how to write ut honors essay

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• Ryan Murphy
• Aug 7, 2018

Don't Neglect Your UT Honors Essays

The honors programs at UT-Austin require students to submit essays in addition to the Apply Texas Topic A essay and the four short answers. These essays are just as important as everything else in your UT application, even though most of the prompts limit your response to 250 words. So while these essays may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, they are still quite important for getting ahead of the competition.

Let’s review how to write your best UT honors essays.

#1 . Business Honors, Engineering Honors, Liberal Arts Honors, Plan II Honors, and Human Ecology Honors

Help us get to know you better. Please write five sentences (numbered 1 – 5) that give us some insight into you, your life, your interests and your experiences. There are no right answers—feel free to be creative and think outside the box.

When writing your five sentences, you should think of aspects of your personality that the admissions officers would never know--until now! In other words, highlight parts of your life that really have no other place in your application. Definitely try to avoid school-related topics (but don’t beat yourself up if you can’t).

Here is a sample of topics:

Quirky personality trait or hobby (ex: elegant napkin folding)

Philosophical belief (ex: quality is better than quantity)

Influential family member (ex: my aunt has taught me the beauty of garage sales)

Personal view on how to approach life (ex: always laugh)

Here are some recommendations on how to write each sentence:

Write 2-4 clauses PER sentence.

Use a semicolon if you need to get in an extra idea.

Do NOT write a run-on sentence.

Example sentence:

“Whenever I am home alone, I like to turn on the surround-sound stereo and sing Elton John piano medleys; this is my comfort zone.”

#2 . Computer Science and Business Honors (Texas CSB)

Describe your significant activities, employment and achievements. Be sure to include information that is relevant to the study of computer science. For example you may describe classes and programming activities, other science and math activities, honors and awards, and other activities that demonstrate leadership potential. (250 words RECOMMENDED)

This response is pretty standard, so you may have already written an essay that you can recycle. At any rate, it’s important to recognize that UT doesn’t simply want you to resume dump all your extracurriculars that are related to computer science into this essay. Instead, you need to discuss the ones that “demonstrate leadership potential.” And, yes, you may be thinking: didn’t I just talk about my leadership skills in UT Short Answer #3 ? You did, and now you get to do it again (but in a more subtle way).

What do students typically write about?

Internships

Camps or clubs

Personal businesses or nonprofits

How should you structure your response?

Paragraph #1 (1-2 sentences): Introduction of your significant activities in computer science.

Paragraph #2 (4-5 sentences): Describe significant activity #1 & knowledge/skill gained.

Paragraph #3 (4-5 sentences): Describe significant activity #2 & knowledge/skill gained.

Paragraph #4 (1-2 sentences): Restate what you like about computer science and what you hope to accomplish at college.

#3 . Moody College Honors

It’s been said that knowledge is power, but it could also be said that communication is power. Discuss an example from history, current events, a book or film, or from your own life that supports this perspective. Please limit your response to no more than 250 words.

The prompt opens the door for you to write a history essay, but you should refrain from writing your response too much like a research paper. Keep the discussion centered on how you believe communication is power, and if you do use a historical example, frame it in how the example shaped your thinking.

Here are some sample topics:

Personal narrative about how communicating clearly yielded the best outcome since knowing something was based on clear communication (maybe from a club or some extracurricular experience?)

Historical narrative that relates to war, news industry, or some political crisis

Books like 1984 and Animal Farm

This is how you should structure your response:

Paragraph #1 (2-3 sentences): Introduce why you think communication is power and then identify your example.

Paragraph #2 (5-6 sentences): Explain your example - a personal one is recommended.

Paragraph #3 (1-2 sentences): Say how you hope to further advance the power of communication (or something like that).

#4 . Natural Sciences Honors, Dean’s Scholars, Health Science Scholars, and Polymathic Scholars

Natural Sciences Honors is interested in students who will both contribute to and benefit from the specific program to which they're applying. Provide at least two reasons why you wish to participate in this honors community. Please limit your response to no more than 250 words.

The UT Short Answer #4 is similar to this prompt, so you need to make sure that you don’t repeat yourself. The good news is that the prompt gives a pretty easy roadmap for how to structure the response. You are told to provide “TWO REASONS why you wish to participate in the community” and the Natural Science honors program wants students who will CONTRIBUTE TO (Reason #1 ) and BENEFIT FROM (Reason #2 ) the program.

In other words, this is how you should structure your response:

Paragraph #1 (1-2 sentences): State what you hope to contribute to Natural Science honors community (based on some experience you had) and what you hope to gain from the community (something like camaraderie or complex discussions, etc.)

Paragraph #2 (4-5 sentences): Go into more detail about what kind of background you have that you think fits in well with the Natural Science honors program.

Paragraph #3 (4-5 sentences): Then explain how you see yourself growing by participating in Natural Science honors.

Paragraph #4 (1-2 sentences): Summarize the points you’ve made and reiterate how UT Natural Science honors will advance you on a path you are already on.

#5 . Liberal Arts Honors and Plan II Honors

You are hosting a dinner party this weekend and you can invite ANY three people—living, dead, real or fictional. Tell us whom you would invite and why. What would be your first topic of conversation? Please limit your response to no more than 250 words.

There is no wrong answer for this response, but there are definitely ones that are more interesting than others. Originality and creativity are really important here, because you can invite anyone to your dinner party.

A-n-y-o-n-e.

So take a step back and really think which three people that would be. Also, think how those three people would interact with each other. Maybe they disagree with each other. Maybe they are best friends. There are a lot of factors to consider.

Three people: three kings/queens of different eras

Topic: How do you rule the right way? (Thematic)

Three people: three heroes of literature

Topic: How do you overcome challenging obstacles? (Inspiring)

Three people: a personal friend, a historical figure, and a fictional figure

Topic: What is your favorite food? (Quirky, casual)

Paragraph #1 (4-5 sentences): State whom you would invite to your dinner party and why you would group those three people together.

Paragraph #2 (4-5 sentences): Say what the first topic of conversation would be and why you would want to discuss that subject.

Paragraph #3 (1-2 sentences): Conclude by saying how you hope to have conversation or experiences at UT similar to the dinner party you’ve imagined.

#6 . Turing Scholars

Describe your significant activities, employment and achievements. Be sure to include information that is relevant to the study of computer science. For example, you may describe classes and programming activities, other science and math activities, honors and awards, and other activities that demonstrate leadership potential. (250 words RECOMMENDED)

[This is a repeat of the Computer Science and Business Honors prompt.]

Describe your educational and career goals. Please limit your response to no more than 100 words.

There is no hidden agenda with this prompt. You just need to tell UT about your goals. You should write a single paragraph with ~6 sentences:

Sentence #1 : State your educational goal -- i.e., what do you want to learn?

Sentences #2 -4: Explain how you got this educational goal.

Sentences #5 : State your career goal (should be related to educational goal).

Sentence #6 : Say how you hope to accomplish this career goal at UT.

Final thoughts

UT honors doesn’t make writing essays easy with these small word limits, but if you follow my outlines, then you should have a much better chance at crafting interesting essays.

Remember: Don’t worry about being incredibly unique; just make sure you write strong essays that focus on YOU.

Need more help? Get advice and expert guidance on your UT honors essays with our college admissions essay services. Our seasoned professionals will help you transform ideas into compelling essays, no matter how small the word limit.

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Honors Program

The faculty of the Department of Rhetoric and Writing (DRW) invite qualified majors to apply to the honors program.  Completing a research thesis gives students a chance to work closely with some of the department's distinguished faculty and develop advanced skills in writing, analysis, and research. In addition to these intellectual benefits, graduating with honors may prove a valuable credential on the job market, and in applications for law school, graduate school, and other professional opportunities

General Honors Program Questions

1.     Meet with your academic adviser to determine whether you will be academically eligible. The requirements include:

• Completion in residence of at least six upper-division in-residence hours in rhetoric and writing
• Achievement of a 3.50 GPA in in-residence RHE courses and a 3.00 GPA in UT-Austin courses

2.     Submit the honors program application  online by midnight on March 10, 2024. The application asks for the following items:

• A brief description of your general background and project goals
• A sample of academic writing displaying your critical, analytic or research skills, preferably from an RHE course
• The names of two faculty members you intend to approach for recommendations, at least one of whom instructed you in an upper-division RHE course at UT-Austin. The rhetoric faculty member writing the recommendation may be someone other than your potential thesis adviser. One of your recommenders may be a faculty member from another department.

If you have questions, contact Professor Linda Ferreira-Buckley ( [email protected] ).

3.     Send the link for the Faculty Recommendation Form to two faculty recommenders. 

Faculty members must complete the recommendation form by midnight on March 18, 2024.

A faculty committee will review your completed application and notify you of its decision in mid-May. 

Following your admission to the honors program, you will take a two-semester Honors Tutorial Course to support your development and completion of an honors project. Here is the official catalog description of that course:  

RHE 679H Honors Tutorial Course.

Research into and development of a thesis/project topic and proposal followed by the writing and defense of an honors thesis or development and defense of an honors project. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for two semesters. Prerequisite: For 679HA, upper-division standing, completion of at least six hours of upper-division RHE courses, admission to the Rhetoric and Writing Honors Program, and consent of the honors director; for 679HB, completion of 679HA. RHE 679HA is a three-hour graded course that meets in the fall. During the semester, you will be introduced to research methodologies, narrow the focus of your project, begin gathering data, complete an annotated bibliography, and develop a detailed prospectus or partial draft.  RHE 679HA is taught by the Honors Program Director, working with other members of the rhetoric and writing faculty directing honors projects. Your grade will be assigned by the Honors Program Director. RHE 679HB meets in the spring.  In this graded, three-hour course, you will work one-on-one with your thesis advisor to complete the honors project. You will also receive feedback and advice from a second reader. Your thesis advisor and second reader will meet with you for a formal defense of the completed thesis or project and will submit a form indicating that you have completed your thesis and successfully defended it. Your grade will be assigned by your thesis advisor, in consultation with your second reader.

• Admission to the honors program in rhetoric and writing
• A 3.50 GPA in in-residence RHE courses and a 3.00 GPA in courses at UT-Austin
• Completion in residence of at least sixty semester hours of coursework counted toward the degree
• Completion of coursework requirements for the major in rhetoric and writing
• Completion of RHE 679HA with a minimum grade of A-.
• Completion of RHE 679HB with a minimum grade of A-, which includes the successful defense of a finished thesis or project. For honors to be conferred, the thesis advisor (supervisor) and second reader must agree on a grade of A- or higher. Credit for RHE 679HB is earned with any passing grade.
• Submission of the final bound thesis by May 6, 2024
• Accordion 4 Panel 4. Add body text in this space.
• Accordion 5 Panel 5. Add body text in this space.

Application Deadline:

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Honors Thesis

A key to the Honors Program experience is identifying and working with a rhetoric and writing faculty member on an extended project. A thesis enables you to develop your own interests and insights under expert guidance. Think about potential advisors and projects while you are taking upper-division courses in the major, and pay close attention to what research and scholarship in the field looks like. You do not need to have selected a topic and an advisor before applying to the program. Ideally, your thesis advisor will be a professor from an upper-division rhetoric course— someone from whom you’d like to learn more and with whom you’d be comfortable working on a year-long project. To discover more about faculty specialties, check out the courses, faculty members and locate their Web pages (and CVs) by following the DRW faculty link .

