Computing Lab.

 

• Student B developed a passion for cybersecurity after participating in her school’s CyberPatriot team, where she learned about network security and ethical hacking. She attended a summer camp on cybersecurity and had the opportunity to connect with someone who currently works for a large company, analyzing system vulnerabilities. Her essay discusses her goal to pursue a career in cybersecurity, and how UT Austin’s Center for Identity and its focus on security aligns with her ambitions.

 

• Student C’s interest in computer science began with a fascination for AI and machine learning. He participated in a research project at his high school, where he worked with a mentor to develop an algorithm that could predict student performance based on study habits. His essay explains how this experience solidified his interest in AI, and he looks forward to joining UT Austin’s Machine Learning Laboratory to further develop his skills and contribute to innovative research.

 

To craft a compelling essay, describe your experiences in computer science in detail, focusing on what you did, what you learned, and how these experiences shaped your passion for the field. Whether you’ve created an app, built a website, or participated in a robotics competition, explain your role and the technical skills you applied.

 

Also show why you love computer science! Don’t just list activities—describe what excites you about coding, algorithms, or technology. Have you spent late nights debugging a program because you were determined to solve a problem? Let the reader feel your enthusiasm.

 

While the prompt doesn’t explicitly ask you to address UT Austin, mentioning how their programs can help you can be a great way of taking your essay to the next level. Look at specific courses, professors, research labs, or student organizations that align with your interests. 

 

These should be things that can’t be found at any other school–rather than just vaguely saying you’d like to do research, identify a specific project UT Austin has been involved with that you find intriguing. In other words, what do you see as unique about UT Austin’s computer science program, and why does it appeal to you?

 

Finally, you’ll need to articulate where you see yourself in the future. Whether you’re aiming to work in software development, AI, cybersecurity, or data science, tie your past experiences to your long-term ambitions. Be sure to explain how a computer science degree, from UT Austin specifically, will help you achieve your goals.

 

To see how to put it all together, let’s check out some example responses:

 

“I have always been interested in computer science because I love solving problems. In high school, I took computer science classes and participated in various extracurriculars, including coding competitions and a summer camp. I am passionate about technology and believe it is the future of our society. My goal is to become a software developer and work for a big tech company like Google or Microsoft. I believe that UT Austin will give me the knowledge and skills I need to succeed.”

 

This response, as you can probably guess, is too vague and generic. The student doesn’t provide specific examples of their activities or reflect on what they learned. Their passion for computer science is mentioned but not demonstrated through personal anecdotes. Additionally, their career goals are generic, and there’s no clear connection to UT Austin’s unique offerings.

 

“The steady hum of the CPU filled my room as I frantically scrolled through pages of code. I was determined to solve the bug in my program, but my brain felt like it was running in circles. After hours of trying different approaches, I finally found the error—an unclosed bracket. This small victory is one of the many reasons I love computer science. 

 

My journey began when I joined my school’s robotics team. I was tasked with programming our robot for the regional competition, and although it was my first time coding, I became captivated by the logic and creativity required to bring the robot to life. Since then, I’ve developed several small apps, from a weather tracker to a virtual pet. 

 

My most significant achievement was creating a platform that helps students manage their homework, which taught me how software development can be used to enhance educational experiences. Through Turing Scholars, the honors core classes I would take during my first two years would give me the comprehensive foundation I need to develop a more sophisticated sense of how computer science can be harnessed to drive education forward.”

 

This response, in contrast, is engaging and personal. It starts with a vivid anecdote that shows the student’s determination and passion for coding. The student then gives specific examples of their projects and links these experiences to their future career goals. Finally, mentioning a feature of the Turing Scholars Honors Program demonstrates that the student has researched UT Austin and sees how the university can support their ambitions.

 

By following these guidelines, you can create a compelling, personal, and well-rounded essay that demonstrates your passion for computer science and your fit for UT Austin’s program.

 

 

This essay prompt falls under the Why This Major archetype, as it asks applicants to explain their career goals and preparation for a dual degree program in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and Business at Texas ECB. What distinguishes this prompt, however, is that the “major” in question is actually an interdisciplinary, dual-degree program, which means you’ll want to focus on the intersection of two fields, rather than just one in isolation.

 

To start brainstorming for this essay, consider the following:

 

• How do you envision combining Electrical and Computer Engineering with Business in your future career?
• What unique opportunities does the Texas ECB program provide that will help you achieve your goals?
• Have you worked on any engineering projects or business ventures that illustrate your interest in both fields?
• Which courses or extracurriculars have sparked your passion for engineering? How have you demonstrated leadership or a business mindset in these areas?
• Do you have any role models or mentors who have followed a similar path that inspires you?

