texas a&m essays that worked

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Entry to a Major Essays

Instructions & guidance.

There are three essay portions to the application: “Statement of Purpose,” “Outstanding Achievements” and “Additional Information.” Although “Outstanding Achievements" and “Additional Information” are optional, it is highly recommended that you complete these essays.

This application uses plain text formatting. You are encouraged to use a word processor like Microsoft Word to compose your essays and to check your word count (250 words for each essay), spelling and grammar. You can then copy and paste your text onto the application text area. 

Do not use AI text generators such as ChatGPT to complete your ETAM application. Using AI text generators may be considered plagiarism and/or cheating according to Student Rule: 20.1.2.3. Suspected use of generative AI may constitute a violation of the Texas A&M Honor Code and will be referred to the Aggie Honor System Office for investigation. More information may be found through the Aggie Honor System Office.

The University Writing Center  is a resource available to help prepare and/or review your essays. View this brief video with ETAM essay tips and information about ETAM-related services from the University Writing Center.

Essay Topics

Additional information for each essay topic is provided below:

• Statement of Purpose:  You will write one “Statement of Purpose” for each major you select. Your statement of purpose should explain your reason for selecting this major and include academic areas of interest, future professional career goals and strengths you would bring to the department. You should clearly articulate why you are interested in a specific major. You can also write about student organizations you have joined within the major or faculty you have met from this major and include all accomplishments related to the major.
• Outstanding Achievements:  Avoid using major-specific language. All majors you apply to will have access to read this essay. Use complete sentences; do not use bullet points. This section gives you an opportunity to discuss any outstanding achievements you feel are notable for departments to consider. Outstanding achievements should include leadership roles, major projects related to engineering, work or internship experience and scholarships you have received. You may use awards from your time in high school — particularly if they are related to engineering, science, math, or any leadership or extracurricular activities such as band, UIL, etc. This is also a great space to discuss AP credit and other academic qualifications.
• Additional Information:  Avoid major-specific language. All majors you apply to will have access to read this essay. This section allows you the opportunity to give additional information you want the committee to consider. You can include extenuating circumstances or other factors influencing your academic performance.
• Application Process and Guidelines
• Engineering Department Advisors
• Current Degree Programs
• Placement Outcomes

Texas A&M Undergraduate College Application Essays

These Texas A&M college application essays were written by students accepted at Texas A&M. All of our sample college essays include the question prompt and the year written. Please use these sample admission essays responsibly.

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College Application Essays accepted by Texas A&M

Maps elliott stanton, texas a&m.

Without maps, we all would be lost in life. We rely on road maps, key maps, and even Mapquest to find our way to various destinations. My 4-H career and personal life can be related to a the common Texas road map. I have traveled miles down...

El Carmen April Marie Zwerneman

This summer, I had the opportunity to escape from the routine of daily life and spend a week in Mexico. However, this week was no Acapulco vacation. I journeyed alongside several dozen members of my youth group to El Carmen, a small village on...

A Man With No Shoes Joseph Linneman Saenz

Full of innocence, I lay in my bed on a Saturday morning, relaxing after a difficult week at school. Suddenly I was awakened as the intercom in my room crackled to life. My parents often used the intercom, but calls this early in the morning were...

Tristan Joseph Linneman Saenz

On the first day of history class at Texas A&M, I took a seat in an empty row, placed my books on my desk, and watched the other students trickle into the classroom. One student in particular caught my attention. He appeared slightly...

Watch Jessica Monk

There’s no way that it’s morning already. I hear footsteps running down the hall; eight hours ago this would have been considered typical, but now, it’s completely ludicrous. The door to my dorm room swings open with a nauseating kind of reality,...

How my friend affected my life Anonymous

The crack of the shoulder pads atop two burly young men signals that the high school football season is in full swing. If not for the electric Friday nights under the lights of a shrine to hard work, there would be weeks when I simply existed and...

The Lab Ryan Esparza

The first time that science really made sense was in seventh grade, when a frog lay splayed out on the desk in front of me. While the stench of formaldehyde made others eyes water and stomachs churn, I was too fascinated to notice. I was intrigued...

The Experience that Lives On Anonymous

"Can I touch you there?" As an 8-year-old, I didn't know what to say. I was obedient. I was shy. I was afraid of speaking up and being judged. So instead of answering the question, I stayed silent and was sexually abused by a family member. He...

I Am Me Anonymous

I will never forget the look of the freshly fallen, pure-white snow that blanketed the streets just outside the car when my mother said, “I don’t even consider you my son anymore.” The white snow was suddenly blinding, glaring at me with its...

Photography Anonymous

The shutter button is released, causing a chain reaction: the lens opens and closes in the span of microseconds, and, for a moment, the world stands still to allow genius or despair to be captured.

When I was eleven years old, fresh out of...

"Question Everything" and Other Lessons From Mr. Mann Leta Rebecca Cunningham

When I was in the eighth grade, I took the infamous Gifted and Talented class taught by the even more infamous Mr. Mann. Picture my first day in this classroom: the four walls were absolutely plastered with nonsensical posters and paintings and a...

The Stack That Is My Life Leta Rebecca Cunningham

On the top shelf on the far right wall of my closet, there are stacks and stacks of dog-eared, worn-out, bent-up composition notebooks. Well, mostly composition notebooks, but there is some variety -- like a locked plastic purple diary that my...

A Lesson in Flying Anonymous

They call it free falling for a reason. There’s something liberating that comes with taking the plunge, but that sense of freedom didn’t come easily for me.

My sophomore year of high school, I joined the Durango High School’s dive team. Our...