If you haven't taken a class with the faculty member you want as your advisor, be professional in your approach. Meet with them during office hours (or make an appointment), introduce yourself, and have a project idea or at least a topic area to discuss. Talk frankly about expectations, standards, work habits and schedules. Be certain you understand what they will expect from you.

If you have questions about the application or choosing a topic or an advisor, discuss the matter with the Honors Program Director, Professor Linda Ferreira-Buckley . Her email is  [email protected] . She will be happy to set up a Zoom meeting in the fall if you'd like to meet. Check back in January for her spring office hours.

Honors theses may explore a wide range of contemporary or historical issues related to rhetoric, composition, and writing, including creative works in non-fiction writing and technology/media. The variety of upper-division course offerings in the major reflects the range of possibilities. You might, for instance, explore a important historical figure or movement, study or apply some aspect of rhetorical or composition theory, or examine contemporary developments in technology and media. Most theses will be grounded in traditional academic research, which includes finding, reading, evaluating, and using primary and secondary sources.

The bottom line: all work must clearly demonstrate command of core rhetorical concepts and principles. Our honors graduates have completed theses such as these:

• Rachel Carroll, "The Rhetoric of the United States Supreme Court Case Carpenter v. Murphy : How Discourse in the Courtroom Constitutes Native American Identity"
• Caroline Firme, "Embodying ADHD: Beyond Deficit/Disorder"
• Kaiser Hwang, "Real-time Rhetoric: A Consequentialist View of Interactive Persuasion"
• Timothy Harakal, "A Reverend's Rhetoric"
• Kylie Kopp, "Appalachia Talks Back: A Case Study of Political Letters to the Editor in West Virginia"
• Lorence Olivo, "Trump to Power: The Twitter Presidency and its Rhetoric"
• Paige Pevsner, "'We Don't Know Exactly When She Became Unconsicous': The Courtroom Rhetoric Used to Blame, Shame, and Defame Sexual Assault Survivors"
• Jill Rubinger, "#Girl Power: A Rhetorical Analysis of Hillary Clinton's 2016 Social Media Campaign"
• Emily Robinson, "Negotiating Dialogue: Non-Persuasive Rhetoric in Writing Centers"
• Emily Vernon, "Sport as Nation: A Rhetorical Analysis of the Discourses that Compose the Imagined Community of F.C. Barcelona"
• Heather Yarrish, "White Protests, Black Riots: Racialized Representation in American Media"
• Colleen Mahoney Crabtree, "Disability Rhetoric in Homelessness Policy: A Comparative Study of Los Angeles, CA and Houston, TX"
• Maria Larina, "Designing Fair and Inclusive Internet Technologies:
• Nathaniel J. Ogren, "Rhetorics of Fatness and Weight Stigma at the Intersection of Government and Medicine in the U.S."
• Avery Stewart, "'I Don't Want to Be Part of Your Revolution': An Honest Revival of Emma Goldman for Liberatory Feminist Futures"
• Morgan M. Wray, "The Rhetoric of Lady Bird Johnson"
• Hannah Fuchs, "Interactive Interventions: Disability Representation in Indie Video Games:
• Brett Glasscock, "A Utopia of Shit and Warts: HIV/AIDS and its Futures in David B. Feinberg's Life Writing"

Ideally, you will have a topic or question in mind when you apply.  Early in the fall, you will begin refining your question, planning your research, and setting deadlines. By the end of the fall, you will have secured an advisor, begun collecting relevant material, composed an annotated bibliography of relevant sources, and written a prospectus.  In the spring, in close consultation with your advisor, you will research, write, receive feedback, and revise.

Undergraduate theses generally run between 50–80 pages. They need to be carefully edited and fully documented, following a professional style guide, often that of the Modern Language Association (MLA). The final versions of your thesis must be approved by your thesis advisor and second reader following your oral defense. For more about writing an honors thesis, review the  College of Liberal Arts Senior Thesis Manual.

The Director of the Honors Program will convene an Honors Symposium at which writers will present their projects to faculty, staff, students, and visitors.   We encourage students to showcase their project by creating a large poster to display in Parlin Hall or by creating something to post on our website.

Important dates for Spring 2024 Honors Program

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Honors College Essay: Tips, Prompt Examples and How to Write

Writing honors college essay

An honors college essay is an academic paper that students typically complete to establish entrance into an honors college, program, or division. An honors paper seeks to test students’ research skills and focus their analytical abilities on a subject of academic interest. 

Due to the specialized focus of the paper, students benefit from serious attention to the college essay topics, which are vital in developing the essay.

An Honors College essay is unique in terms of its requirements, structure, and background. The purpose of this article is to provide advice on writing and structuring an Honors College essay.

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Which Universities do Ask for Honors College Essay

1. uci (university of california irvine) .

The UCI has two programs, the Academic Honors Program and the Honors Program. Both are popular with many members. They are not mutually exclusive, but they have different requirements and different goals.

The Academic Honors Program is for students who want to get recognized by their professors for academic achievement. It does not require an essay but several letters of recommendation from faculty members.

You should not apply to either program if you are only interested in one or the other because there is no guarantee that either program will accept your application or that you will gain acceptance into either program.

2. VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University)

The applicants must complete the 500-word Essay on Honors. The essay should address the following topics:

• Your interests and goals, especially as they pertain to your intended major(s) and career path(s). How do you feel about being a lifelong learner?
• Your ideas about leadership, including h
• How you would define leadership, what your leadership style is, how you would use your abilities as a leader to positively impact your community in and out of college, and how you would lead if given the opportunity.

3. NJT (New Jersey Institute of Technology)

NJT requires you to write an essay and submit it along with your application.

These honors college essays usually focus on your intellectual interests and experiences, using specific examples to illustrate your points. It’s essential to select an area you are interested in and know about. 

You should also pick something that you can write about easily; it will be evident if you are writing a research paper or other academic work instead of an honors college essay, so don’t try to fake it!

4. Purdue University

Purdue University’s Honors College focuses on scholarship, leadership, research, and engagement by integrating residential and co-curricular learning opportunities with academic classroom experiences.

Your college application essay needs to breathe life into your application. It should capture your genuine personality, explaining who you are beyond a series of grades, test scores, and after-school activities. 

Take a minute and think about the college or university admission officers who will be reading your essay.

5. Stony Brook University

The Stony Brook Honors College provides an exceptional opportunity for students who want to pursue a challenging course of study in the company of talented peers. Your essay should be no longer than three double-spaced pages and should address certain questions.

It is an opportunity to explain an event that took place on any day in history; what would that event be? Discuss why you chose this particular day. Also, as this question, what do you hope to learn/experience by being present?

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How to Write a Good Honors College Essay

Honors college essays follow a formal style with a clear structure. To get your honors college essay, follow these tips:

• Think about the prompt and what you want to say.
• Brainstorm.
• Organize your thoughts into a logical outline.
• Write your introduction.
• End with a conclusion that sums up the main points of your argument and connects those points back to the prompt.

Technically, the honors college essay can be a five-paragraph essay, but it should be more than that.

It should be closer to a 10-paragraph essay, with an introduction and conclusion paragraph that are each about four or five sentences long.

The introduction and conclusion paragraphs should be about the same size. The middle of the essay should be about three paragraphs long, and each of them should be about four to five sentences long.

1. Introduction 

The introduction should have a hook which is a catchy sentence or two that gets the reader interested in reading your essay. Furthermore, it should have an explanation of why you want to go to Honors College: This is usually possible in one sentence. 

Also, there should be a thesis statement. This is usually evident in one sentence at the end of the paragraph. The thesis statement tells the reader what you plan to write about in your essay. For example: “I want to attend honors college because of their strong pre-med program.”

Write the body of your paper using transition words to connect your ideas and explain the connections between them.

The middle paragraphs should include an explanation of why you have chosen your career path and why you are interested. 

3. Conclusion

End with a strong conclusion that ties together everything you discussed within your paper, providing important takeaways for readers as well as leaving them feeling satisfied with what they just read.

Takeaways 

• You are writing an essay, not a text message. In other words, please use complete sentences and correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation. If proper English is not your strong suit, enlist someone proficient at it to help edit your essay.
• Be specific about what you want to study and why. Do not just say that you want an education; tell the reader what kind of education you want and why. This is particularly important if you plan to study something that you did not find at your high school. 
• The readers do not expect you to know everything about the field you plan to enter. They expect that you give serious consideration to it and explain why you want to pursue it beyond the fact that “it sounds interesting” or “it pays well.”
• Proofread your essays before sending them in. Errors will distract from whatever else is in those essays and may give us a negative impression of your abilities.

Things to Remember about Honor Essays

The honors essay is one of your best chances to stand out in a meaningful way from other applicants, so be sure to invest time in crafting a great response.

The admission office is looking for the following:

• The office wants to know that you understand what makes the honors program special. We have a diverse group of students and faculty who are passionate about learning and interacting across disciplines.
• What do you think this will mean for you? How will you take advantage of being in an environment that values interdisciplinary thinking?
• Your accomplishments. Let the audience know your talents. Have you excelled academically? What leadership roles have you taken on, or awards have you won? They want to discover what drives your passion for learning, leadership, and service.
• Your plans for the future. The honors program will prepare you for success beyond your skills, whether that’s graduate school or medical school, or a career in a completely different field. 

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Examples of Honors College Essay Topics

• Considering your lifetime goals, explain how your present and future academic activities will assist you in achieving your goals. 
• Settle for an issue of importance to you, whether it is political, personal, local, or international related. Then, craft an essay to explain the significance of that issue to yourself, your community, and your generation. 

When not handling complex essays and academic writing tasks, Josh is busy advising students on how to pass assignments. In spare time, he loves playing football or walking with his dog around the park.

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How to Write the UT Austin Supplemental Essays + Examples

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 10/23/23

Writing the UT Austin essays requires introspection, creativity, and time! To learn how to ace this application component, read on!

If you’re planning on applying to the University of Texas and are making your way down your application checklist, you may hit a roadblock when it comes to the supplemental essays . 

These essays often prove to be the most demanding aspect of college applications, as they call for transforming your thoughts into captivating words and leaving a lasting impression on the admissions committee. But fear not! This guide has got you covered! In it, we’ll break down each of the UT Austin essays. 

UT Austin Supplemental Essay Prompts 2023-2024

Before we delve into how to write the UT Austin supplemental essays , let’s go over the prompts. You’ll be required to answer one essay prompt and a few short answers. 

The required essay prompt should be around 500-700 words , typically two the three paragraphs. However, your responses to the short answer prompts should be no more than 40 lines or 250-300 words . 

Required Essay Prompt #1

“Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?”

Short Answer Prompt #2

“ Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?”

Short Answer Prompt #3

“ Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community, or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT.”

Short Answer Prompt #4

“ The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is ‘To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society.’ Please share how you believe your experience at UT Austin will prepare you to ‘Change the World’ after you graduate.”

Optional Short Answer Prompt #5

Students may also answer the following short answer if it applies to them:

“Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance.”

How to Write Each Essay Prompt for UT Austin

Now, we’ll delve into how to answer each of UT Austin’s prompts to ensure your responses are original, insightful, and interesting! We’ll go through specific UT Austin essay requirements and also provide successful essay examples to begin your creative process. 

