Update on April 2021: The Apply Texas prompts will remain the same for the next school year (for the class of 2022).
The Apply Texas application is a common application form for most Texas public universities. It allows students to input their information for several different colleges at once. 
ApplyTexas college essay prompts for class of 2020 are:
- Essay A:
Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today? - Essay B: Some students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. If you are one of these students, then tell us about yourself.
- Essay C: You’ve got a ticket in your hand – Where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?
Each school requires a different combination of these three college essays-some require all three, some just one or two, or others make certain ones recommended or optional. Some schools even use these essays for both admissions decisions AND scholarships so it’s important to put time and effort into each one!
While the Apply Texas application doesn’t “open” until July before a student’s senior year, you can preview the application online. Students can start submitting applications to colleges in July, but they shouldn’t wait until then to start on the college essays. In fact, the best time for most students to write their college essays is the summer between junior and senior year of high school.
UT Short Answer Essay Requirements
As part of ApplyTexas, all freshman applicants will also respond to three short-answer questions. Answers are limited to no more than 40 lines, or about 250 – 300 words.
Short Answer 1: Career Plans
Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?
Short Answer 2: Leadership
Leadership can be demonstrated in many ways. Please share how you have demonstrated leadership in either your school, job, community, and/or within your family responsibilities.
Short Answer 3
Please share how you believe your experiences, perspectives, and/or talents have shaped your ability to contribute to and enrich the learning environment at UT Austin, both in and out of the classroom.
Optional Short Answer
Please share background on events or special circumstances that may have impacted your high school academic performance.
Texas A&M University- Short answer question for Engineering majors
Engineering Essay: Describe your academic and career goals in the broad field of engineering (including computer science, industrial distribution, and engineering technology). What and/or who has influenced you either inside or outside the classroom that contributed to these goals?
Applying to colleges with the Common App?
Be sure to check out the Common App essay prompts here.
Need help?
Brand College Consulting offers the college essay preparation and editing service in its package for juniors and seniors. Summer Essay Camps are also offered through Zoom. Families who don’t wish to use either of these services can choose to purchase the essay assistance service separately as well.