True Belief Anonymous

I remember the first Tuesday I stepped into the hall of the church. The raucous noise of children playing was quickly quieted by Jake, our youth group leader, as he led fifty teenagers in solemn prayer. As everyone bowed their heads to pray, I...

The Invisible Bully Anonymous

The screen glowed brightly in her face as she would check her Facebook, and wonder why people did this to her. “Who would be mean enough to treat a person like this?”, she would always ask me. The cruel, menacing, and terrifying words that some of...

Hooked on Teaching Rebekka Anne Strom

A week after New Year’s in 2011, the cherry blossom tree outside my apartment’s living room erupted in pink and my best friend died. Two weeks later, I stared into the eyes of seventeen eager 9-year-olds in my first classroom. By the end of the...

Seeing the World Through a Different Lens Caroline Bridges

As I savor the rich chocolate and caramel found in my Magnum ice cream bar, I am suddenly brought back to the cobblestoned streets of Luxembourg, just one of the few places I remember eating the same delectable treat. I hear the festive Christmas...

The Mothers from Hell Noelle Simon

We have a saying at work: “Dealing with an angry mom is like dealing with a burglar; just give her what she wants, and no one gets hurt.”

I see it almost every day at the pool - a mother’s desperate desire to have everyone acknowledge her son as...

Surfacing from Stress Noelle Simon

Diving in a pool is an experience like no other. It’s like immersing yourself in a world with no sound and no communication. Underwater you can do things that would be so much more difficult to do on land, for example: a backflip or a handstand....

Lifetime goals Noelle Simon

The athlete-to-captain relationship is the lifeblood of any functioning sports team. After all, the team captain essentially acts as a mediator between the other players and the coach. Some other jobs of a team captain include, but are not limited...

One Step Back to Take Two Steps Forwards Anonymous

When I was younger, my mother attended ESL classes every Wednesday evening at our local church. When she came home, it was straight to the dining table to complete her given assignments. It would not be uncommon for her to take hours just...

Lessons from the Produce Section Hyun Chang

Monsoon season began the day after I arrived at Jeongok, a small town where the rushed lifestyle found in most Korean cities was in abundance. My grandmother, who owned a grocery store in the town, asked me to take over during a particularly rainy...

Where will I go? Anonymous

It has always been a dream of mine to travel to a Spanish speaking country, to immerse myself in the language and culture. Sadly, due to financial constraints, my family has never been able to travel out of the country, except for one trip to see...

Dads and Dough Anonymous

It’s five o’clock on a Sunday morning. Do you know where your father is? If you’re me, then you know exactly where he is: in the kitchen preparing the dough for his homemade bread. My dad spends every Sunday morning this way. It’s a process that...

Recent Questions about Texas A&M

The Question and Answer section for Texas A&M is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Texas A&M University Supplemental Essay Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the Texas A&M essay prompts? CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the Texas A&M application essays will breakdown the Texas A&M essay requirements and show you exactly how to write engaging Texas A&M essays to maximize your chances of admission. If you need help answering the Texas A&M essay prompts, create your free or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

Texas A&M Essay Guide Quick Facts

• Acceptance rate of 63.0%— U.S. News ranks Texas A&M as a more selective school. 
• Every student must submit a Texas A&M essay through ApplyTexas or The Coalition Application . If you are applying as an engineer, you must write an additional Texas A&M essay.

Does Texas A&M have any supplemental essays?

Yes, there are two Texas A&M application essays. The Essay tab of Admission’s Freshman Application Page , lists the Texas A&M essay requirements. You’ll find both Texas A&M essay prompts there. In the first essay, you’ll share a bit about your high school career. The second, is an engineering-specific short answer question.

Does Texas A&M require a supplemental essay?

Yes, the Texas A&M requirements require all applicants to write Texas A&M application essays. While there are two Texas A&M essay prompts, there is only one required Texas A&M essay. Only students applying to the College of Engineering need to answer both Texas A&M essay prompts. 

To summarize, students applying as engineers will write two Texas A&M admissions essays. All other non-engineering students will write one Texas A&M essay. Now that we have established the Texas A&M essay requirements, let’s write those Texas A&M admissions essays!

How do I write my Texas A&M supplemental essay?

After you’ve reviewed the Texas A&M essay requirements, you can begin brainstorming topics for your Texas A&M essays.  Remember, there isn’t a perfect topic or a formulaic approach to writing your essay. Your Texas A&M admissions essays are an opportunity to infuse your application with your life, personality, and voice. Rather than trying to impress Admissions with your Texas A&M essays, go for honesty! That means being true to yourself and your experiences. 

No matter what topic you end up choosing to write about in your Texas A&M essays, it is important you remember your audience. Your Texas A&M application essays are part of an application, so you need to appeal to the needs of your reader: the Admissions team. They are looking to get a sense of who you are and how you’ll add to the vibrancy of their student body.

Here are three questions you should keep in mind when writing each of your Texas A&M admissions essays:

• Have I answered the prompt in my Texas A&M essay?
• Does my Texas A&M essay reflect who I am?
• Do I show how I will be an asset to the school’s community in my Texas A&M essay?

Now that we have our essay goals in mind, let’s move on to the first step: brainstorming. We have provided the 2021-2022 Texas A&M essay prompts below. You’ll find a breakdown of how to approach each question, as well as tips for writing Texas A&M application essays that will help you stand out in admissions. 

Texas A&M essay – Question 1 (Required)

Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today? (no word limit).