How to Write UT Austin Required Essay #1 + Analysis and Tips

Analysis of UT Austin’s required essay prompt : This prompt, by asking you to “tell your story,” calls for some personal reflection on your life so far. UT Austin wants to get to know you as a well-rounded person beyond your application materials. They want to know the things that have shaped and formed you in your life. 

The various opportunities and challenges you’ve experienced say a lot about who you are. By asking you to tell these anecdotes, the admissions committee wants to see you display humility, self-awareness, gratitude, and a desire to learn and grow. Think deeply about significant moments in your life and how they have made you different. 

To write a strong essay for UT Austin, consider following these tips:

Tip #1: Dig into Your High School Memories

Time for a little throwback session! Sit down with a cup of coffee, tea, or whatever else floats your boat, and start digging up all those unique experiences you had during high school. For most of you, you’re likely in your senior year, so this shouldn’t be too hard!

Remember those times when life threw something special at you or maybe even knocked you off your feet? Jot all of these memories down so you can go through them and pick the most meaningful ones to talk about. 

Tip #2: Find the Common Thread

Now that you've got a bunch of high school memories in front of you, see if there's a common theme or a big idea that ties them together. It could be a passion, a challenge you faced head-on, or a turning point that changed the game for you.

Tip #3: Be Descriptive!

Get creative with your writing! Paint a picture with your words. Make your essay engaging and fun to read. You want those admissions officers to be hooked from the start to the finish. 

Tip #4: Get Real and Vulnerable

No need to put on a show here to worry about what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Be yourself! 

Share your stories and feelings with authenticity. The admissions committee wants to see the genuine you, not some perfectly polished version. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable, share your feelings and emotions, and demonstrate your growth.

Tip #5: Talk About Unique Opportunities

Share those opportunities that set you apart from the crowd. Maybe it was an internship, a special extracurricular , a passion project , or a chance to travel. 

Show them how these experiences opened up new doors and helped you grow.

Tip #6: Face the Challenges, No Holding Back

Life's not always rainbows and sunshine. The admissions committee wants to hear about your struggles and your ability to overcome them. So, discuss those tough moments that you thought you’d never get through, how you pushed on, and what you learned along the way.

Show the committee how all these experiences—the good, the bad, and the ugly—shaped the awesome person you are today. 

Tip #7: End On a High Note

End your essay with a forward-looking approach. You’ve spent most of your essay reminiscing about high school and the lessons you learned from it. Now think about what’s next! 

Offer the admissions committee some insight into your academic and career aspirations. Talk about how you plan on fulfilling these goals at UT Austin and what you plan on contributing to this school!

How to Write UT Austin Short Answer #2 + Analysis and Tips

Short answer #1 analysis : The first short answer is relatively straightforward. There’s a reason you chose your intended major, and now’s your time to demonstrate your passion and explain why your selected program interests you! 

UT Austin is dedicated to making a real difference in the world, so it’s essential you take your essay beyond the realms of your immediate college career. Think about what you’ll do with your education and how you’ll impact those around you!

Keep these tips in mind to ensure you nail this short answer:

• Showcase your passion and genuine interest : Avoid essay topics that you think the committee wants to hear. Instead, ensure your sincere passion for the major you've selected is evident throughout your essay. Explain why it excites you and what specific aspects of the subject matter resonate with you.
• Connect to your background : Reflect on any relevant events, challenges, or opportunities that influenced your decision. Share one or two brief anecdotes or stories that demonstrate how your experiences have shaped your aspirations and academic path. This will make your essay personal and engaging. 
• Highlight your skills and alignment with UT Austin : Explain how your skills, strengths, and natural abilities align with the chosen major. Describe specific talents or aptitudes that you possess and how they complement the demands of your academic program and profession.
• Emphasise UT Austin's program and opportunities : Demonstrate your knowledge and interest in UT Austin's program. Research its offerings, faculty members, research opportunities, and distinctive features related to your chosen major. Explain how these aspects appeal to you and align with your goals.
• Discuss your future aspirations : Share your long-term aspirations and how pursuing this major will enable you to make a positive impact in your chosen field and beyond. Discuss how you envision using the knowledge and skills gained from this program to contribute to society or address real-world challenges. 

How to Write UT Austin Short Answer #3 + Analysis and Tips 

Short answer #2 analysis : With this prompt, UT Austin wants to see drive and commitment to make a difference in the university community as well as proof that you’ve made a difference in other spaces as well. 

This question should demonstrate self-awareness, passion, and motivation. UT Austin wants to know how your past experiences have brought you to where you are, and they also want to know more about your future aspirations. 

By demonstrating your potential to have a positive impact both in and out of the classroom, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate that will make great contributions to the UT community!

Implement these tips into your second short answer response:

• Highlight your key qualities and experiences : Provide an overview of the experiences, perspectives, talents, and leadership activities that define you as an individual but avoid listing them without adding context and depth. Explain how they contribute to your overall character and worldview.
• Emphasize leadership skills and potential : Discuss your involvement in leadership activities. Illustrate how you have taken initiative, influenced others, or demonstrated a commitment to creating positive change. All of these traits are highly valued by UT Austin!
• Talk about your future : Demonstrate how your specific attributes and experiences will allow you to make a positive impact both in and out of the classroom at UT Austin. Explain how your perspectives and background have shaped your understanding of different issues and will enrich class discussions.
• Connect back to UT Austin : Show that you have done your research on UT Austin's values, culture, and community. Explain how your experiences, perspectives, and talents align with the university's mission and how you plan to contribute to the campus environment. 
• Be genuine and specific : Throughout your essay, be authentic and avoid any vagueness. Share specific anecdotes and examples to illustrate your points, and be descriptive! Show, don't tell, and immerse your readers into your experiences so they connect to them better.

How to Write UT Austin Short Answer #4 + Analysis and Tips

Short answer #3 analysis : This short answer is one of the more challenging UT Austin essays. It requires students to look ahead past their college career and think critically about how they plan on bettering the world. 

While the previous questions are focused on your passions in a more general sense, this prompt asks you to think about your aspirations at UT Austin specifically. How does your desire to attend UT Austin connect to your dreams and goals? 

Here are some tips on how to approach this question:

Tip #1: Be Realistic

The admissions committee isn’t looking for any sappy or exaggerated goals. They aren’t expecting you to cure cancer or find life on Mars. 

Think about what realistic impact you want to have on the world. Whether it be changing the lives of your patients as a healthcare worker, helping address social issues, or simply being a strong advocate for the environment, any effort to better the lives of others counts!

Tip #2: Be Specific

Don’t make vague statements about your passion to change the world, healthcare, poverty, or any other broad topic. Be specific and clearly state your long-term aspirations and the specific ways you envision changing the world after graduation. 

Think about who exactly you want to help, what issue you aim to address, and the tools you’ll use to do so. 

Tip #3: Connect UT Austin's Offerings to Your Goals

Showcase your understanding of UT Austin's unique offerings and how they align with your ambitions. Discuss specific academic programs, research opportunities, clubs, or organizations that UT Austin offers and explain how they will support your personal and professional growth towards your goal of changing the world.

Tip #4: Discuss Your Commitment to Impact

Emphasize your dedication and commitment to creating a positive impact. Demonstrate that you are not just interested in pursuing your career for personal gain, but that you genuinely care about making a difference in the lives of others and improving society.

Tip #5: Be Ambitious

Be ambitious in your goals, but also be realistic about the steps you'll take to achieve them. Demonstrate that you have a clear plan for how your experience at UT Austin will serve as a stepping stone to creating a lasting impact on a broader scale. Demonstrate you have direction and know what it’ll take to reach your goals.

Tip #6: Wrap Up with Confidence and Gratitude

Conclude your essay with a strong and confident statement that reinforces your commitment to changing the world and your gratitude for the opportunity to do so at UT Austin. Leave a lasting impression on the reader that highlights your passion and determination.

How to Write UT Austin Optional Essay #6

Answering the optional essay is simple; stick to the facts and be honest. There is no need to be overly descriptive or create a compelling narrative out of your circumstances. 

This essay should only help the admissions committee learn more about the extent of your circumstances, how they prevented you from achieving your best, and how you attempted to overcome them. As such, you’ll want this essay to be relatively short. It should not exceed one to two paragraphs. 

Examples of UT Austin Supplemental Essays That Worked

It can be really helpful to look at examples of successful essays for inspiration. Below, you’ll find essay examples from accepted UT Austin applicants! We’ll look at each example closely to examine what worked about it. 

Sample Essay #1

Your UT Austin essays need to be concise, captivating, and creative to effectively answer this prompt:

Take a look at this example essay:

“‘Gone but never forgotten’---the solemn inscription on the plaque dedicated to my best friend, displayed prominently in our high school. A phrase intended to offer comfort, but one that will always ring hollow for me. The reality remains stark; gone is still gone. No matter how many times I replay his infectious smile or reminisce about our sunlit summers spent surfing until sundown, he remains forever confined to the realm of memories.

Losing my best friend to cancer was a heart-wrenching blow that shattered my world. We had shared dreams, laughter, and endless plans for our future. His untimely departure left an emptiness in my heart and a void in my life that seemed impossible to fill. Grief consumed me, and the once vibrant light of my high school years dimmed significantly. Coping with the loss of such a young, budding life was a challenge unlike any other, and it tested my emotional strength to its limits.

But, In the face of this overwhelming and seemingly unending pain, I found solace in the support of my family and friends. Their unwavering presence and understanding helped me navigate through the darkest times. I realized that I was not alone in my grief and that reaching out for support was not a sign of weakness but an act of bravery. This experience taught me the power of empathy and the significance of connection, shaping my understanding of the value of relationships in life.

While the loss of my best friend left a permanent scar, it also sparked an awakening within me. I became acutely aware of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. As I struggled to regain my sense of purpose, I sought solace in volunteer work at a local cancer support center. Being able to offer comfort and empathy to patients and their families on their own journeys was a cathartic experience that helped me heal and provided me with a newfound sense of direction.

Amidst the challenges, high school also offered unique opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. I found inspiration in the arts, particularly through music and painting. These creative outlets became my refuge, allowing me to express emotions that words could not convey. Art became a powerful medium through which I could heal and explore my own emotions, and it ignited a passion that continues to fuel my aspirations.

As I delved deeper into my artistic pursuits, I discovered my ability to inspire others through storytelling. I started sharing my experiences through writing and public speaking, aiming to bring hope and awareness to those facing similar struggles. This newfound purpose motivated me to excel academically and to embrace every opportunity for growth that high school offered.

With newfound resilience, I became an active member of various clubs and organizations that focused on cancer awareness and support. I initiated fundraisers and awareness campaigns, determined to make a difference in the lives of those affected by this dreadful disease. In doing so, I found strength in unity, as we came together as a community to support a common cause.

Through the highs and lows of high school, I have evolved into a compassionate, determined, and empathetic individual. The loss of my best friend has taught me that life is fragile and unpredictable, urging me to make the most of every opportunity and to embrace challenges with unwavering resolve.

As I prepare to embark on the next chapter of my journey at UT Austin, I am filled with a sense of purpose and determination. I aspire to study medicine, combining my love for the arts with my passion for healthcare to bring comfort and healing to those in need. The experiences of my high school years have shaped me into a resilient individual who values empathy, compassion, and the power of connection. I am confident that my journey through grief and self-discovery will not only enable me to excel academically but will also empower me to change lives and make a lasting impact both in and out of the classroom. So, while my best friend may be gone forever, his legacy will live on; through me, the sunsets I now surf through alone, the patients I will heal, and the grieving families I will support when all they have left to hold are intangible memories.”  

