We typically recommend that most students apply to colleges Early Action when that is an available option. When a student submits their application to UT by October 15, they'll receive an admission notification by January 15, 2025. To be prepared for submitting well before the EA deadline, students will want to take advantage of the summer to prepare.

UT Austin saw a record 73,000 students apply for undergraduate admissions this year, the most competitive admissions cycle ever. Because UT uses completes a holistic review of each application, a student’s essays and the UT expanded resume have a major impact on admissions decisions.

So how do students who are dreaming of being Longhorns reduce their stress and make the most of the summer? Here's our six-step plan for jumpstarting the UT Austin application.

2. MAKE THE MOST OF THE EXPANDED RESUME

UT Austin recommends students submit an expanded resume to bolster their application, and we encourage students to use this opportunity to put their best foot forward.

The expanded resume is basically a list of every experience a student has had that will help the admissions office get a sense of who they are as an applicant. UT expects that these resumes might run three to four pages—or even more—so instead of just listing titles and dates, students should describe their activities, define their roles, and elaborate on their specific experiences.

This gives students a chance to highlight all their experiences: academic, extracurricular, professional, and personal. And it means they can show off their accomplishments in a more detailed way, which enables them to further demonstrate their fit for their first-choice major.

3. TELL YOUR UNIQUE STORY IN THE PERSONAL ESSAY

All freshman applicants to the University of Texas at Austin must submit a personal essay of between 500 and 650 words, which plays a crucial role in the holistic review process for applicants.

Here's the prompt:

Personal Essay Prompt
 "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."
650 Word Maximum

The personal statement is a student's primary vehicle for communicating the aspects of their personality, perspectives, and relationships that a resume alone can't convey. It's their chance to give the admissions committee a sense of who they are and how they see the world.

Students are used to writing academic papers, where their teachers provide clear prompts, a list of expectations, and even a rubric that lays out exactly what they need to do to earn full credit. Personal essays are a different beast. This prompt is particularly open-ended. That means the expectations can seem frustratingly amorphous, and no one can tell your student with 100% accuracy what they need to do to succeed. That freedom of thought, though, is representative of what college will be like for your student, so it’s a great chance to embrace that new mindset.

Here are 7 tips for how to approach UT’s personal essay.

1. Refer to the Common App prompts.

Since this essay prompt aligns with the Common Application's personal statement, students can simplify their application process by using one of the Common App prompts for their UT Austin essay. This will allow them to write a single essay that can be submitted to all their schools.

2. Choose a topic that led to growth.

When choosing a topic for the personal essay, students should explore moments that have produced some type of change in their life or thinking. It could be a significant event or experience that completely changed the course of their life, or it could be a smaller, more personal experience that holds special meaning to them. The admissions committee wants to get a glimpse of who the student is beyond their application, understanding what they care about and how they make sense of the world. Students should choose a story that has a clear narrative arc demonstrating how they have grown or changed as a result of the experiences they describe, while showcasing their personality, values, and growth.

3. Focus on recent experiences.

Although the story a student chooses to tell might be rooted in their earliest experiences, the primary focus of the narrative should be on the past three or four years. For most teenagers, high school is a period of rapid personal and interpersonal growth. During that time, students have probably begun to form their own individual ideas and beliefs, explore new interests, and take on more responsibility at school and home. They've also gained experience navigating new social and emotional challenges, and they may have started developing a stronger sense of what they have to contribute to the communities they belong to.

4. Use specific examples and anecdotes.

Specificity and vivid details are what make personal essays come alive and make them memorable for the reader. Students should make sure their essays sparkle with unique aspects of their experiences. This is why revision is key to personal essay writing — sometimes it takes multiple drafts to remember and layer in meaningful details.

5. Aim for at least 30% reflection.

While the narrative part of a student’s essay tells us what happened, the reflection tells us why living those experiences mattered to a student — not to the person next to them and not to a generic student, but to that student personally. The reflection aspect of the essay helps the reader understand how the student has grown and changed over time. It's where a student will look back at the narrative and think seriously about how they have changed because of it.