The Texas A&M essay prompts do not have specified word limits. Because there is only one required Texas A&M essay and this prompt is open-ended, we suggest sticking between approximately 500-700 words. Remember, if your essay is too short, you may not be telling a complete or detailed story. Too long, and you may not keep your reader’s attention.

Generate ideas

This Texas A&M essay is going to be about cause and effect. As you brainstorm , split your page into two columns: “Opportunities/Challenges” and “How I Was Affected.” The first column addresses the “what” part of your Texas A&M essay. The prompt asks about plural opportunities or challenges. Therefore, it is important you write down as many memories you can think of, as you’ll likely be picking more than one to include in your Texas A&M essay. Also, this prompt specifically asks about your high school career . Restrict your brainstorming to high school memories. 

The second column will be the “why” of your Texas A&M essay. Why is it important for the admissions team to hear this story? For each opportunity or challenge, write a corresponding bullet point that summarizes what you learned, how you grew, why you were proud of yourself, or why it was important to you.

Look for patterns

Once you’ve completed your brainstorm, start looking for patterns or ways to group your experiences. Was there a particular class you grew in? Perhaps there was a challenge that later reappeared as an opportunity. Or maybe there’s an aspect of your personality that shined through in multiple situations.

Whatever you settle on, be sure to refer to the three objectives before you start drafting your Texas A&M essay. This breakdown has already helped you be sure you are responding to the prompt, so you need to be sure the story you’ve outlined will reflect something about who you are and how you might positively impact Texas A&M’s community.

Tell your story

All that’s left to do is tell your story. As you begin drafting your Texas A&M application essays, be sure you aren’t simply listing facts or details. Instead, string them together with your thoughts, feelings, and interpretations. Even if the events on paper are simple, your voice is what makes will make you stand out .

Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Does your Texas A&M essay tell a story about opportunities or challenges you faced in high school? 
• Did you show how your experiences helped shape who you are?
• Does your Texas A&M essay have a point of view?

Texas A&M essay – Question 2 (Required for Engineering Applicants)

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? (no word limit).

According to the Texas A&M essay requirements, all applicants to the School of Engineering must respond to a second prompt and write a total of two Texas A&M admissions essays. Neither of the Texas A&M essay prompts has word counts, so there is no specific word limit for your Texas A&M essays. Because this question is more straightforward, we suggest keeping your second Texas A&M essay between 300-500 words.

Although the topics are different, both Texas A&M essay prompts are cause & effect questions. For this brainstorm, split your page into two columns: “Academic and Career Goals” and “Who/What Inspires Me.” List out what you hope to learn and the kind of work and research you might want to do at college as well as the kind of positions or work you’d like to hold or be involved in post-graduation (including grad school if you’re already thinking of attending). Remember, whatever you include on your inspiration list needs to have “contributed to these goals,” so as you list people, topics, or events, also write down how they helped lead you to your goals. 

Focus on what’s important

Once you have all the information and details you’d like to include, all you need to do is write about them in a way that shows who you are and what is important to you. For example, if you already know the kind of job you’d like to have one day, you could start with your academic goals, reflect upon your inspirations, and end with your career aspirations. Or if there was one pivotal moment that has defined your path, maybe start with that moment and tell the story of how that has led you to have the goals you have today.

Everyone’s goals and inspirations will be specific to them. However, a strong Texas A&M essay should focus on your passion for engineering. Let that passion shine through in your writing, and you’ll be sure to have Texas A&M application essays that will blow the admissions team away. 

• Did you describe your academic and career goals in your Texas A&M essay? 
• Have you shown what has inspired you to reach for these goals?
• Does your Texas A&M essay reflect your passion?

What does Texas A&M look for in essays?

To begin, you should think of the Texas A&M essays as a chance to introduce yourself. They’re also an opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants. Therefore, you’ll want to write your Texas A&M application essays in your own voice and show how your unique experiences have impacted how you view the world. The admissions team cares about more than just your grades and test scores; they care about the person behind the numbers.

Although it is not specifically mentioned in the Texas A&M essay requirements, it is expected your essays have the correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation. In addition to telling your story, the admissions department is looking for Texas A&M admissions essays that are clear and polished. Excellent editing and proofreading are a must. The less distracted your reader is by little mistakes, the easier it will be to focus on the story your Texas A&M essays are telling.  

Tips for writing Texas A&M essays

In addition to providing the Texas A&M essay requirements, the university has a College Readiness page with resources and tips to help you through the application process. Be sure to review these tips on the website or below.  Approaching the Texas A&M application essays can be daunting. CollegeAdvisor offers 39 Essay Tips from Admissions Experts that will you navigate the writing process.

Answer the question

Our guide has already broken down the Texas A&M essay prompts to be sure you’ve answered the question completely. As you settle on a topic, be sure to use your Texas A&M admissions essays as an opportunity to touch on something not mentioned anywhere else in your application. Although the Texas A&M essay requirements don’t specifically tell you to, providing new information will help give the admissions team a full picture of who you are and the experiences that have prepared you for college.

Be authentic

We’ve said to “use your voice,” which is just another way to say be authentic. While it is important you keep your audience in mind (and specifically use language appropriate to the formality of a college application), it is also important you stay true to who you are. There’s no need to try to sound smarter or funnier or more serious in your Texas A&M essays than you do in real life – Admissions wants you to be yourself. 

Focus on details

The details you include will make your Texas A&M application essays stand out from the rest. Even if your circumstances or experiences seem like everybody else’s, your experience of them is what makes them special and unique to you. Being specific will also help bring your story to life and help drop your reader into your shoes so they can better understand who you are and what you bring to the table. 