Why It Works

This essay stands out because of its deeply personal exploration of the writer's journey from grief to resilience, fueled by a passion for cancer awareness and healing. 

The unique fusion of art, medicine, and storytelling highlights the writer's distinct personality, aspirations, and well-roundedness. Their commitment to community engagement, coupled with a clear academic focus on medicine, also aligns well with the university's values. 

Short Answer #1 Example

Below, you’ll find an example essay answering the following prompt: 

“Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?”

Here’s another example essay to draw inspiration from:

“In 'The Alchemist,' Paulo Coelho writes, 'And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.' This profound sentiment resonates deeply with my decision to pursue an English major at UT Austin. For me, the study of English is a transformative journey of self-discovery and a pursuit of understanding the interconnectedness of humanity through the written word.

Like Santiago, the protagonist in 'The Alchemist,' I believe that our desires and dreams can shape our destinies. In the enchanting world of literature, I find myself constantly drawn to the power of storytelling, where words become vessels for ideas, emotions, and shared experiences. 

Choosing UT Austin as the home for my academic pursuits was an easy decision. The English program's reputation for fostering intellectual curiosity and nurturing creativity aligns perfectly with my academic goals. The diverse range of courses, from classic literature to contemporary poetry, promises to provide a comprehensive understanding of literary traditions, nurturing my ability to critically analyze and interpret texts.

Beyond the curriculum, I am excited about the vibrant literary community at UT Austin. Engaging with like-minded peers in literary clubs, workshops, and events will undoubtedly enrich my perspective and encourage meaningful discussions on the intricacies of literature. Moreover, I envision utilizing my passion for writing to contribute to UT Austin's literary publications and participate in creative writing workshops. Embracing opportunities to share my voice, whether through poetry or prose, is essential to my growth as a writer and communicator.

Ultimately, my decision to pursue an English major at UT Austin is driven by a deep-rooted passion for storytelling, a desire to understand the complexities of human existence, and a conviction that words possess the power to change lives.”

Why Essay #1 Worked

This essay begins with an interesting quote that intrigues the reader from the very first line. Then they artfully connect this quote to their personal and academic aspirations, which reflects a thoughtful consideration of the applicant's choice of major and resonates with the transformative power of education.

The alignment of their academic interests with UT Austin's English program also showcases a well-researched understanding of the university's offerings. 

Short Answer #2 Example 

You’ll need to do some serious brainstorming and reflecting to write an essay that answers this prompt well: 

“Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT.”

You can use the following UT Austin essay to guide you in your brainstorming process:

“My journey leading up to UT has been shaped by a tapestry of experiences: my responsibilities at home, my passion for basketball, and my commitment to community service. Balancing two part-time jobs throughout high school to ease the financial burdens at home has instilled in me a strong work ethic and a determination to excel both academically and personally.

As a devoted basketball enthusiast, the court has become my sanctuary, teaching me invaluable lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. The discipline and dedication required in sports have translated into my academic pursuits, where I strive for excellence with the same fervor I bring to the game.

My commitment to community service is deeply rooted in my family's legacy of veterans, who have instilled in me the importance of giving back. Volunteering at local animal shelters, soup kitchens, and hospitals and organizing charity events has allowed me to witness the transformative power of service firsthand. As such, I am driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, both in and out of the classroom.

At UT, these experiences and perspectives will serve as my compass for engagement and leadership. As a student-athlete, I intend to contribute my skills to the campus basketball team, fostering a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship. On the academic front, my diverse background will enrich classroom discussions, bringing unique perspectives to the table.

Outside the classroom, I aspire to collaborate with service-oriented organizations, amplifying their impact on the community. Moreover, my leadership experience, gained from organizing charity events and coordinating community initiatives, will be instrumental in rallying fellow students to join forces for common causes. I am eager to embrace the enriching opportunities that UT has to offer, using my talents to foster a nurturing environment where empathy, determination, and teamwork thrive.”

Why Essay #2 Worked

The essay effectively highlights how all of this student’s experiences have shaped their character, instilling qualities like a strong work ethic, determination, teamwork, and leadership. 

Their commitment to community service reflects a genuine desire to give back, and their intention to bring this commitment to UT's campus showcases their dedication to making a positive difference in the university community. 

Short Answer #3 Example

For UT Austin’s third short answer essay, it’s important to include meaningful details. However, remember to be concise when answering the following prompt: 

“The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is, ‘To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society.’ Please share how you believe your experience at UT Austin will prepare you to ‘Change the World’ after you graduate.”

Below is a sample essay to help you craft your own detailed and concise response: 

“Aspiring to become a nurse, I am driven by a profound sense of compassion and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin resonates deeply with my aspirations, and I believe my experience at UT Austin will empower me to change the world through the profession of nursing.

UT Austin's esteemed nursing program will provide me with a comprehensive and cutting-edge education, equipping me with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality care to diverse populations. The renowned faculty and state-of-the-art facilities will cultivate my clinical expertise, enabling me to make a tangible difference in patients' lives.

Through hands-on experiences and clinical rotations, UT Austin will offer me invaluable opportunities to work with real patients and understand their unique needs and challenges. These experiences will shape me into a compassionate and empathetic caregiver, dedicated to advocating for the well-being of each individual.

Additionally, UT Austin's commitment to community engagement and service aligns perfectly with my vision of making a difference in society. Participating in health outreach programs and volunteering at local clinics will provide me with a broader perspective on healthcare disparities and strengthen my commitment to serving underserved communities. The diverse and inclusive environment at UT Austin will enhance my cultural competence and foster my ability to provide patient-centered care to individuals from different backgrounds.

My experience at UT Austin as a nursing student will be transformative, preparing me to be a compassionate and skilled healthcare professional. Rooted in the university's core purpose of transforming lives for the benefit of society, I am confident that I will graduate as a competent nurse ready to embrace the challenges of the healthcare field and positively impact the lives of those I serve.”

Why Essay #3 Works

The student grounds their aspiration to become a nurse in a genuine compassion for others and a desire to create a positive impact, which resonates well with the university's core purpose. 

The essay also effectively outlines how UT Austin's nursing program is a perfect fit for the applicant, highlighting the comprehensive education, renowned faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities that will prepare them to deliver high-quality care. 

These points present a strong case for how UT Austin’s program will empower this student and how she will contribute to the university’s community. 

Optional Essay Example

Remember, you only need to respond to this prompt if it applies to you: 

For your reference, here’s a sample essay explaining the circumstances that prevented a student from achieving the GPA they intended to:

“During my high school years, I encountered a unique set of circumstances that significantly impacted my academic performance. After my single mother was unexpectedly fired from her job and faced challenges finding another, our family's financial stability became uncertain. In order to support my mother and contribute to household expenses, I took on multiple part-time jobs, which demanded a substantial portion of my time and energy. As I juggled work commitments alongside my academic responsibilities, I found it increasingly challenging to maintain the GPA I had envisioned, a 3.8. While my determination to succeed academically remained steadfast, the added responsibilities and time constraints hindered my ability to dedicate as much time to my studies as I desired.

Despite these challenges, I persevered, ensuring that I gave my best effort in every aspect of my life. Balancing work and studies taught me invaluable time management and prioritization skills, but it also meant sacrificing some extracurricular opportunities that could have enriched my high school experience further. While my academic performance may not have reflected the 3.8 GPA I initially aimed for, I am proud of the resilience I demonstrated in the face of adversity. The experiences I gained from shouldering responsibilities beyond academics have shaped me into a diligent and empathetic individual. I believe these life lessons will undoubtedly serve me well as I embrace new challenges and opportunities in the future.”

Why This Optional Essay Works

This answer sticks to the facts and clearly articulates the circumstances the student faced, how they tried to improve their situation, and what they learned from it. The student keeps a positive tone throughout and does not place blame or try to evoke pity from the admissions committee!

Get More Sample Essays Here!

Looking at sample essays can work wonders for your own inspiration and motivation. If you want to check out more college application essays written by admitted students, take a look at our college essay database down below! 

FAQs: UT Austin Essays

Below, you’ll find the answers to any remaining questions about the UT Austin essays!

1. How Many Essays Does UT Austin Require?

UT Austin requires all of its applicants to answer one long essay and three short essays. There is an additional optional essay for students that faced circumstances that negatively affected their high school experience. 

2. Does UT Look At the Common App Essay?

Yes, the Common App essay will be considered in the admissions committee’s evaluations. 

3. Does UT Look At Coalition Essays?

No, UT Austin only uses the Common Application or the Apply Texas application . 

4. How Long Does UT Austin Supplemental Essay Need to Be? 

The UT Austin required essay should be between 500-700 words. However, the short answer essays only need to be 250-300 words. 

5. How Important Are Essays for the University of Texas at Austin? 

According to UT Austin’s most recent common data set , the application essays are taken into consideration. This means that you’ll have make sure your essays are stellar so that your application stands out! 

Final Thoughts

Overall, your UT Austin essays are not just about showcasing your achievements, but also about how your unique journey has shaped you into the person you are today. Embrace the challenges you've faced and the lessons you've learned along the way. 

Be confident in your abilities and potential. Show them how you can make a positive impact both inside and outside the classroom at UT Austin. UT Austin is looking for a diverse array of individuals, so let your personality and potential shine brightly in your essays!

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The Honors Program @ UT

Sapere aude

Honors Theses

• Thesis Guidelines
• Steps to Writing a Thesis/Deadlines/Registering for Thesis Credits

Thesis Forms

Sample theses, thesis steps.

Fall — First Monday of November 

Spring — Second Monday of April

• Step 1: Propose your project by filling out the Thesis Submittable Application
• Step 2: Confirm your thesis committee by filling out the Thesis Committee Form.
• Step 3: Complete 6 to 10 Thesis Credits via your major or through Hon 490. To “register” for Honors 490, fill out the general UT Independent Study Form . The course title is “Hon 490.” The professor is your thesis director. The chair is one of the honors directors. Submit the form to the Registrar’s office. Do not attempt to register for someone else’s Hon 490 in Workday as you would other classes. (Workday will say you aren’t eligible because you’re essentially trying to sign up for someone else’s thesis class, and you don’t want to do that.)
• Step 4: Defend your thesis. Students attempting to complete their thesis projects in the Fall must defend their projects by the second Monday of November; students attempting to complete their thesis projects in the Spring must defend their projects by the second Monday in April. When the thesis is defended, everyone on the committee signs the  Thesis Completion Form .
• Step 5: Grant the Library permission to save your thesis by filling out the Institutional Repository Form & ask your director to confirm thesis completion by uploading the Thesis Completion Form to Submittable .

Back to menu

• Thesis Proposal Form
• Thesis Committee Form
• Independent Study Form
• Thesis Completion Form
• Institutional Repository Form
• Thesis Submittable Completion Application

Sample theses can be found at the UT Institutional Repository .

Q: My major already requires a thesis and has a thesis class (such as LIT 490). Can I use that to get Honors thesis credits?

A: Yes. Write [email protected] and let us know you’re planning to substitute one for the other, and we’ll update your records accordingly.

Q: I’m trying to register for Honors 490 in Workday and it says I’m ineligible for the course. What do I need to do to be eligible?

A: You’re not supposed to register for someone else’s independent study class. To register for your own thesis credits, fill out the independent study form (above). Register for your own section of Hon 490 and give it to the registrar.