 

In developing your answers to these questions, there are two key parts to address: why you want to study under Texas ECB and what preparation you’ve done. Highlight relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, projects, and experiences that have prepared you for the dual degree’s honors-level demands, and then connect your past to what you want to accomplish in your career. Make sure to showcase both academic and non-academic involvement in engineering and business alike, rather than concentrating on one field alone.

 

Read through these example topics for some inspiration:

 

• Student A is an aspiring tech entrepreneur with a focus on AI solutions. Growing up in Austin’s startup culture, he participated in a robotics team where he worked on automating drone flight. He realized that while his engineering skills were crucial, business acumen was necessary to bring innovative ideas to market. He now plans to combine technical expertise in ECE with the business skills needed to launch his own AI solutions company. His background in competing in coding competitions and shadowing his uncle’s software company will illustrate how he’s prepared for Texas ECB’s demands.

 

• Student B is passionate about sustainable energy technology. She has spent the last two years volunteering with a local nonprofit that brings solar technology to underserved communities. While designing energy systems, she also managed their budget, realizing that understanding finance is key to making sustainable solutions affordable and scalable. She envisions a career developing and managing green technology firms, and has already taken AP Physics and Economics to begin building her dual expertise.

 

• Student C wants to lead in the tech consulting space. As the president of his high school’s business club, he led a team to develop a consulting project for local small businesses focused on marketing outreach, where he found his knack for combining technical solutions with business strategy. He is drawn to the Texas ECB program’s interdisciplinary focus because he sees tech as the key to continue refining business strategies in an increasingly competitive landscape.

 

The strongest responses will clearly explain the synergy between ECE and business. Don’t just state that you are interested in both fields in isolation; explain why the combination is essential to your career vision. 

 

You also want to be specific about classes, projects, internships, leadership positions, or personal initiatives that have inspired your interest in the first place. Use personal storytelling to show your passion, rather than relying on factual statements, to help yourself stand out compared to other students with similar interests.

 

Finally, demonstrate genuine interest in the Texas ECB program specifically. Go beyond the general appeal of the program. Reference specific features, like opportunities for hands-on learning, the honors community, or unique Texas ECB courses that excite you. 

 

Now, let’s examine some excerpts from example essays.

 

“I am passionate about both engineering and business, which is why I am interested in the Texas ECB program. I have taken several engineering and math courses in high school and also participated in a business club. I see the combination of engineering and business as a great way to prepare for a career, and I know Texas ECB will help me reach my goals. The program’s strong reputation, rigorous courses, and knowledgeable faculty will provide me with the skills I need to succeed.”

 

Obviously, this essay is too generic. It doesn’t explain the student’s specific interest in the combination of ECE and business or why this program is uniquely suited to their goals. The essay lacks personal details or experiences that show why the applicant is prepared for this program, and it fails to demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for Texas ECB’s offerings.

 

“In my junior year, I launched a small business developing smart home devices with my robotics team. Our goal was to create affordable, customizable systems that could optimize energy usage. However, when it came time to pitch our idea, I realized that even the most sophisticated technology would struggle without a strong business foundation. That’s when I recognized the need for a deeper understanding of both the technical and business sides of engineering innovation.

 

At Texas ECB, I’m excited to delve into the program’s focus on interdisciplinary learning. The ability to tackle real-world problems through both technical analysis and business strategy will prepare me to lead my own tech startup in the renewable energy sector. The program’s emphasis on hands-on learning, such as the opportunity to work on engineering projects through the Longhorn Startup Lab, aligns perfectly with my entrepreneurial aspirations.”

 

Comparatively, this essay clearly explains how the student’s high school experience connects to their interest in both engineering and business. The student describes a clear moment of realization about the importance of business knowledge, and shows a concrete understanding of Texas ECB’s opportunities. It’s much more personal and specific, and demonstrates the student’s passion for this interdisciplinary approach.

 

By following these guidelines, you can craft a compelling essay that showcases your passion for the Texas ECB program, and your readiness for the challenges you’d inevitably face in earning your dual degree.

 

 

This prompt asks for a combination of an Extracurricular and Why This Major essay. You are asked to describe your activities, employment, and achievements which are specifically related to Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). Additionally, you should discuss your educational and career goals, which should ideally build off the activities you mention.