Proofread your essay

Proofread, proofread, proofread! Grammar or spelling mistakes aren’t the end of the world. However, they do distract your reader from what is important: your story. Whether or not you are a strong proofreader, have a second pair of eyes on your Texas A&M essays. A teacher, counselor, or guardian is a great place to start. Even a fellow peer can be a good resource. Most importantly, your reader should give feedback on both grammar and story. This will ensure your final draft is as polished as it can be. 

As you begin compiling all the information you’ll need for your application, check out the Admissions blog for prospective students. Additionally, if you’d like more tips from Texas A&M’s undergraduate admissions team on approaching your essays, check out this video on telling your story!

Texas A&M Supplemental Essays: Final Thoughts

If the essay requirements seem daunting to you, remember that the admissions team wants to be impressed by you. There are so many types of students and people in the world. It is impossible to know who a person is by their grades and test scores alone. Consequently, the admissions teams reads the Texas A&M admissions essays to get a better understanding of each candidate as a person. Unlike the other aspects of your application, you have complete control over your Texas A&M application essays. Take that freedom and use your Texas A&M essays to show them your best, most curious self. Start early. Then, you’ll have time to brainstorm, draft, edit, rewrite, and proofread. With a little preparation, your Texas A&M application essays can wow the admissions team.

This 2021-2022 essay guide on Texas A&M was written by Stefanie Tedards. For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on Texas A&M, click here . Want help crafting your Texas A&M admissions essays? Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

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Texas A&M University’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Impactful person short response.

Tell us about the person who has most impacted your life and why.

Opportunities and Challenges Essay

Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?

Life Even Short Response

Describe a life event which you feel has prepared you to be successful in college.

Overcoming Challenges Short Response

If there are additional personal challenges, hardships, or opportunities (including COVID related experiences) that have shaped or impacted your abilities or academic credentials, which you have not already written about, please note them in the space below.

College of 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? It is important to spend time addressing this question as it will be considered as part of engineering review process.

ApplyTexas Essays

Schools using ApplyTexas will have specific guidelines for how many of the following essays are required, if any. Some schools are also on the Common App, so you may respond to those prompts instead in that case.

Most students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. Tell us about yourself.

You’ve got a ticket in your hand – Where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?

(specific to majors in architecture, art history, design, studio art, visual art studies/art education): Personal interaction with objects, images and spaces can be so powerful as to change the way one thinks about particular issues or topics. For your intended area of study (architecture, art history, design, studio art, visual art studies/art education), describe an experience where instruction in that area or your personal interaction with an object, image or space effected this type of change in your thinking. What did you do to act upon your new thinking and what have you done to prepare yourself for further study in this area?

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

Texas A&M University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision: 

Regular Decision Deadline: May 1

You Have: 

Texas A&M University 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanation

The Requirements: Two required essays of 250 words each; one optional essay of 250 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Oddball , Additional Information

Describe a life event which you feel has prepared you to be successful in college. (250 words)

This prompt is incredibly vague, which is kinda awesome because it sets you up to talk about almost anything you want. Which life event has sparked personal growth? What do you think it takes to be successful and how do you embody those qualities? Maybe a parent’s fragile health situation challenged you to take on more responsibilities than the average teenager, preparing you for the hard work ahead. Or perhaps you learned to love your football team’s playback sessions, as they forced you to routinely examine your mistakes, welcome constructive criticism, and guide you toward self-improvement. Whatever story you choose to tell, be sure to infuse it with personal details that no one else could include in their essay.

Tell us about the person who has most impacted your life and why. (250 words)

Who is the first person to come to mind when you read this prompt? The person you write about can be someone in your immediate circle, larger network, or on the world stage. Remember that the person you choose is going to say a lot about what you value and respect in others. Maybe an adult in your life has served as a mentor and role model for you, or perhaps the person who has impacted you most is a close friend and confidant. Once you identify the person you’d like to write about, be sure to summarize who they are to you, how they have impacted your life, and how you’ve changed as a result of knowing them.

If there are additional personal challenges, hardships, or opportunities (including COVID related experiences) that have shaped or impacted your abilities or academic credentials, which you have not already written about, please note them in the space below. (250 words)

Let us start by saying: this prompt is not for everyone. If your GPA has not dramatically increased or decreased during your high school career, move along. If, on the other hand, you’re thinking, “Yes! An opportunity for me to explain!” then read on.  Your transcripts are like Garfield Minus Garfield . Sure, we can see that something’s changed from frame to frame, but we don’t know why. Grades need context. Admissions doesn’t know why or how things happened—good or bad—so ake a look at your grades and note any anomalies or odd jumps/drops. Think back to that time in your life and tell your story. Maybe your family struggled with financial instability or the loss of a loved one. Maybe you started meeting virtually with a tutor and climbed from a fall semester C in geometry to a spring semester A. No matter your story, you are not alone in your journey of ups and downs—high school is a veritable war zone of distractions and possibilities. And, remember, everyone loves a comeback. 

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Texas Am Admission Essay Writing Guide

Application Guide

Essay examples, texas application letters and application process.

Texas A&M university has taught students since 1876, becoming the first high education institution in the state. For now its main campus harbors almost 70 000 students. The university offers 133 programs for bachelors and 175 programs for master degrees. Its five programs for professors are considered one of the best in the country.

If you're applying to Texas A&M University and find yourself under time constraints to produce a high-quality essay , StudyMoose offers a fast and dependable academic writing service tailored to your specific needs.