Q: I didn’t finish my thesis by the deadline. Can I have an extension?

A: The deadlines are for the purposes of graduation. You’re recognized as graduating with honors research distinction at the ceremony, and you have to have defended by the deadline to be in the program and to have your designation on your transcript. If you miss that deadline, you may not be recognized in the ceremony. Furthermore, all theses are read by the Faculty-led Honors Committee. If the semester is over, the faculty, who do not meet in winter or summer breaks, cannot review the theses. For these reasons, we cannot grant thesis extensions.

Q: How many thesis credits can I take at one time? How many should I take at one time?

A: That is up to you and your thesis director. The ideal situation is that a student has 2 years to write a thesis. That way, they can take credits in small increments (for example, 2 per semester) and gradually build the project. Others might take 3 credits the fall of their senior year and 3 the spring of their senior year. Still others might take 1 to 2 credits over the summer. How you break up your thesis credits depends on: how many hours you and your director are able / willing to meet weekly; how long you have to write your thesis; whether or not you want to or are able to register for credits over the summer; and how much work you plan to put into the thesis in any given semester.

Q: Can I get thesis credits from Oxford or via any other Honors opportunity?

A: You can use Oxford credits as thesis credits if your tutorials align with your thesis topic and your thesis director agrees. You cannot get thesis credits through any other Honors opportunity, such as Partners in the Park, Timothy M. Smith, or attending conferences, etc.

Q: How do thesis credits work? Is it a course in which everyone is enrolled, or what?

A: Thesis credits are independent study courses. That means you and your director work out what days/times to meet, how often you meet, and you create the syllabus together. The first semester of your thesis is usually a reading and proposal semester, where you familiarize yourself with the literature surrounding your research and propose a topic for your thesis. The other semesters usually involve writing, drafting, and revising. Thesis credits do not involve you enrolling in a 20-person class with other students; this is one-on-one work with you and your director (and, occasionally, your two other thesis committee members).

Q: What happens if I fail to finish my thesis?

Students who do not finish the thesis must complete 3 extra courses: one in the humanities, one in the social sciences, and one in the natural sciences (any, not just in Honors) in order to satisfy their core requirements; however, while taking these extra 3 courses will signal that their core courses are complete, they will not graduate with honors.

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Essays & Short Answers

Summer/Fall 2025 Essay

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Please keep your essay between 500–650 words (typically two to three paragraphs).

Spring 2025 Essays

All freshman Spring 2025 applicants must submit a required essay:

• UT Austin Required Essay in the Common App, or
• Topic A in ApplyTexas

Please keep your essay between 500–700 words (typically two to three paragraphs).

Spring 2025 Essay Topic

Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?

Submitting Your Essay

You can submit your essays:

• In conjunction with your application.
• Using the Document Upload System in MyStatus.

*Students do not need to submit other Common App essays. We’ll only review what is required.

Short Answers

• Submit the required short answers to prompts in your admission application.
• Answers are limited to no more than 40 lines, or about 250–300 words per prompt, typically the length of one paragraph.

Summer/Fall 2025 Prompts

• Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?
• 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? ( Guidance for student s: This can include an extracurricular activity, a club/organization, volunteer activity, work or a family responsibility.)

Optional Short Answer

Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance.

Spring 2025 Prompts

• Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT.
• The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is, “To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society.” Please share how you believe your experience at UT Austin will prepare you to “Change the World” after you graduate.

Submitting Your Short Answers

You can submit your short answers with either your Common App or Apply Texas application. Short answer responses must be completed in order to submit your application.

• Transfer applicants must submit one essay responding to Topic A.
• Applicants to the School of Architecture and Studio Art, Art Education and Art History are required to upload Topic D in addition to Topic A. 

Essay Topics

Topic a (required).

The statement of purpose will provide an opportunity to explain any extenuating circumstances that you feel could add value to your application. You may also want to explain unique aspects of your academic background or valued experiences you may have had that relate to your academic discipline. The statement of purpose is not meant to be a listing of accomplishments in high school/college or a record of your participation in school-related activities. Rather, this is your opportunity to address the admission committee directly and to let us know more about you as an individual, in a manner that your transcripts and the other application information cannot convey.

Topic D (School of Architecture majors and Studio Art, Art Education and Art History majors only)

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, 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?

Submitting Your Essay(s)

Albert Dorman Honors College

Tips for Writing an Honors College Essay

Writing an Honors College Essay (Max. 400 words)

A college essay is a chance for you to tell us what all your records cannot: who you really are, how you think, and how well you write. It is not an invitation to tell a story, write a novel, or write about other people's experiences. The main point of your essay is to tell us what you have to offer and how you will take advantage of what we have to offer .

• Write an essay that addresses the topic specified  on the application form. A general essay about yourself or an experience you had is not acceptable.
• Do not write your essay as if it were a novel. "The baby cried until it had to be comforted by its mother;" "I could not believe as I walked into my first class that this was the beginning of my engineering career." These tell us nothing about yourself. Regardless of what you may have been told in school, write a straightforward descriptive essay that directly addresses the question asked.
• Avoid clichéd, generic, and predictable writing, such as "I want to help people." This is particularly applicable to essays for accelerated program candidates.
• Do not quote our own description of our program. We know what we have to offer; we are interested in knowing what you have to offer and how you will use what we offer . Tell us about your interests and why the Albert Dorman Honors College is the right place for you.

College Application Booster​®: Get ahead on your college application!

Command Education Guide

How to write ut austin’s essays, updated for 2023-2024.

Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major? Please limit your response to 250-300 words.

Explanation:

This essay prompt is asking why you are interested in studying your first-choice major at UT Austin. The admissions officers want to know where your passion stems from. Provide some background details about how your interest in this field came about. Then, look back at your activities list and include experiences that demonstrate your interest and dedication to honing skills necessary for your major of choice.

Do not forget to actually include the name of the specific UT Austin major! Next, include specifics about that major at UT Austin- what specific resources and opportunities would you pursue should you be admitted? Include details like specific classes, hands-on learning opportunities, renowned professors and/or their research. Lastly, write about how majoring at UT Austin will help you successfully achieve your career goals.

Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community, or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT. Please limit your response to 250-300 words.

This prompt asks about all types of experiences, some of which might not have found their way onto your activities list, so go beyond and pull from those unique involvements and aspects of your life where you have demonstrated leadership. As always, show, don’t tell, how you display leadership through these experiences. You can show this by writing about the new school club you started, that school project you lead, or your responsibilities as an older sibling or as captain of your soccer team. Include how you hope to bring these leadership experiences with you to UT Austin and make an impact on their campus. UT Austin considers itself a bold, ambitious leader , so if applicable, include details that show that type of leadership. Also, don’t forget to answer the full question, and include details about how you will make an impact both in and out of the classroom – how will you impact the UT Austin community? As one of the most diverse campuses in the nation , UT Austin values diversity, inclusion, equity, and helping all people. In writing about your impact outside the classroom, we encourage you to focus on how your leadership experiences can help you embody these values as a member of the UT Austin community.

The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is, To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society. Please share how you believe your experience at UT-Austin will prepare you to Change the World after you graduate. Please limit your response to 250-300 words.*

The admissions officers are looking for applicants who are genuinely committed to UT Austin’s core values – learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity and responsibility. Be sure to include some of these values when discussing your experience at UT Austin. Be specific about the resources and opportunities at UT Austin that will help prepare you to make a difference post-graduation.

Optional Short Answer (250-350 words):

Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance.

If your response to this question is similar to one of the Common App Personal Essays, feel free to simply copy and paste the important parts of your essay here. Please limit your response to 250-300 words.

This is a good opportunity to demonstrate any context or environment-specific challenges you have faced and have had to overcome. These could include: socioeconomic status, family responsibilities or unique circumstances, cultural background, race and ethnicity, language spoken in your home, or a transition that proved difficult to adjust to. Additionally, you can use this space as an opportunity to explain a time you failed academically, and demonstrate how you worked to overcome this setback.

UT Austin Essay (Required):

Note: This is the only long essay UT-Austin requires. We do not require any of the Common App Personal Essays. Common App Personal Essays will not be used in our holistic review process.

Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?

Please keep your essay between 500–700 words (typically two to three paragraphs).*

This prompt is answered in either the CommonApp or the ApplyTexas application. As UT Austin does not require you to submit a Common App Personal Essay, feel free to use that essay to answer this prompt!

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Tackling the UT Austin Short Answer Application Prompts

When UT Austin introduced three short answer essays to their application in 2017, many students felt panicked. Applications are already writing-intensive, so adding even more required writing was an overwhelming prospect. But when it comes down to it, these questions are intended to help students. How? By giving them more opportunity to showcase their fit for UT and their first-choice major.

A student's expanded resume provides the “data” on their achievements and experiences. Their essay and short answers, in contrast, show that they're a living, thinking, feeling human being, someone who cares about what they do and has big dreams for their future. No admissions committee expects a student to have their life 100% planned out right now—the whole point of college is to give students time, space, and resources to learn and explore. But they do want to know that if they admit someone, that student is going to take advantage of everything they offer.

General Tips for the UT Austin Short Answer Application Essays

• Just answer the question. Seems simple, but it's important to keep in mind: these are not trick questions. UT Admissions is asking students exactly what they want to know. Students should read the question carefully and be sure they're addressing it directly.
• Be succinct. Students should absolutely use illustrative examples where appropriate, but they can save their creative juices for Essay A. The short answers are more about providing extra information to the admissions committee.
• Always keep first-choice major in mind. The short answers are a great place to provide additional evidence for why a student is a good fit for their first-choice major.

The short answers on the UT application fit together to create the perfect opportunity for a student showcase themselves as an active, engaged future member of the UT community. Here, we'll walk you through each short answer question and offer some tips on how to tackle them.

REQUIRED SHORT ANSWER 1: First-Choice Major

Short Answer Prompt

Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?

HOW TO APPROACH THIS QUESTION

In this short answer response, students need to communicate to the admissions committee what they personally find engaging and exciting about their proposed field of study. The admissions committee does not expect student to already be an expert in their field or to have their future career in this field planned out. But they do want to know that the student didn't just open the course catalog and pick a major at random.

Remember, the student should demonstrate how they specifically—not just a generic student—will take advantage of the opportunities available to them.

So rather than writing a dry sentence like “I plan to apply for Department X's summer research grant,” a student should write a sentence or two describing a burning question they hope to answer through their research: “With the support of Department X's summer research grants, I could deepen my understanding of [insert specific topic you're passionate about] and finally discover an answer to [burning question]—something I've been fascinated by since my sophomore year internship at [relevant workplace].” The first sentence could just as easily apply to a thousand different applicants. The second is focused, detailed, and could only have been written by—and about—one student.

Students' responses to this question should demonstrate the following:

• They have already begun exploring this subject on their own, independently and/or through organized opportunities (e.g., classes, summer programs, internships).
• They have a sense of how this major fits into their long-term goals.
• They have thought about why UT would be an excellent place to study this subject.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND FREEWRITING

Students should be careful not to simply relist classes, activities, and awards from their resume. Instead, they can highlight two or three experiences they found especially meaningful, and reflect on how those experiences shaped their interest in their major. Here are some questions they can ask themselves as they brainstorm:

• How did this learning experience change the way you understand the world? Did you learn about new problems you hadn't been aware of? Gain a new perspective on your own life, culture, or community? Learn new skills or methods for solving problems?
• How did you grow from this learning experience? Did it spark new realizations or spark you to take action in some way? Give you new creative outlets for expressing yourself? Open doors to careers or fields of study you hadn't previously considered?