 

To get started, think about the following:

 

• What activities or projects have you done that directly connect to ECE? Have you been part of a robotics club, worked on coding apps or devices, or interned at any tech-related companies? What specific skills have you developed through these experiences, such as coding, circuit design, or machine learning?
• What achievements, awards, or recognitions have you earned in ECE-related areas? Have you won any competitions, hackathons, or school awards, or have you completed a personal project or built something that showcases your skills in ECE?
• How have these experiences influenced your decision to pursue ECE, and what parts of your ECE experiences made you want to explore this more deeply? Why are you excited about this field, and how have your past experiences confirmed that?
• What are your educational and career goals, and how do you hope to grow in ECE at UT Austin? Are there particular courses, professors, or research areas you’re excited about? Do you have a specific career path in mind, such as working in AI, renewable energy, robotics, or another ECE field?

 

The goal is to show how your experiences have shaped your interest in ECE, and prepared you to pursue a degree in this field. UT Austin admissions wants to see that you are not only passionate about ECE, but that you’ve gone out of your way to pursue this interest in tangible ways, such as through projects, jobs, internships, clubs, or self-learning initiatives.

 

For example, did a school robotics competition spark your interest in electrical systems? Did a coding challenge at work make you want to dive deeper into machine learning? Additionally, your career goals should make sense based on your activities and achievements thus far. The admissions committee wants to see that you have a clear, thoughtful vision for how you’ll use your ECE degree, and talking about a project you did on self-driving cars, only to pivot and say your dream is to design prosthetics, would lead to a disjointed essay, even if both topics are good in isolation.

 

As you describe your experiences, you also want to avoid generalities: detail the exact projects, internships, or activities you’ve been involved in. Instead of simply saying, “I interned at a tech company,” explain what you worked on, how it improved your skills, and how it relates to ECE.

 

Here are some example topics to help inspire your writing:

 

• Student A is an electronics club president who was fascinated by electronics after participating in a high school summer camp where she built her first basic circuit. Since becoming the club president, she has led workshops on Arduino programming, and also interned at a local start-up, where she worked on an IoT project to create smart home devices. She plans to focus on embedded systems at UT Austin and hopes to eventually design advanced consumer electronics.

 

• Student B has been passionate about robotics since he participated in a middle school competition. In high school, he built a robot that competed in a national tournament, and even won a design award. At UT Austin, he wants to explore artificial intelligence applications in robotics, and in the future hopes to bring AI into more practical, everyday scenarios, to streamline people’s personal lives in addition to their professional ones.

 

Finally, let’s get into some example essays.

 

“I’ve always been interested in technology and love solving problems, which is why I want to study Electrical and Computer Engineering at UT Austin. Throughout high school, I’ve taken advanced math and science courses, which prepared me for a future in engineering. I also interned at a tech company, where I learned how to code and work on electrical circuits.

 

At UT Austin, I’m excited to take classes in electrical engineering and work with talented professors. I know that this will help me achieve my goal of working in tech after graduation.”

 

The essay is too vague. The student doesn’t give any specific details about what they did at their internship or how it impacted their passion for ECE. There’s also no real personal connection. The essay feels like a summary of activities rather than an engaging story about the student’s journey, and the future goals are not specific enough. There’s no mention of what area of tech they’re interested in or how they plan to use their degree to achieve their goals.

 

In contrast:

 

“Ever since I disassembled my first remote control car at age 10, I’ve been fascinated by how circuits and code interact to bring electronics to life. This curiosity led me to join my high school’s electronics club, where I learned to build Arduino-based projects and even led workshops on basic circuit design. 

 

Last year, I interned at TechNext, a start-up that specializes in smart home technology. There, I worked on a team that developed a prototype for an IoT-enabled thermostat. My role involved coding the interface that allowed users to control the device remotely, and I collaborated with electrical engineers to integrate sensors into the system.

 

At UT Austin, I’m eager to dive deeper into the embedded systems and microcontroller programming I began exploring through my internship. The university’s state-of-the-art labs, like the Wireless Networking and Communications Group, will give me the hands-on experience I need to continue pushing the boundaries of smart technology. My ultimate goal is to develop innovative consumer electronics that make everyday life more efficient and enjoyable.”

 

This response is much better. The student starts with a vivid, personal anecdote that shows where their interest began. They then explain specific experiences and projects they’ve worked on, to give us a more concrete idea of what their hands-on experience looked like. The essay also ties the student’s past experiences to their future goals in a logical way, which shows that they’ve thought deeply about how UT Austin will help them achieve their ambitions.

 

In summary, make sure your essay is detailed, engaging, and clearly connects your past experiences to your future aspirations in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

 

 

Through this prompt, the admissions committee wants to know about a specific experience from your resume that demonstrates your ability to collaborate and contribute to a community, and how you plan to carry these experiences into the Canfield Business Honors Program.

 

In other words, your response should not only describe a past experience where teamwork and community were essential, but also explain how you will embody and continue to live out these values at CBHP. The essay should be reflective, personal, and forward-looking.