6. Ask for feedback, but proceed cautiously.

While we encourage students to have others whose opinion they respect review the essay for feedback on clarity, coherence, and impact, we do caution students not to have too many people weigh in. Sometimes having too many people offering different opinions about the essay can be paralyzing — especially when those well-meaning readers might not understand the job of a personal essay in college admissions. Ultimately, it should be an authentic essay a student feels represents them well, one they feel proud of sharing with admissions.

7. Proofread carefully — but don’t obsess if a typo slips through.

It goes without saying that once a student has completed their final draft, they should proofread it carefully. Using apps such as Grammarly can be helpful, but another set of human eyes is always a good idea. Despite a student’s best efforts, sometimes a typo or a mistake can slip through, making them paranoid that this one detail will derail their entire application. Admissions counselors assure us that this is not the case. They realize everyone is human and mistakes happen, especially in such a stress-filed process as college applications.

The Biggest Personal Essay Writing Myth

Students often assume the admissions committee must want to hear about either their most impressive achievement or their most harrowing defeat. In brainstorming examples from their lives, students tend to focus almost exclusively on extremes (the highest highs, the lowest lows), which are usually things they've already listed on their resume as well.

These don't necessarily make for bad essay topics — in the hands of a thoughtful, introspective writer, virtually any subject can make for a compelling and personally revelatory piece. But both have certain risks.

Focusing too narrowly on extreme highs and achievements (including activities, honors, and so on) can result in essays that read more like long-form resumes than visceral, compelling stories. Too much of an external focus makes the essay flat, giving the reader little sense of the writer's inner life.

By contrast, when students write about extreme lows, including a traumatic event or loss, they can sometimes get too caught up in exploring painful thoughts and feelings. They also may not yet be ready to reflect on the experience. The experience begins to define the writer, instead of the writer defining the experience and placing it within the broader context of their personality and life.

We often remind students that it's okay to pick what feels like a small topic. Often, it's the subtler experiences that are more defining.

The Importance of Reflecting on Internal Experiences

As students flesh out their essays, they should remember to include both external and internal experiences.

Let's say, for example, that your student is a compassionate, caring person who has always believed in using their talents to strengthen their community. In their essay, they would want to include some details or examples that would help demonstrate how this quality manifests in their life. It's easy to talk about how they completed 150 hours of community service every year at a local homeless shelter — and they've no doubt already listed that on their resume. But their essay can — and should — explore aspects of those experiences that aren't communicated by the resume if they are truly meaningful for your student.

There's likely more to the story — an internal journey that your student hasn't yet communicated. Perhaps they were raised in a family that prided itself on toughness and self-sufficiency. As a child, they often heard adults in their life urge others to "pull themselves up by their bootstraps" or pass harsh judgment on people who were out of work and unable to support their families. When your student first started volunteering, they sometimes found themselves echoing these beliefs in their thoughts, especially during challenging or frustrating moments.

But then they began to pay attention to those thoughts and reflect on moments where they arose. As they observed the social workers and other adults who worked at the shelter, they sought to learn from the way they talked about the communities they worked with. During your student's volunteer shifts, they began spending time talking with the people who came to the shelter, forming relationships with them and seeking to better understand their lives. In their free time, they watched documentaries about homelessness and checked out books from the local library. Eventually, as their convictions became stronger and their sense of purpose clearer, they began to have conversations with their family about the work they were doing, even inviting family members to start volunteering with them once a week.

This learning process may still be ongoing, but they're proud of the change they've seen in their own thoughts and behaviors. They feel like they've finally begun to develop a more nuanced understanding of an issue they care about, as well as a more empathetic perspective toward the people they work with. And within their own family, they are making a quiet but intentional effort to expand their worldview and advocate for those communities.

Bottom line: Unless the student articulates their internal experiences, the admissions committee won't know how important they were to the student's personal growth.

