University of Texas at Austin
The flagship Texas public, with a sprawling urban campus and powerhouse programs in computer science, engineering, business, and the arts.
- Next deadline
- Dec 1, 2026Regular Decision
- Essays
- 4Prompts
- Supplement
- Required2026-2027 cycle
- Platform
- Common AppAccepted platform
- Selectivity
- 29.1%Selective
- Enrollment
- 40,916Large undergrad
Build your University of Texas at Austin application plan
Track the deadline, review every supplemental essay prompt, and shape each response around one clear admissions story.
Application deadlines
Supplemental essay prompts
- Supplement300 words2026-2027
Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?
- Short Answer250 words2026-2027
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?
- Short Answer250 words2026-2027
What do you want to be an expert in? Why?
- Short Answer250 words2026-2027
If you could tell your future college roommate anything, what would it be?
How to approach University of Texas at Austin's supplemental essays
Choose a role before you draft
Decide what this essay should add to the application: evidence, range, bridge, or a new window into your life. Avoid repeating the Common App essay in miniature.
Answer fast, then show texture
Start with the answer, then add one detail only you could write. Short answers get stronger when they sound observed instead of summarized.
Answer fast, then show texture
Start with the answer, then add one detail only you could write. Short answers get stronger when they sound observed instead of summarized.
Answer fast, then show texture
Start with the answer, then add one detail only you could write. Short answers get stronger when they sound observed instead of summarized.
Use this as a blank structure for a University of Texas at Austin supplement response, then replace every bracket with your own specifics.
- Open on [specific scene, object, problem, or conversation].
- Show what [choice/action/constraint] reveals about how you think.
- Connect that trait to [school program, community, lab, class, or value].
- End with the contribution you want to make at University of Texas at Austin, not a compliment.
Need more help with this application?
Use our guides to plan your supplement, sharpen your Why Us research, and review your draft before you submit.
Frequently asked questions
How many supplemental essays does University of Texas at Austin require?
University of Texas at Austin has 4 supplemental essays listed for the 2026-2027 application cycle, in addition to the shared application essay.
Does University of Texas at Austin accept the Common Application?
Yes — University of Texas at Austin accepts the Common Application.
What is University of Texas at Austin's acceptance rate?
University of Texas at Austin's most recently reported acceptance rate is 29.1%.
When is University of Texas at Austin's next application deadline?
University of Texas at Austin's next listed application deadline is the Regular Decision round on December 1, 2026.
What is University of Texas at Austin's "Why are you interested in the…" prompt (#1, 300 words)?
Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?
What is University of Texas at Austin's "Think of all the activities —…" prompt (#2, 250 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?
What is University of Texas at Austin's "What do you want to be…" prompt (#3, 250 words)?
What do you want to be an expert in? Why?
What is University of Texas at Austin's "If you could tell your future…" prompt (#4, 250 words)?
If you could tell your future college roommate anything, what would it be?
Sources and verification
We prioritize University of Texas at Austin's official admissions pages for school-specific prompts and deadlines, then use application-platform and federal sources as cross-checks. This record is labeled for the 2026-2027 cycle but still needs a fresh verification pass.
Review official source →