Common Application: The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so. (The application won't accept a response shorter than 250 words.)

 

- Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
- Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
- Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
- Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?
- Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

 

Please write an essay (250-650 words) on the topic selected. You can type directly into the box, or you can paste text from another source.

 

650-word version:
Just as the aphorism “He who laughs last laughs best” suggests, many, if not most, might say that the first entry, or the final or the most recent experience, under the category of career in a resume defines the individual. I, on the other hand, however, am more inclined to say that somewhat of the opposite is true...

 

UT—Austin: Topic C (optional)
Considering your lifetime goals, discuss how your current and future academic and extra-curricular activities might help you achieve your goals.

 

727-word version:
Just as the aphorism “He who laughs last laughs best” suggests, many, if not most, might say that the first entry, or the final or the most recent experience, under the category of career in a resume defines the individual. I, on the other hand, however, am more inclined to say that somewhat of the opposite is true...