PERSONALIZING THE ANSWER

If a student hasn't had the opportunity to participate in summer programs or take coursework directly related to their first-choice major, they might need to get a little more creative here. Remember: learning experiences don't have to be formally organized. Taking the initiative to explore a topic independently can demonstrate to colleges that a student is self-motivated and intellectually curious. Here are some ways students might independently explore their interests:

• Reading books and other publications related to their interests
• Watching relevant lectures on YouTube or listening to podcasts
• Starting conversations with friends, family, or classmates about what they're learning
• Finding ways to incorporate interests into assignments (e.g., researching famous social psychology experiments for an AP U.S. History project)
• Talking with a teacher or reaching out to a professional in their field to learn more
• Gathering information from real world experiences, even if they don't seem directly connected to the major. (For example, if a student is an aspiring accounting major who currently works a retail job, they might pay close attention to how a small business handles expenses compared to a large chain. Or, if they're an aspiring education major who cares for younger siblings, they might help their siblings with their homework assignments and come up with creative ideas to teach them difficult concepts.)

Bottom line: Students should be sure that their answer to this question doesn't regurgitate information from their resume and instead offers new insight into their personal connection with their first-choice major.

The college essay & resume for UT Austin process can feel overwhelming. Our program provides an experienced coach and a proven framework, working one-on-one to reduce the stress so the student can tell a compelling story.

Our program for students applying to UT Austin includes:

• Guiding students through the UT expanded resume development process
• Managing your student’s essay timeline for one long essay and four school-specific supplemental essays
• Coaching students through a targeted set of college essays, including one long essay  and four school-specific supplemental essays
• Providing students with suggested edits and proofing for this targeted set of college essays
• Review of essays and application by our internal admissions committee

Your student will be carefully matched with a coach based on personality, working style, and first-choice major—it’s just one of the many ways we modify our proven process to meet individual student needs

REQUIRED SHORT ANSWER 2: Leadership

Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community, or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT. (300 Words)

The trick to answering this question: don't get too hung up on conventional definitions of "leadership." American popular culture tends to define leaders as people who have official titles, including Class President or Varsity Captain. We associate leadership with particular character traits, like self-confidence or charisma. And we may expect leaders to feel comfortable doing things like giving orders, delivering speeches, and making high-stakes decisions.

But there are only so many official titles to go around—and the truth is, many of us have talents and temperaments that are better suited to different (though equally important) social roles. A community or team requires many kinds of people and many varied skill sets to function effectively.

Think of it this way: if a varsity football team had 20 captains, or a senior class had 400 class presidents, it would be utter chaos. Nothing would ever get accomplished because there would be no one to fill other roles that are vital to the group's functioning.

A university community is the same way. UT doesn't want to admit thousands of leaders who are all carbon copies of one another. They want to create a heterogeneous community whose members contribute different strengths, experiences, and perspectives. So, if the traditional definition of leadership doesn't resonate with a student, they shouldn't try to fit their experiences into that mold. If they do, they'll likely wind up with a response that's vague on details and padded with generic statements. At best, they'll come off as a somewhat mediocre leader by traditional standards; at worst, they risk distorting or misrepresenting what they have actually achieved.

Instead, students should use this short answer response to explore what they personally contribute to the communities they belong to. They can create their own definition of leadership—one that is unique to their values, their experiences, and their way of walking in the world. Then, using examples drawn from their life, they can help the admissions committee understand why their impact on their communities is so important.

In the last part of the prompt, students are asked explicitly to explain how they'll "make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT." It's critical for the student to speak directly to this part of the prompt and to explain how their past experiences, talents, perspectives, or involvement will help them make UT a better place—both in the classroom as well as in the dorms, in student organizations, and in any other area the student might be involved.

Remember that leadership doesn't have to be assertive, confrontational, or even especially vocal. Yes, it can be difficult to quantify quieter, less showy forms of leadership on a resume (there's no "Presidential Gold Award for Listening"). But if you've ever been in a meeting where everyone constantly interrupts each other, or started a job where nobody has bothered to explain to you what you're supposed to be doing, you'll understand just how vital these skills are.

Students may not be able to quantify these experiences or contributions on their resume, but their short answer can help the admissions committee understand what the student's own version of leadership looks like and how it positively impacts the communities to which they belong.

Note: If your student is still stuck or having a hard time describing their own leadership style, taking the Belbin Team Roles Test can be a good starting place.

If a student's version of leadership does match up with traditional definitions of leadership, that's great. In that case, their short answer response should highlight moments in their leadership career that were especially significant or meaningful to them. These might be challenges or setbacks they had to tackle, conflicts they had to resolve, or opportunities they embraced, even if it meant stepping out of their comfort zone.

Remember, the goal here isn't for students to rattle off a list of achievements from their resume. Instead, they should demonstrate that they've reflected thoughtfully on their past experiences, and that they've learned something from those experiences that will help them be a good member of the UT community.

REQUIRED SHORT ANSWER 3: Why UT?

The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is, "To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society."  Please share how you believe your experience at UT Austin will prepare you to "Change the World" after you graduate. (300 Words)

This question offers applicants the chance to tell the committee how studying at UT Austin will help them impact the world for the better. A student's impact could take the form of a chosen career, service/volunteer work, advocacy, leadership, or other creative or intellectual endeavors.

The key here is to combine two elements:

The student's reflections on how they want to impact the world (including the lives of others) for the better.

The student's considerations of how their experiences at UT might enable them to do so.

Particularly when it comes to talking about future opportunities at UT, students should be specific,

demonstrating their knowledge of the university and the possibilities it will afford them to use their education for social good.

If students have done any brainstorming for short answer 2, they've already spent a fair amount of time thinking about the role they play in the various communities or groups they belong to. Now they need to think about why they've chosen to be involved in those activities. What core values have guided these choices, and in looking to the future, how do those values inform the impact students hope to have on their community—and even the world?

As students think about how to make their answer to this question stand out, they should keep in mind that certain kinds of social contributions—such as helping underprivileged children or working to end world hunger—may strike the admissions committee as somewhat generic. They're incredible endeavors, yes, but the goal here is to stand out from other applicants who have similar lofty goals.

For this reason, students should think about how they can frame their potential contributions to society in a way that distinguishes them from the thousands of other students who also want to have a positive impact. Here are some questions to consider:

How has their past experience put them in a position to realize their positive values, in the UT community and beyond?

What contributions can they, personally, make to their communities—and how can a UT education help them do that?

What, specifically, about UT Austin did the student connect with, in terms of how it would help them contribute to the greater good?

REQUIRED SHORT ANSWER: Academics

Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance, including the possible effects of COVID-19.

This question provides students with the opportunity to explain any academic missteps, family circumstances, or medical issues that may have impacted them during high school, particularly over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The student shouldn't go into every detail of what happened. Instead, they should state the basic facts—just enough to convey the relevant circumstances—and then explain the impact and what they learned from the experience (at least a third of the answer should be about what the student has learned).

The most important thing to remember is: no matter what the situation, frame any answer to this question in a positive way.

A student's answer to this question will likely already be personal—it is, after all, describing a unique event or set of circumstances. But students shouldn't let the unique experience be the only "personal" part of the answer. By personalizing their reflections on the lessons they've learned as a result of hardship, students can demonstrate growth and self-knowledge.

You may also be interested in:

College Admissions Trends for The Class of 2021

How to Choose Who Writes Your UT Austin College Recommendation Letters

7 "Hidden Gem" Majors at UT Austin

5-Point Scorecard To Make Sure Your Apply Texas Essay A Stands Out

Everything You Need to Know About Honors Programs at the University of Texas at Austin

Note: These services and programs are in no way related to the University of Texas. The University does not endorse the program or College MatchPoint’s services.

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The Honors Experience

University of Michigan

The application process for fall 2024 is now closed. Please note that you must be admitted to LSA as an incoming first-year student (not transfer) in order to access the application.

Having trouble logging in or uploading your essays?

You MUST create AND authenticate a U-M Friend account (which is NOT your Enrollment Connect account) in order to apply.  Scroll down to “Troubleshooting” at the bottom of this page for information on creating a Friend account and for authentication instructions.  

For Honors Application dates/deadlines, link  HERE .

Apply Here!

You must be admitted to lsa as an incoming first-year student in order to access the application. unless you have already paid your enrollment deposit, you must create and authenticate a u-m “friend” account to apply to honors. friend account instructions below..

Grades and test scores are a small part of what goes into our admissions decision-making. That’s why we are asking you to write an additional essay as part of your application to Honors. 

Approach this essay with an open mind. We want to know how you think, how your mind works—so show us!

The 2024 LSA Honors Essay Question

If you are using outside sources, you MUST cite them. Any citation style is acceptable—just be consistent. NOTE: Citations are not included in the essay word limit.

To submit your essay, click the button on the left to log into Wolverine Access. Problems applying? Scroll down for troubleshooting.

2024 Essay Question

Utilize an AI text generator to write an essay on the topic “How does the LSA Honors Program satisfy your desire for a particular kind of living learning community in your first two years of college?”

Provide us with that essay and then write your own essay discussing whether or not that AI-generated essay accurately captures your desire to participate in the lower-division Honors Program in your first two years of college. Reflect on your personal goals and meaningfully discuss how/why the AI-generated essay captures or doesn’t capture that. Please limit your essay to 1000 words. The word count does not include the AI-generated essay. Some generative AI tools are located here:  https://genai.umich.edu/resources/tools

CREATING A FRIEND ACCOUNT

Don’t have a U-M Friend Account? Please follow these two steps to create and authenticate your Friend Account:

Create Your Friend Account

You will need a non-university email address (one that does not end in “umich.edu”) to set up a Friend account. You will receive email at that address as part of the account creation setup. This is done to verify that you own that email address.

• Go to  Request a Friend Account .
• Enter your non-university email address, then click  Request .
• You will see a  Message Sent  screen letting you know that a message has been sent to the email address you provided with further instructions.
• Open your email and look for a message from  [email protected] . If you don’t see the message, check your spam or junk mail folder.
• In that message, click the  Create Friend Account  link.
• Enter your email address, the same one you used in Step 2 above.
• Enter and re-enter the password you want to use for your Friend account.
• Click  Set Password .
• A confirmation screen lets you know that your Friend account has been created.
• You will also receive an email message confirming the creation of your Friend account and providing you with information about it. If you don’t see the message, check your spam or junk mail folder.

Verify Your Friend Account 

You must go into Wolverine Access and verify your Friend account to connect it to your student record before you can check your financial aid notice. 

• Go to  Wolverine Access . This is a different system that has a different look and feel from the Friend account creation application. 
• At the top of the page, click the  Students  tab.
• On the Student page, click the  New and Prospective Student Business  tile.
• Log in with your Friend ID (the email address you used to create your Friend account) and password.
• Verify your personal information, including your eight-digit  UMID , which was emailed to you and can also be found on your Enrollment Connect portal, as well as your birth date.

Now you’re ready to apply to Honors!

TROUBLESHOOTING

If you receive an error message after clicking the “Upload Your Essay” button on the left and attempting to log in with your U-M Friend account, you may  not have completed all of the required steps  to authenticate your U-M Friend account. Use this  LINK  to access information on troubleshooting your Friend account.​

We suggest using either Chrome or Internet Explorer to access the submission site. Firefox has been linked to problems while uploading for many students.

