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UT Austin

University of Texas at Austin

One required Topic A essay plus two UT-specific short answers, with annotated examples for the major and activity prompts.

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Required main essay

Topic A, 500-700 words

Required short answers

2 (plus 1 optional)

Short answer length

250-300 words each

Testing

SAT/ACT required

What UT Austin rewards

UT Austin asks for one longer essay and a set of short answers, and the short answers are where most applicants win or lose the file. Everyone submits the ApplyTexas Topic A essay (500-700 words) plus two required short answers of 250-300 words each: one on why you chose your first-choice major, and one on the activity you are most proud of. There is also an optional third short answer for special circumstances. As of the Fall 2025 cycle, UT Austin requires SAT or ACT scores again, so it is no longer test-optional.

The core challenge is range. You have to tell a personal story in Topic A, then pivot to a tight, almost pre-professional case for your major, then prove depth in one activity. UT reads its own prompts, not the Common App questions, so you cannot recycle a generic "why college" essay here. Specificity about your intended major and your actual UT path is what separates admitted files from the pile.

01Concrete intellectual direction. UT admits by major, and impacted majors (computer science, business, nursing) are brutally competitive. The major short answer rewards applicants who name specific courses, problems, or sub-fields, not just 'I love technology.' Show you know what studying this thing actually looks like.
02Depth over breadth in activities. The activity prompt asks for the one you are most proud of, singular. UT wants to see sustained commitment, a real role, and impact you can describe. A long resume does not help here; one well-told story of ownership does.
03Leadership and initiative. UT explicitly values leadership, and a large share of admitted students held a leadership role. That does not require a title. It means showing you started something, fixed something, or carried responsibility others relied on.
04Authentic Texas-sized ambition. UT is a huge public flagship that prizes students who will use its scale: labs, startups, civic life, research. Essays that connect your goals to what you would actually do on a campus of 50,000 land better than polished but placeless writing.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

2 prompts for UT Austin, each broken down with annotated examples.

Why this major250-300 words

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

Proudest activity250-300 words

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 students: This can include an extracurricular activity, a club/organization, volunteer activity, work or a family responsibility.)

See all 2 prompts and get a read

Your chance

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Add your GPA, test scores, and profile to estimate your odds at UT Austin and build a balanced list.

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Deadlines

Early Action (non-binding)October 15
Regular DecisionDecember 1
TestingSAT or ACT required for first-year applicants

Cost

Sticker price$30,762
Avg net after aid$17,842
Meets full needPartial
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How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what UT Austin weighs most Supplemental essays2 prompts, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $17,842/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes UT Austin interview? Format, tips, and practice The UT Austin Reader ProScore your draft against UT Austin's exact prompts
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UT Austin FAQ

What is UT Austin's acceptance rate?

~27% overall (approximate, recent cycle). At UT Austin, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does UT Austin require?

UT Austin requires 2 supplemental essays on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does UT Austin cost?

UT Austin's published sticker price is about $30,762 per year, but the average family pays $17,842 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does UT Austin require SAT or ACT scores?

UT Austin requires SAT or ACT scores as part of the application.

When are UT Austin's application deadlines?

UT Austin's application deadlines are Early Action (non-binding) October 15; Regular Decision December 1. Add UT Austin to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

Campus photo via Wikipedia.

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