Despite being such a renowned university, Texas A&M has a relatively simple admission process. All you need to do is to gather your documents and write one short paper if you are applying via Common Application with its standard “Why Texas A&M” essay. You also can apply via the local ApplyTexas portal with a broader essay prompts choice. But generally, all the Texas A&M admission essays are relatively easy compared to most of the other universities. It doesn’t mean that it’s easy to get enrolled: the university of such a level has a very high demand for your grades and education level. Still, if you prefer to show off your practical skills, not your essay-writing mastery, it’s one of the best variants for you.

You may use a wide collection of our Texas A&M essay examples to get inspired by their stories. Or, if you don’t have time to write essays, you may focus on gathering other documents and let our professional writers make a perfect Texas A&M admissions essay using the information you provide. Texas A&M university asks for only one general essay to be written, but it doesn’t mean that you may not take it seriously. The personal essay seems easy, but if you remember the high competition between the applicants, you’d understand that your admission essay should be polished to perfection.

University Admission Documents

To enter this university you need to gather the following documents:

Obligatory ones:

• ApplyTexas or Coalition Texas A&M application essay
• $75 application fee (the e-mail or receipt that proves that you paid the fee). Keep in mind that the fee is non-refundable even if you aren’t enrolled.
• Self-reported academic record. Each applicant shall prepare it by themselves. The SRAR should be based on high school transcripts and contain all the courses (obligatory and facultative) with corresponding grades and credit score. It is the most important document, so we highly recommend to check the accuracy twice before submitting your SRAR. Corrections may rob you of the precious time and heavily influence your chances for application. Please check the specific requirements to SRAR at the Texas A&M site.
• Official SAT or ACT scores sent through the agency. You may use the highest total score, so try all the options possible to raise your chances. You may also use the scores from the previous year, because the tests expire after 5 years only.

Desirable ones:

• A copy of the high school transcript for the application committee to check the accuracy of your SRAR. This document may speed up the process greatly.
• Engineering short answer question. It’s a kind of extremely short Texas A&M engineering essay that describes your experience in the field of engineering, your academic plans and career goals. It has a very small word limit, so try to be as specific as possible here.
• High school curriculum requirements. Only for students of Texas private high schools. All the other students should provide Exemption Form 3.
• Permanent Resident Card for non-US citizens.
• Letters of recommendation. A maximum of two letters is allowed. They are not very important for the application process, but if you have a valuable recommendation it may play its part when you have an equal total score with the other applicant.

ApplyTexas and Common Application admission essays

The ApplyTexas app is the local version of the Common Application portal. The main difference between them is thaa CA allows you to apply to the universities all over the USA, and AT is state-specific. Usually you have the one essay prompt for the Texas A&M Common App version and several prompts for the AppTexas application. The Common Application essay theme is always the same: “Why this university?” You are supposed to write a personalized paper describing the benefits of the university chosen. This essay is required to prove that you do care, not just applying to any university available. The Common App Texas apply essay should be no more less than 250 and no more than 650 words. It may seem like a lot of space, but you don’t have to use all the words up to the limit. Actually, some admission committee members prefer shorter essays and give you more points for your ability to express yourself precisely and laconically.

The minimum word limit is obligatory though, the system just won’t accept the papers that are shorter than 250 words. ApplyTexas, on the contrary, has four prompts for the first-time admissions and three topics for transfer admissions. All the different universities have different requirements, so they may specifically ask you to work with A, B, C or D prompt if you are a freshmen or with a slightly changed variation for transferred students.

It’s tricky to understand the system for the first time, but usually the Texas A&M essay prompts are mentioned at the university site. The Texas A&M applicants need to write an essay on Topic A. The future engineers should also write a short discipline-specific answer. They are usually easy and change only slightly from year to year. You may check our Texas A&M engineering essay examples on our site to get the idea of what the admission committee wants to hear from you. The Topic A is usually the most specific of all. It doesn’t require lots of imagination and is focused on your own story, your background and choice of the particular university. This is the case when TexasApp and Common App essays do have a lot in common. Actually, they are pretty similar, so you may choose any application portal, the essay writing task will be equally easy.

Writing a perfect entrance essay

Despite being a simple topic, this broad range of variants make this paper one of the hardest to write properly. You should carefully balance facts and emotions, show that you did your research and learned a fact or two about Texas A&M university. Also, the uniform topic means that the admission committee members will read plenty of similar essays. So you have to make yours truly outstanding. Here are some simple tips that will help your paper shine:

Use unconventional knowledge sources

Everyone can open the university’s site and read the general information about it. Show that you spent a bit more time to decide that it’s the best place for you to be next years. Mention reading the open university forums, talking to the alumni community, attending open lectures and events or reading the professors’ works. You don’t have to, if you never did that, but if you have something to show off, do it! This essay isn’t for your logical thinking and writing evaluation only. It also shows your motivation, and motivated students are always the first to get enrolled.

Don’t try to use all the word limit

The admission officers are people, too, and they may get tired of reading long papers. You never know when they’d get your paper: in the morning or later, when they are reading them inattentively. Try to make each sentence as sharp as possible. It’s your presentation, the first impression of you as a student-to-be, so take it seriously. Ask someone to read your essay (bonus points for asking someone who was an admission officer themselves, or at least was an author of one of the Texas A&M essays that worked. Check if your paper is specific enough to not look like a general application insert-name-here text. A good test is to change the university’s name to the other one and check if the paper still can be sent as a valid application essay.

Use standard structure and the non-standard approach

Usually the admission committee expects to see the answers to such questions:

• What areas of study are appealing to you? What do you truly want to learn in university?
• What is the difference between the chosen university and others with the same major programs?
• What extracurricular activities you love and want to see in the university? What will you participate in?
• What are your goals in the university? What do you plan to do as a bachelor? Possibly, get a job in your dream company or stay a bit longer to get a master’s degree or become a postgraduate? Are you more interested in science or practical reasons?

