Supplemental essays · 2026–27 application
The University of Texas at Austin supplemental essays.
All 3 essay questions The University of Texas at Austin asks this year, word for word, with the word limits and how to approach each one.
Checked against admissions.utexas.edu on October 17, 2026
What you write: Write the Common App essay (or ApplyTexas Topic A) and answer both required short answers. The third is optional.
Short answers can be up to 40 lines, about 250–300 words each.
Why your first-choice major
Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?
How to approach it
- Start with the moment the interest began.
- Show what you’ve already done about it: a class, a project, a book, a job.
- Say where you want to take it, even if you’re not sure yet.
The activity you're most proud of
Think of all the activities — both in and outside of school — that you have been involved with during high school. Which one are you most proud of and why?
This can be an extracurricular activity, a club or organization, volunteering, work or a family responsibility.
How to approach it
- Pick one activity, not your whole resume.
- Show one moment of what you actually did.
- Say why it matters to you, not only what it is.
Optional: special circumstances
Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance.
How to approach it
- Keep the hard part short. Most of the essay is what you did next.
- Show the steps you took, with real details.
- End with what you understand now that you didn’t before.
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