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How to Write the Oregon State University Essays 2022-2023

Oregon State University requires Honors College (HC) applicants to submit supplemental essays in addition to the standard application. The essays will give you the opportunity to show the admissions committee: 

• Your ability to think creatively 
• Your interests, and how you make them your own
• How you deal with adversity
• How you would strive to make OSU a more inclusive community as an Honors student
• What your goals are 

The HC essays are your chance to stand out from thousands of other motivated applicants. This post will explain how you can respond to each of the HC prompts in the creative and captivating way that the admissions officers look for.

Read these OSU essay examples to inspire your writing.

OSU Honors College Supplemental Essay Prompts

Honors college applicants.

Prompt 1: Knowledge in a field/creativity: Describe any special interests and how you have developed knowledge in these areas. Give examples of your creativity- the ability to see alternatives; take diverse perspectives; come up with many, varied, or original ideas; or willingness to try new things. (20-100 words)

Prompt 2: Dealing with adversity: Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to address this challenge. Include whether you turned to anyone in facing the challenge, the role the person played, and what you learned about yourself. (20-100 words)

Prompt 3: Handling systemic challenges: OSU remains committed to creating an inclusive environment and dismantling systems that perpetuate discrimination at various levels. How, specifically, will you contribute to furthering this commitment? (20-100 words)

Prompt 4: Goals/task commitment: Articulate the goals you have established for yourself and your efforts to accomplish these. Give at least one specific example that demonstrates your work ethic/diligence. (20-100 words)

Knowledge in a field/creativity: Describe any special interests and how you have developed knowledge in these areas. Give examples of your creativity- the ability to see alternatives; take diverse perspectives; come up with many, varied, or original ideas; or willingness to try new things. (20-100 words)

Like the first question, this one is asking you to choose a creative “something.” So try not to repeat the subject you discussed in the first prompt . Or, if you do, pick a niche or subset of the larger subject: “mystery fiction” as a subset of “writing,” for example.

The second part of the prompt is wordy; break it down . As a sentence, it bombards you with a lot of phrases: “the ability to see alternatives; take diverse perspectives; come up with many, varied, or original ideas; or willingness to try new things.” But if we look closely to related words like “alternative,” “varied,” “original,” “new,” etc, we can break it down to one necessary element: a time you thought outside the box . 

Be brief and vivid. Because the word allowance is only one hundred words, use a quick hook (a striking anecdote, a question, even a word or sentence fragment, etc.) to encapsulate your creativity in your field.

“I love music the same way I love science: there is structure, but there is also improvisation. Jazz is freedom: at the piano, I deviate, explore within the key, but try out new melodies. When I finish, my neighbor claps. He is an accomplished classical musician and can play any sheet music.

We both want what we don’t have. He tells me he wishes he could improvise, and I tell him I practice daily, but don’t have close to the technique he does. We’ll never be content, we joke, but maybe we don’t need to. Music is like a boundless world: we can map whole regions, but there’s always more.”

This response is successful because it quickly introduces your field of creativity, in this case, music. It presents a developed knowledge (improvisation) and an opportunity to take a diverse perspective and try new things (a more classical approach to music) and explains your insatiable quest of the acquisition of knowledge and mastery over a topic! All within one hundred words!  

Dealing with adversity: Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to address this challenge. Include whether you turned to anyone in facing the challenge, the role the person played, and what you learned about yourself. (20-100 words)

Hint: this is about an event, but also about your core identity, culture, or values. You should use this space as an opportunity to explain aspects of your personal background that would not otherwise be readily apparent in your application. This could range from any academic performance difficulties to financial hardship your family is experiencing. Maybe you suffered from a concussion in your sophomore year, and your grades dropped because you had trouble focusing. Maybe you couldn’t participate in as many extracurriculars because your parents both worked, and you had to take care of your younger siblings. Or, maybe, your dyslexia is a major impediment in your learning.  

Make sure the problem is significant : while there is no right answer to the prompt, avoid superficial topics such as getting a C on a single test or bickering with your sibling. Writing about minor setbacks will make it seem like you haven’t thought hard enough about your autobiography.

The problem is only half the essay : whatever you choose to write about, demonstrate your ability to persevere and overcome something. Consider writing about: 

• How your perspective changed
• How your values changed
• Something you had to compromise about
• Strategies you used
• A goal you set
• A belief you gave up 
• A fear you conquered

You have only 100 words: be brief! Avoid long, complicated anecdotes or metaphors, and explain yourself quickly.

Nod towards the future. Conclude by summarizing how your way of looking at the world is different, and what you plan to do with that knowledge. Mention any problems, either with yourself, your circles, or society, that you’ve been inspired to deal with. 

For example: 

“Whenever a teacher asks me to read aloud in class, I experience a feeling I can’t define. It straddles embarrassment and fear, frustration and anger. 

I have struggled with dyslexia my whole life. 

After years of specialists, I began to love reading, but only under certain conditions: privately and slowly. In class, I drag my finger along the words and try to remain calm. 

At first, I was frantic to “fix” myself, but I’m learning to accept that I read differently from others. Dyslexia will always be the albatross around my neck, and yet, I choose to keep climbing. I find the feeling of success is greater than the temporary embarrassment of inverting sentences or mispronouncing words. I’m not ashamed of dyslexia, because I want to show others that they shouldn’t be, either.”

This example is a good start, because it pinpoints a problem, highlights a personal shortcoming, and gestures to how the narrator solves her own problems and a larger, societal problem. 

It’s also fantastic in that it starts with a jolt of emotion and includes concrete details (“I drag my finger along the words”). And in an essay about reading, the Coleridge allusion doesn’t hurt, either. 

Handling systemic challenges: OSU remains committed to creating an inclusive environment and dismantling systems that perpetuate discrimination at various levels. How, specifically, will you contribute to furthering this commitment? (20-100 words)

Your answer to this prompt should focus on how you will be inclusive and challenge discrimination.   At the forefront of your mind, remember: the question is not “ What do you believe? ” but “ What will you do? ” It may be a good idea to brainstorm a list of verbs. If you like certain OSU programs (nouns), what verbs to those programs perform.

Touch briefly on your motivation. This could be through a cultural backstory or “identity,” which can give you a sense of the actions you want to perform. For instance, someone who has experienced discrimination or ostracization might have a clearer view of what policies, laws, or initiatives are needed to address the problem. Note that “identity” isn’t a concrete list of topics OSU wants you to pick from: don’t feel like you have to come at this through the traditional descriptors of race, color, class, gender, creed, and sexuality. You may not feel qualified, and you may not want to discuss such sensitive topics. Instead, you could talk about other “identities”: a misunderstood hobby; regional origins; speech patterns or dialect; types of learners; access to computers and resources; clothing and appearance; lifestyles and cultural differences; housing; age; intra-group conflict; etc. 

Instead of “identity,” you might choose to orient your essay through a values lens instead. How have your values shaped who you are? How do your values alight with OSU’s values of acceptance, diversity, and inclusion?

Remember to relate it back to OSU. They actually hide the most important part of the prompt towards the beginning, and that’s OSU’s environment. Although your inspiration for combating oppression might come from a distant place, like your parents’ time living in the USSR, you should angle your focus back to what you want to do on campus. 

Here’s an example: 

“Growing up, my seven-person family lived in a two-bedroom apartment. I wore secondhand, dated clothes, which drew ridicule from my classmates. When I came home crying, my mother would play the song “Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton—a ballad which teaches us that being rich with love is the only thing that matters. 

Dolly made me feel better, but I wish her kindness towards those with financial problems could have been practiced culturally and publicly – not just in the privacy of our home. And because finances is such a pressing topic in college, I want to do my part to make its discussion less taboo. My current priorities include volunteering as a tutor for students in need and pressing health centers to address socioeconomic obstacles to services. As an aspiring engineer, I would also love to join OSU’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders, to apply my skills at design towards needed projects in disadvantaged regions.” 

It might seem like 100 words isn’t enough, however, you should be able to pack in a lot of details! This essay “works” because it presents a quick anecdote about how this goal is personal to you (in this case, a personal experience with poverty) and your goals to make this interest actionable at OSU (Engineers Without Borders, volunteering, etc.).

Goals/task commitment: Articulate the goals you have established for yourself and your efforts to accomplish these. Give at least one specific example that demonstrates your work ethic/diligence. (20-100 words) 

For this question, it’s best to begin with a clear list of 1-2 general goals, and then move into specific actions towards them. Don’t think small: a general goal might be a broad characteristic you want to acquire (cosmopolitan, organized, financially stable). By having such a large goal, you will 1) be able to think of contributing actions and projects more easily, and 2) show OSU your priorities on a macro level. Big goals and life aspirations aren’t bounded by time: for example, my Italian 102 class might be over, but my desire to reconnect with my family’s roots in Palermo is a lifelong quest that will continue to bear fruit. 

Remember the limit. Because you only have 100 words, forego flowery language and anecdotes, although you should still put some interesting detail into your chosen example (“that demonstrates your work ethic”). 

Brainstorm examples of “work ethic.” This could mean a lot of things. Food for thought:

• A project that took an exceptionally long time
• A project for which you hunted down elusive information
• A subject that pushed you out of your comfort zone
• A journey with multiple long steps
• A time you stayed up late, or got up early
• A time you were on the cusp of giving up
• A risk you took
• An instance where you were tempted to cut corners or cheat
• A time you paid attention to the smallest detail
• A time others told you your product was “good enough,” but you kept perfecting it
• Something that required an investment of effort, money, or resources
• A task that put you through boredom, tedium, or pain

OSU wants to hear that you’re willing to engage in the parts of your interest that don’t involve “fun,” “passion,” or “inspiration.”

Your essay might look something like this, or follow a similar structure:

“My goals have always been simple: to do my personal best, treat others kindly, and foster a welcoming community. While all of these can intersect, I have found myself emphasizing “community,” especially in my final year of high school. After four years on the Student Council, I noticed a massive inequity between the lowerclassmen and the upperclassme n. Freshman and sophomores were often scared to speak at meetings, and sometimes, offered no contributions to the discussion. Inspired by my brother, who attends OSU, I brought in a copy of routine Guidelines for Dialogue: assume best intentions, don’t interrupt, and acknowledge impact versus intent. For two weeks, I kept data on how often members spoke, which proved the disparity. I presented it to the Council, and I offered a 3-Step Plan to make all voices heard. It was a success, and our community became more welcoming. I should know: I kept logging the data.”

This is an effective answer, because it presents a broad goal (“community”) at the outset – and also in the conclusion. The narrator discusses a concrete strategy that demonstrates “work ethic” – in this case, going above and beyond to generate persuasive data. Even without the bonus points for having an OSU brother, this essay would mark the applicant as someone who walks the walk when it comes to goals.

Where to Get Your OSU Honors College Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your OSU 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. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools.  Find the right advisor for you  to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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Writing Studies Department Honors Outstanding Student Writers at Annual Awards Ceremony

Posted in: First-Year Writing , PPW Major , Student Spotlights , Writing Studies

During the Writing Studies awards ceremony, which took place on April 15 in the beautiful CELS Atrium, awards were given for outstanding work in First-Year Writing as well as in Public and Professional Writing . Outstanding students in the PPW major were also inducted into the department Honor Society.