Do not try to get a “right” answer

The admission officers will see enough of the perfectly polished application essays that show only the bright sides bordering with flattery. Don’t create the image of a wide-eyed idealist if you just want to make a decent career and provide a comfortable lifestyle for you and your family. Honesty is your best option here: the admission committee wants to see real people they would work and live with, not the images these people pretend to be.

Be realistic

It’s okay to set high and challenging goals, but they still should be practical and realistic enough. You can choose to work on a scientific frontier, offer a bold interdisciplinary project or plan to establish a successful startup as a sophomore. But winning a Nobel Prize doesn’t sound like a mature goal and, moreover, doesn’t sound like a goal that can be achieved with the help of your university (at least not for the bachelor). Be university-specific. It isn’t enough to just say you love biology or science.

Try to explain why you want to achieve your goals here

Take a more narrow approach, talk about the courses that are particularly strong and effective, and plan your progress. The more your plan corresponds with the university’s curriculum, the more chances you have to get noticed as a promising student.

Mention the university’s core values. It’s all about people and perspectives. If your ethics and mindset is aligned with the university’s principles, don’t forget to tell the admission officers about it. There are plenty of talented young people, but each university tries to pick the ones who will get along with the rest. Show yourself as a friendly and tolerant person and you’ll possibly win some extra points in the admission committee’s eyes.

Wrapping Up

We gathered a broad collection of Texas A&M essay examples for you, both general and engineering ones. We do hope that they will help you to create your own perfect paper with a personal touch and ambitious plans. If you are struggling or hesitating, our authors are here to help. They have dozens of “Why Texas A&M” essays written and successfully used, so they will write that exact paper that will make your credits and grades shine even brighter.

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Any tips for ETAM essays?

I’m having trouble with my ETAM essays. I’m planning to write one for every topic. Unfortunately, I won’t be auto-admit at this time (3.4 GPA) and so I’m high-key stressing on my ETAM application.

CVEN is my first choice, but I really didn’t even figure out I want to go into Engineering until the last few months of senior year and I didn’t settle on Civil Engineering until I was a year into Community College, where I cemented what I’m really passionate with. So, with that said, any advice in writing the Accomplishments essay? Or like advice in general? I did my part on showing interest on CVEN since it does play a big part on my passion in helping people, but I’m stressing on it not being enough.

Home — Application Essay — University — Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University Admission Essays

Introduction to texas a&m university essays.

Texas A&M University, renowned for its academic excellence and rich traditions, offers a unique platform for students to grow and learn. As part of the application process, the Texas A&M essays play a crucial role in helping the admissions committee understand the applicant beyond academic scores. This guide will explore various aspects of writing compelling essays for Texas A&M, including Texas A&M essay examples and Texas A&M application essay examples, to help you in your application journey.

Known for its diverse and inclusive environment, Texas A&M University stands as a beacon of higher learning and research. The university values essays that reflect the applicant's character, aspirations, and alignment with the university's ethos. Understanding the culture and values of Texas A&M is vital for writing essays that resonate with the admissions committee.

Essential Tips for Crafting Texas A&M University Essays

The process of writing Texas A&M University admission essays requires thoughtful consideration and strategic execution. The first and foremost rule is authenticity. Your essay should be a true reflection of your personality and experiences. It's essential to tell your story in a way that is genuine and engaging. The admissions committee is looking to understand who you are beyond grades and test scores. They are interested in your journey, your aspirations, and how you can contribute to the Texas A&M community.

Avoid falling into the trap of clichés and overused phrases. Essays littered with these often fail to stand out and can diminish the personal touch. Instead, delve into personal anecdotes and experiences that provide a window into your life. These narratives should offer insight into your character, your values, and how you approach challenges and opportunities. This approach not only makes your essay more interesting but also showcases your individuality.

Another critical aspect of essay writing is clarity and coherence. Your essay should be well-organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Each paragraph should flow logically to the next, making your story easy to follow. Pay attention to your language and style. While creativity is encouraged, your main goal should be to communicate your ideas clearly and effectively.

Proofreading is a vital step in the essay-writing process. Grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and awkward phrasing can detract from the quality of your essay. Take the time to review your essay multiple times and consider having it proofread by mentors, teachers, or peers. They can offer valuable feedback and help you polish your essay to perfection.

Lastly, ensure your essay aligns with the values and ethos of Texas A&M University. Research the university thoroughly and understand its culture, academic programs, and community life. Your essay should reflect why you are a good fit for Texas A&M and how the university can help you achieve your future goals.

How to Write the Texas A&M Essays

Crafting compelling essays for Texas A&M University involves a strategic approach that combines personal storytelling with structured writing. Here are five essential steps to follow in order to create an impactful and memorable essay:

• Brainstorming Personal Experiences: Begin by reflecting on your life experiences, challenges, achievements, and moments of growth. Think about instances that have significantly influenced your perspective or path. This stage is about gathering raw material for your essay – the more personal and detailed, the better.
• Identifying Key Themes: From your brainstormed experiences, identify central themes that relate to your aspirations and values. These themes should connect to what Texas A&M University stands for and what you aim to achieve in your academic and professional journey. This step is crucial in aligning your personal story with the ethos of the university.
• Structuring Your Essay: Organize your thoughts into a coherent structure. A strong essay typically has an engaging introduction, a well-developed body that elaborates on your experiences and reflections, and a conclusion that ties everything back to your aspirations and fit with Texas A&M. Ensure each part contributes meaningfully to your overall narrative.
• Writing with Clarity and Creativity: With your structure in place, start writing your essay. Aim for clarity in your expression and creativity in your storytelling. Use specific examples and vivid descriptions to bring your story to life. Remember, your goal is to make a lasting impression on the admissions committee.
• Revision and Feedback: Once your first draft is complete, revise it for clarity, coherence, and impact. Check for grammatical errors and awkward phrasings. It's also beneficial to seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers. They can provide valuable insights and suggest improvements to enhance the quality of your essay.