 

To get started, consider these questions:

 

• What is a team or group experience on your resume where you worked closely with others? This could be a club, sports team, volunteer organization, business project, or group assignment.
• How did you contribute to the team’s goals? What role did you play?
• How did this experience build a sense of community among the members? Did you initiate any efforts to foster collaboration or inclusivity?
• What were the challenges of working with a group, and how did you overcome them?
• How do these lessons and skills from this experience prepare you for the collaborative environment at Canfield Business Honors?
• In what ways do you plan to contribute to the CBHP community? What leadership, teamwork, or community-building skills will you bring?

 

As you brainstorm, make sure you’re being thorough. Simply stating that you were part of a team or community without providing details of your role will make your essay feel flat. Be specific about your contributions and actions, to highlight a unique experience that shows distinctive personal growth–generic narratives, like about sports teams, likely won’t be the best choice here.

 

And remember, the essay should not only reflect on your past experiences, but also explicitly tie them to how you will contribute to the CBHP community. Don’t just summarize the experience—relate it to your future at UT Austin.

 

Check out some example topics below:

 

• Student A was the captain of her high school debate team, where she worked with members of varying skill levels to develop their speaking abilities and foster a collaborative environment. By implementing peer mentorship and organizing weekly strategy sessions, she helped build a stronger, more unified team. At Canfield Business Honors, she plans to apply these skills by mentoring peers and contributing to team-based case studies and projects.

 

• Student B co-founded an entrepreneurship club at his high school, where he led teams to launch mini business ventures. In this role, he learned the importance of delegation, open communication, and aligning team goals. He worked to build a community where all members felt ownership of projects, organizing feedback sessions and team-building exercises. He is excited to bring his passion for collaboration and leadership to CBHP, where he aims to continue fostering an inclusive, innovative community.

 

• Student C led a volunteer project to create a community garden, where she organized and worked alongside a diverse group of volunteers. Her role involved assigning tasks, solving conflicts, and ensuring that everyone felt included in decision-making. She learned how to adapt her leadership style to different personalities and motivations and plans to bring these insights to Canfield Business Honors by promoting teamwork in business projects and encouraging inclusivity in group discussions.

 

A strong essay response will concretely demonstrate your team-building abilities, whether that’s through leadership, support, conflict resolution, or any other active contribution to team success. Then, you’ll want to look forward to your role at Canfield Business Honors, by discussing how these experiences have prepared you to succeed at UT Austin and contribute to the program’s collaborative environment. 

 

Overall, be personal and reflective, rather than just summarizing your accomplishments. Admissions officers want to see more than just the nuts and bolts of what you did. What they really care about is how and why this experience was meaningful to you.

 

Lastly, let’s read through some excerpts from example responses.

 

“As captain of the soccer team, I learned the importance of teamwork. We all had to work together to win games, and I made sure to lead by example by encouraging my teammates even during hard practices or tough losses. Teamwork is a valuable skill that I will bring with me to Canfield Business Honors, where I will continue to work hard with my peers to achieve success.”

 

This example is vague and generic, and relies on superficial language that fails to engage the reader. There are no specific examples of the student’s contributions to their team, nor is there any real connection to CBHP besides a brief mention at the end. In contrast:

 

“Last year, as president of my school’s business club, I was tasked with organizing our first school-wide entrepreneurship competition. While I could have managed the project on my own, I knew that true innovation comes from collaboration. So, I formed a planning committee that included underclassmen, who were typically overlooked for leadership positions. 

 

Together, we brainstormed, designed marketing materials, and reached out to local business owners to serve as judges. By fostering open communication, I ensured that everyone’s ideas were heard, and our final event was a reflection of our entire team’s creativity and hard work. This experience taught me that leadership is about empowering others, and I’m excited to bring this inclusive approach to Canfield Business Honors. Whether through case study teams or student-led initiatives, I look forward to building a collaborative, supportive community at CBHP.”

 

This response, on the other hand, focuses on a specific leadership experience, shows how the student built a sense of community, and connects these skills directly to what they plan to contribute at CBHP. The language is personal and reflective, showing personal growth.

 

In summary, focus on a specific example from your resume that demonstrates your ability to work with others, contribute to a community, and reflect on how this experience will help you make an impact at Canfield Business Honors. Show your personal growth and vision for how you’ll bring these values to the program.

 

 

This prompt is the same as the second Honors prompt, so refer to that breakdown.

 

Where to Get Your UT Austin Essays Edited For Free

 

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. 

 

Need feedback faster? Get a free, nearly-instantaneous essay review from Sage, our AI tutor and advisor. Sage will rate your essay, give you suggestions for improvement, and summarize what admissions officers would take away from your writing. Use these tools to improve your chances of acceptance to your dream school!