4. SHOWCASE YOUR FIT FOR UT AND MAJOR CHOICE IN THE SHORT ANSWER ESSAYS

Required Short Answer 1: First-Choice Major

Short Answer Prompt
Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?
300 Word Maximum

In this short answer, 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 the student to be an expert in their field already, 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.

The student should also demonstrate how they specifically—not just a generic student—will take advantage of the opportunities available to them at UT. 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 they'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.

Required Short Answer 2: Meaningful Activity

Short Answer Prompt
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.)
300 Word Maximum

How to Approach this Question

When choosing an activity to write about, students should reflect on experiences that have had a significant impact on their personal growth, skill development, or understanding of the world around them. Here are some questions they can ask themselves as they brainstorm:

• What activity are you most proud of and why? Consider extracurricular activities, clubs/organizations, volunteer work, jobs, or family responsibilities.
• How did your involvement in this activity contribute to its success? Did you take on any leadership roles, initiate projects, or make a meaningful impact on others?
• In what ways did this activity help you grow as a person? Did you develop new skills, gain valuable insights, or learn important lessons that have shaped your character, values, or goals?
• How has this activity prepared you for your chosen major or future career? Have you acquired skills, experiences, or knowledge that relate to your intended field of study?
• Did this activity expose you to new perspectives, challenges, or opportunities that have influenced your academic or professional interests? How has it made you more excited or committed to pursuing your chosen major?

By reflecting on these questions, students can identify an activity that showcases their personal growth, highlights their strengths and contributions, and demonstrates their fit for their chosen major.

Optional Short Answer 3:

Short Answer Prompt: Academics
Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance.
300 Word Maximum

How to Approach this Question

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.

Item	Requirement/Prompt	Limits/Counts	Deadline/Timing	Notes/Criteria
UT Austin Early Action (EA)	Submit complete application to be considered EA	—	Apply by Oct 15; admission notification by Jan 15, 2025	Holistic review; essays and expanded resume carry significant weight
First-Choice Major (ApplyTexas)	Select a first-choice major; second major option exists	Second major rarely considered for students not in top 6% of class	At application start	Demonstrate fit via rigorous coursework, aligned experiences, leadership
Expanded Resume	Submit detailed, expanded resume (roles, impact, specifics)	3–4+ pages expected	With application	Include academic, extracurricular, professional, personal; align to major
Personal Essay	“Share an essay on any topic of your choice.”	500–650 words (650 max)	With application	Focus on recent experiences; use specific anecdotes; aim ≥30% reflection; seek limited feedback; proofread (minor typos not fatal)
Short Answer 1 (First-Choice Major)	Why are you interested in your first-choice major?	300 words max	With application	Be specific to UT; show how you’ll use UT opportunities; articulate a personal “burning question”
Short Answer 2 (Meaningful Activity)	Which activity are you most proud of and why?	300 words max	With application	Highlight impact, leadership, growth, skills; connect to major where relevant
Optional Short Answer 3 (Academics)	Share circumstances that impacted academic performance	300 words max	With application	State facts briefly; emphasize impact and learning (≥1/3 on lessons); frame positively
Letters of Recommendation	Submit letters from recommenders who know you well	Maximum 2 allowed by UT	Request early; ensure arrival by deadline	Choose recommenders who can speak to skills/passion for first-choice major (e.g., subject teacher, internship supervisor, tutor)
Transcripts	Official high school transcript sent directly by school (often via Naviance/guidance office)	—	Most schools send starting early September; request immediately after fall begins	Avoid backlog; school must send directly
Admissions Context	Record undergraduate application volume	73,000 applications	Most recent cycle referenced	“Most competitive” cycle; holistic review emphasized

5. ASK 2 PEOPLE TO WRITE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Recommendations are a crucial part of any student's college application. No matter how exceptional a student appears based on their essay, short answers, and resume, the recommendations serve as a reliable confirmation that the student is as promising as the rest of their application implies. Because of the power that recommendations hold, it's important to discerning when choosing recommenders.