Writing the Texas A&M essays is an opportunity to showcase your unique personality, experiences, and suitability for the university. By following these steps, you can create essays that not only fulfill the application requirements but also capture your true self.

Texas A&M Supplemental Essay Prompts

Texas A&M University offers various supplemental essay prompts that allow students to showcase different facets of their personality and aspirations. These prompts are designed to gauge your fit with the university's culture and values. Let's explore some of these prompts and provide Texas A&M supplemental essays examples to guide you.

Sample Essay: "In my junior year, I was elected captain of the school's debate team. This role was not only about strategy and public speaking but also about nurturing a sense of team spirit and collaboration. I learned to listen, motivate, and guide my peers, which translated into our team winning the state championship. This experience shaped my goal to pursue a career in law, aspiring to be a leader who advocates for justice and change. At Texas A&M, I look forward to joining the debate team and continuing to hone my leadership skills in a collegiate setting."

Sample Essay: "The most significant challenge I faced was adapting to a new country and culture after moving from Mexico to the U.S. during high school. The language barrier and cultural differences made the transition difficult. However, I embraced the challenge, dedicating myself to learning English and understanding the new culture. I volunteered in community events to improve my language skills and engage with my new community. This experience taught me resilience and adaptability, traits I believe will be beneficial at Texas A&M as I engage with a diverse student body and face academic challenges."

Sample Essay: "My interest in environmental science began when I participated in a local river clean-up and realized the impact of human activities on natural ecosystems. I want to explore sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, and Texas A&M's cutting-edge research and community engagement initiatives make it the ideal place for my studies. The university's commitment to sustainability aligns with my aspirations to contribute to environmental conservation efforts. I am particularly excited about the hands-on research opportunities and the prospect of working with esteemed professors in this field."

Texas A&M Essay Examples

Reviewing various Texas A&M college essay examples can offer a clearer picture of what a successful application looks like. Successful essays typically showcase the writer's personal story, align with their academic and career goals, and reflect an understanding of Texas A&M's values. Below are ten hypothetical essay topics that could serve as a starting point for writing a compelling essay for Texas A&M University. While it's important to draw inspiration from these examples, remember to infuse your essays with your own unique experiences and perspectives.

• Overcoming Personal Adversity to Achieve Academic Success (narrating a journey of personal challenges and how they fueled academic aspirations)
• My Inspiration to Pursue Engineering (a story of how a childhood fascination with gadgets led to choosing an engineering major)
• Volunteering Experiences Shaping Career Goals (describing how community service experiences influenced career choices in public service or healthcare)
• Leadership in High School Sports (deflecting on the lessons learned as a team captain and how these lessons translate to future ambitions)
• Passion for Environmental Activism (discussing involvement in environmental causes and how this passion aligns with environmental studies at Texas A&M
• Cultural Exchange Experience (sharing insights gained from an exchange program or multicultural environment and its impact on personal growth
• A Family Business's Influence (exploring how growing up in a family-run business environment inspired entrepreneurial aspirations
• The Role of Technology in Modern Education (analyzing personal experiences with technology in learning and aspirations to improve educational tech solutions
• Artistic Endeavors and Personal Development (describing how involvement in the arts has shaped personal and academic goals
• Interest in Agricultural Sciences (telling a story of a rural upbringing or experiences with farming and how it led to an interest in studying agricultural sciences at Texas A&M

Remember, while these examples serve as inspiration, the most effective essays will be those that are deeply personal and reflective of your unique experiences, perspectives, and understanding of what Texas A&M University offers.

In conclusion, the Texas A&M essays are a critical component of your application. They offer an opportunity to present yourself in a way that transcends your academic achievements. Utilize these tips, examples, and insights to craft essays that truly reflect who you are and how you resonate with the values and opportunities at Texas A&M University.

Texas A&M: The Ideal Place for Academic Growth and Community Engagement

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Diversity and inclusion are two essential values that have shaped my personal journey. Growing up in a multicultural household, I have had the privilege of experiencing diversity firsthand. My mother is from India, and my father is from Mexico. Their unique backgrounds and perspectives have…

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College Essays

The ApplyTexas college application contains many essay prompts, and each of the most popular colleges in Texas has different requirements for which essays they expect applicants to answer.

So how do you get advice on writing your best ApplyTexas essays, no matter which school you're applying to? Look no further than this article, which completely unpacks all possible ApplyTexas essay prompts. We'll explain what each prompt is looking for and what admissions officers are hoping to learn about you. In addition, we'll give you our top strategies for ensuring that your essay meets all these expectations and help you come up with your best essay topics.

To help you navigate this long guide, here is an overview of what we'll be talking about:

What Are the ApplyTexas Essays?

Comparing applytexas essay prompts a, b, and c, dissecting applytexas essay topic a, dissecting applytexas essay topic b, dissecting applytexas essay topic c, dissecting applytexas essay topic d.