First-Year Writing Exemplary Essay Awards went to Johnathan Smith for his WRIT105 essay “ The Busta Cake Mistake ” and to Kelly Naspo for her WRIT106 essay, “ The Not-So-Authentic Native American Experience .” Honorable Mentions were given in WRIT105 to Malak Bayoumy for her essay “ Toxic Relationships in the Media: The Bad and the Ugly ” and Jessica Sconfienza for her essay, “ The War on Drag. ” WRIT106 Honorable Mention went to Annabelle Kempf for her essay “ Disenfranchised Grief: Exploring the Complexities of Hidden Sorrow. ”

The Outstanding Multimodal Composition award was given to First-Year Writing student Adrianna Sewell for her original song: “ Natural Hair: The Beauty That We Need ” while an Honorable Mention was given to Maya Chavez Velasquez for her website, “ Mental Health Stigma in the Latino Community ” Instructor: Jessica Taylor.

Awards were also given for outstanding work in the Professional and Public Writing major courses. The Excellence in Public Writing Awards went to Siddhi Sundaram for “ Depression, has the Narrative Changed? ” as well as Donaelle Benoit for her Grant Proposal, “ Making Communities Brighter “, while the Excellence in Professional Writing Awards went to Brielle Bogash and Sadie Bevando for their presentation for a Global Community, “ Etiquette in Japan “. The Excellence in Writing for Social Media award went to Gina-Marie Zoccoli for her campaign for Alchemy Scent Bar. And the Text Power Telling Awards went to Allison O’Donnell and Dillan Ortiz .

Graduates to Receive Special Recognition at CSUN’s Honors Convocation

Media Contacts :   Javier Rojas, [email protected] or Kaley Block, [email protected]  

Of the approximately 3,500 graduates invited to take part in California State University, Northridge’s Honors Convocation on Saturday, May 11, six individuals will be singled out for special recognition as outstanding graduating students.

This includes Mitul Kalra, this year’s Wolfson Scholar, the top award given to a graduating senior. It is presented each year in memory of CSUN’s first vice president, Leo Wolfson. Not only must the student have an exceptional academic record, but he or she must also have made significant contributions to CSUN or the community through co-curricular and extracurricular activities.

“It’s such an honor being selected as the Wolfson Scholar and is something I never could have imagined,” said Kalra, 21, of Irvine, who will receive her bachelor’s degree in communication studies with a minor in political science in two weeks. “It doesn’t happen without the support of those that pushed me and believed in me these last four years.”

Since she began her studies in fall of 2020, Kalra has been actively involved on campus taking on leadership roles and public service in the community. She currently serves as the Chair of Legislative Affairs for CSUN’s Associated Students — a role where she has worked to increase political and voter engagement on campus — and Vice Chair of Legislative Affairs as member of the Cal State Student Association, representing half a million CSU students to the state legislature.

“I’ve been able to represent half a million students to the state legislature and get really involved in the CSU system, which is something I was really proud of,” said Kalra. “Whether it was advocating for EBT on campus, wage transparency in AS and opposing tuition hikes at the state level, it’s an embodiment of the change I want to see in the world,”

Kalra previously worked as a district intern for US Senator Alex Padilla — gaining familiarity with federal policy and issues — then, as a LEAD California fellow, completing voter engagement projects and, most recently, she joined Indian American Impact, a political action committee where she supports South Asian candidates running for office.

She credits the support of faculty members at CSUN for her success and ability to constantly seek new opportunities. This includes her role as president of CSUN’s Communication Association, a student-run group that worked to provide community, networking opportunities and support professional development.

“Mitul deserves the Wolfson because of her love of CSUN and her unflagging devotion to creating and maintaining community on and off campus,” said CSUN communication studies professor John Kephart, who worked with Kalra as an instructor and advisor. “I have never seen anyone work harder to do more in the time they have, nor have I seen anyone with that commitment that also has her humility, her grace, and her compassion. She is among the top 1% of thousands of undergraduates and graduate students I have worked with over the previous 16 years at CSUN. I can’t wait to see what she does next.”

Following her studies, Kalra will be moving to Sacramento this fall to work in the state Senate as a member of the prestigious Capital Fellows Program. She will be working full-time as a Senate Fellow while also working towards a Graduate Certificate in Applied Policy and Government.

“This is an opportunity like no other to learn more about the inner workings of our state government and grow as a leader,” Kalra said. “I’m definitely really drawn to both leadership and public service roles, so I can’t wait to get started. “

Kalra will be taking part in the Honors Convocation ceremony at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, on the lawn in front of the Delmar T. Oviatt Library, located in the heart of the CSUN campus at 18111 Nordhoff St. in Northridge.

The other students being recognized at Honors Convocation are:

Natalie McDonald , recipient of the 2024 Nathan O. Freedman Memorial Award for Outstanding Graduate Student

While she grew up in Los Angeles, McDonald always saw herself as a global citizen willing to learn and discover history and how the world came to be. Set to graduate with a master’s degree in history, McDonald hopes to pursue a career devoted to historical research and education.

McDonald arrived at CSUN having already published two peer-reviewed articles, while her research work received acclaim, both at her undergraduate institution, Pomona College, and from the wider scholarly community.

For the past two years at CSUN, she had the chance to develop her research interests and strengthen her candidacy for future doctoral studies. This includes the opportunity to pursue public history work as an intern on the LA State Historic Park Relevancy & History Project; as a columnist for the American Historical Association’s newsmagazine; and as a curatorial intern at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Garden.

She has also served as a member of the CSUN Office of Graduate Studies TA Fellowship Program, a teaching assistant for multiple History courses and as a tutor in the CSUN History Department’s Writing Center.

“I am eager to pursue a career devoted to historical research and education because I firmly believe the stories we tell about the past have the power to inspire contemporary change,” McDonald said.

Notably, in January, McDonald did an extensive interview about her research and was featured on Marketplace, the daily business and economics news show on National Public Radio. Her goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in history, she said.

“Now, more than ever, I believe historians share a responsibility to complicate ascendent nativist narratives, instead turning our attention to the ways transnational movement and cross-cultural interaction have shaped our contemporary world,” McDonald said. “I look forward to dedicating my career to this pressing historical project.”

Outstanding Graduating Senior — Nicole Ayala

As a first-generation Paraguayan American woman from a low-income background, Ayala has overcome societal expectations by earning a degree in cell and molecular biology and biotechnology and hopes to become a family medicine doctor. During her time as an undergraduate student, Ayala has used her experiences to fuel her commitment to developing her campus community and empowering underrepresented populations in healthcare and sciences. 

Ayala’s campus and community involvement includes significant leadership roles within CSUN’s Mentor Collective, the Matadors 4 Wellness Education Program, Big Buddies, University Ambassadors Program, two Greek-letter organizations – TriDelta sorority and the co-ed medical fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon – and off-campus nonprofits like Chicas Mom Inc. and Olive View-UCLA Medical Center. During her time as philanthropy advisor for the University Ambassador’s Program, Ayala coordinated the campus’ Cuddle ‘N’ Read literacy initiative, funding books for underserved schools in the community. Ayala’s experience also includes work as a homecare provider and as a Science, Math, and Related Topics (SMART) Lab student assistant at CSUN, as well as a National Science Foundation Research Experience Undergraduate Fellow at Princeton University and shadow experience in geriatric palliative care and hospice care medicine at Kaiser Permanente.

Earning scholarships and researching opportunities, Ayala has demonstrated a commitment to community service and “to excelling in the face of adversity.” Upon graduating, Ayala is determined to become a skilled physician and an advocate for underprivileged communities within the San Fernando Valley encouraging women to join STEM.

Outstanding Graduating Senior — Seth Almaraz

As a first-generation student, Almaraz plans continue his studies in psychology and eventually earn a doctorate, with the goal of one day becoming a CSU faculty member conducting research and mentoring students from culturally diverse and historically underrepresented groups. Having discovered a passion for statistics during his time at CSUN, Almaraz plans to pursue clinical research – aimed at helping marginalized ethnic and racial communities – in the university master’s graduate program.

While an undergraduate, Almaraz was selected as a BUILD PODER scholar, a training program funded by the National Institutes of Health designed to increase underrepresented students in scientific research. He was awarded the CSUN Presidential Scholarship, established to provide opportunities for intensive research with a faculty member and $10,000 in grant funding for the project. Almaraz has spent more than a year volunteering for a community crisis center near the campus called Strength United, which provides resources to those seeking help who have experienced sexual assault. Almaraz has worked as a teaching assistant in graduate psychology courses, and in two labs, psychology professor Scott Plunkett’s “Adolescent and Adult Adjustment” research lab and psychology professor Jill Razani’s “Neuropsychology Dementia and Multicultural Research” lab, conducting bilingual research.

Almaraz attributes his multiethnic and blended family — which included members from Argentina, Bolivia, El Salvador and the Philippines — to the “strong sense of cultural humility” that ground his goals and future work within academia and within his community.

Outstanding Graduating Senior — Jessica Smith

With a degree in English with an emphasis on creative writing, Smith hopes to become a professor of creative writing and adding to the number of Black faces present in higher education. Smith’s work, inspired by authors like Toni Morrison and Nnedi Okorafor, centers around the feminine subject and meaningful experience of being Black.

Smith’s work in genres such as surrealism and Afro futurism has been published in The Northridge Review, The Sundial, and Kapu Sens: Africana Studies Literary Journal and three of CSUN’s printed magazines. Smith has conducted research on literature and Africana studies and has soon to be published, with Kim Young, as part of the Los Angeles Public Poetry and Prose Project. Smith revived the on campus group the Northridge Creative Writing Circle (NCWC) and is graduating as the NCWC Vice President after holding multiple significant leadership roles. In addition, Smith received the 2023-2024 Priscilla Moyer Scholarship and has been an active member of the Trans Wellness Alliance, the Black Student Union, CSUN’s Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society and Students for Justice in Palestine. Smith has also worked as a Los Angeles Valley College outreach representative, mentoring and aiding students at Panorama High School in applying for higher education.

Striving to spread the message that “every story matters,” not only does Smith want to express creativity as a writer, but also aims to break barriers, disprove existing stereotypes and give back to university-level writing students who seek meaningful experiences in education.

Outstanding Graduating Senior — Sadie Eldredge

As a transfer student, Eldredge hopes to use her Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS) to become a pediatric MRI technologist, a dream she has had since she was young.

At CSUN, Eldredge served as a cabinet member for the Radiologic Sciences Student Association, organizing events and dedicating herself to community service opportunities. Among these events were a food drive via Valley Food Bank; holiday card writing via Operation Gratitude; a holiday event for elementary school children in the San Fernando Valley under the Title 1 No Child Left Behind Act; blankets given for foster children; and a donation drive via the My Stuff Bags Foundation in which everyone in the Department of Health Sciences were invited to participate. Dedicating herself to the CSUN and surrounding community, Eldredge has volunteered time at high schools to discuss the importance of radiologic sciences and offered guidance regarding acceptance into the program. Additionally, Eldredge has committed time and energy toward aiding the radiological sciences department in planning events and serves as the BSRS Alumni Association Student Liaison.

Serving as valedictorian after obtaining two associate degrees before her time at CSUN, Eldredge is “humbled by the challenges that allowed” her to achieve current goals and looks forward to her career as a radiologic technologist.

Media Contact: [email protected] - (818) 677-2497

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