It's even more important at UT, where a recent policy change means that they now only allow for two letters of recommendation. With only two chances, students really need to consider who will write the best recommendation for them. For starters, they should be sure the recommenders they choose know them well enough to say something unique about them. If a student's recommendations are boilerplate or general—and don't speak specifically to that student's strengths and abilities—they won't serve as a value-add for the application. Similarly, students should choose people who they think would be excited to write these recommendations, as that excitement will shine through in the letters and stand out to admissions officers.

When it comes to UT letters of recommendation, students should take this opportunity to create a case for their first-choice major. That means asking for recommendations from people who can speak to the student's skills, abilities, and passion as it relates to their major choice.

Let's look at an example. Say your student's first-choice major is computer science. Here are a few people who might be able to highlight those skills:

• A computer science teacher. It's an obvious choice, but a great one. This teacher can speak to your student's academic abilities in the subject as well as their growth mindset in this field. Did they grow over the course of the school year? Did they show a demonstrated interest in the topic? Did they serve as a leader for the classroom?
• An internship supervisor for a CS-related position. If your student did an internship related to their major, their supervisor is a great recommender. They'll be able to highlight your student's strengths outside the classroom and speak to their professional demeanor.
• A tutor for a coding class. If your student went out of their way to learn CS skills on their own, they may have a tutor who was helping them along the way. This person can talk about the student as a self-starter and independent learner while still highlighting their experience within the first-choice major.

Students have an opportunity here to move their case forward with their letters of recommendation, but they need to put some serious thought into who to ask. It's a particularly important choice at UT because of the emphasis on first-choice majors and the limited number of recommendations allowed. That means that a student's UT recommenders may be different from those they use for other colleges—where they might have a teacher from a class unrelated to their potential major write a recommendation for one school, that wouldn't be as appropriate for a UT application where they want to show their demonstrated interest in their first choice major.

6. WORK WITH YOUR HIGH SCHOOL TO ORDER TRANSCRIPTS

School guidance departments usually have a specific procedure to follow—or form to fill out—to request transcripts, so students should make sure they know how to get copies of their grades sent to every college that needs them. For schools that use Naviance, transcript orders are typically made through this online system.

Whatever the system, remember: transcripts must be sent directly from the high school. Most schools won't send transcripts until the beginning of September, but we encourage students to request them immediately after the fall semester begins. The longer they wait, the more likely they'll run into a backlog from the guidance office.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the benefit of applying Early Action to UT Austin by the October 15 deadline?

Applying Early Action to UT Austin by October 15 allows students to receive an admission notification by January 15, 2025, giving them an early decision and more time to plan. Early Action also demonstrates strong interest and ensures students are considered in a highly competitive admissions cycle.

How important is the first-choice major in the UT Austin application process?

The first-choice major is crucial because it shapes how admissions reviewers evaluate every part of the application, including transcripts, essays, and resumes. UT Austin places significant emphasis on demonstrated fit and preparation for the selected major, especially for highly selective programs.

What should I include in the UT Austin expanded resume?

The UT Austin expanded resume should detail all academic, extracurricular, professional, and personal experiences, with descriptions of roles and specific accomplishments. Unlike a standard resume, it can be three to four pages or more, allowing students to showcase depth and alignment with their chosen major.

How should I approach the UT Austin personal essay?

The UT Austin personal essay should focus on a unique story that highlights personal growth, recent experiences, and meaningful reflection, using specific examples and at least 30% reflection. The essay is a key part of the holistic review and should reveal aspects of your personality and perspective not found elsewhere in your application.

Who should write my letters of recommendation for UT Austin?

Letters of recommendation for UT Austin should come from individuals who know you well and can specifically speak to your skills, abilities, and passion related to your first-choice major. With only two letters allowed, choose recommenders who can provide unique, detailed insights that reinforce your fit for your intended field of study.