• Dissecting the UT and Texas A&M Short Answer Prompts
• Briefly: ApplyTexas Essay Topic E (Transfer Students Only)

The ApplyTexas application is basically the Texas version of the Common Application , which many US colleges use. It's a unified college application process that's accepted by all Texas public universities and many private ones. (Note that some schools that accept ApplyTexas also accept the Common App.)

The ApplyTexas website is a good source for figuring out whether your target college accepts the ApplyTexas application. That said, the best way to confirm exactly what your school expects is to go to its admissions website.

Why Do Colleges Want You to Write Essays?

Admissions officers are trying to put together classes full of interesting, vibrant students who have different backgrounds, strengths, weaknesses, goals, and dreams. One tool colleges use to identify a diverse set of perspectives is the college essay .

These essays are a chance for you to show admissions officers those sides of yourself that aren’t reflected in the rest of your application. This is where you describe where you've come from, what you believe in, what you value, and what has shaped you.

This is also where you make yourself sound mature and insightful—two key qualities that colleges are looking for in applicants . These are important because colleges want to enroll students who will ultimately thrive when faced with the independence of college life .

Admissions staff want to enroll a diverse incoming class of motivated and thoughtful students.

ApplyTexas Essay Requirements

There are four essay prompts on the ApplyTexas application for first-year admission (Topics A, B, C, and D). For Topics A, B, and C, there are slight variations on the prompt for transfer students or those looking to be readmitted. We’ll cover each variation just below the main topic breakdown. There are also several short-answer prompts for UT Austin and Texas A&M , as well as Topic D for art and architecture majors and  Topic E for transfer students only . Although there are no strict word limits, colleges usually suggest keeping the essays somewhere between one and one and a half pages long.

All Texas colleges and universities have different application requirements, including which essay or essays they want. Some schools require essays, some list them as optional, and others use a combination of required and optional essays. Several schools use the essays to determine scholarship awards, honors program eligibility, or admission to specific majors.

Here are some essay submission requirement examples from a range of Texas schools:

• You are required to write an essay on Topic A .
• You also have to answer three short-answer prompts (250–300 words each) .
• If you're applying for a studio art, art education, art history, architecture, or visual art studies major, you'll have to write a short answer specific to your major .
• UT Austin also accepts the Common App.

Texas A&M

• If you're an engineering major, you'll have to respond to  a short-answer prompt .
• Texas A&M also accepts the Common App .

Southern Methodist University

• You must write an essay on Topic A .
• You may (but do not have to) write an essay on Topic B .
• You also have to answer two short-answer prompts .
• SMU also accepts the Common App and Coalition App and has its own online application, so you have the option to pick and choose the application you want to fill out .

Texas Christian University

• You must write an essay on any of the topics (A, B, or C) .
• TCU also accepts the Common App and Coalition App has its own online application, so it's another school for which you can choose the application you want to use.

The essays required as part of each admissions application differ from college to college. Check each institution's website for the most up-to-date instructions.

Three of the ApplyTexas essay topics try to get to the heart of what makes you the person you are. But since Topics A, B, and C all focus on things that are essential to you as a person, coming up with a totally unique idea for each can be difficult—especially since on a first read-through, these prompts can sound really similar .

Before I dissect all of the ApplyTexas essay prompts, let's see how A, B, and C differ from one another. You can then keep these differences in mind as you try to think of topics to write about.

ApplyTexas Prompts

Here are the most recent prompts for Topics A, B, and C on the ApplyTexas application.

Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?

Most students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. Tell us about yourself.

You've got a ticket in your hand. Where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?

How to Tell Topics A, B, and C Apart

One helpful way to keep these topics separate in your mind is to create a big-picture category for each one: Topic A is outside, Topic B is inside, and Topic C is the future .

In other words, Topic A is asking about the impact of challenges or opportunities on you and how you handled that impact. Topic B is asking about your inner passions and how these define you. Finally, Topic C wants to know where you're going from here. These very broad categories will help as you brainstorm ideas and life experiences you can use for your essay .

Although many of the stories you think of can be shaped to fit each of these prompts, think about what the experience most reveals about you. If it’s about how your external community shaped you, that'd probably be a good fit for Topic A. If it’s a story about the causes or interests that you're most passionate about, save it for Topic B. If it’s primarily about an event that you think predicts your future, it'll likely work well for Topic C.

(Note: if you are a transfer student writing the essay variation for Topics A, B, or C, keep in mind that these variations still ask you about the outside, inside, or future respectively.)

Your years-long passion for performing in theater productions is an appropriate subject for ApplyTexas Topic B essays.

Now, we'll thoroughly deconstruct everything you need to know about Topic A, the first ApplyTexas essay prompt.

What’s the Prompt Asking, and How Should You Answer It?

This prompt wants to see how a particular external experience as a high school student has shaped you . The prompt uses the phrase "your story," signaling that admissions staff want to know what you believe has had the biggest impact on you.

Step 1: Describe Your Experience

The first part of the prompt is about identifying and describing specific experiences you've had as a high school student. You don't want your essay coming across too vague, so make sure you're focusing on one or two specific experiences, whether they've been positive or negative. The prompt suggests zeroing in on something "unique," or something that has affected you in a way it hasn't impacted anyone else.

You'll want to choose an opportunity or challenge that you can describe vividly and that's really important to you. In other words, it   needs to have had a significant impact on your personal development.

It should also be an experience that has been part of your life for a while . You're describing something that's affected you "throughout your high school career," after all.

Step 2: Explain How This Experience Shaped You

You shouldn't just describe your experience—you also need to discuss how that experience affected you as a person . How did this particular opportunity or difficulty turn you into the person you are today?

It's best if you can think of one or two concrete anecdotes or stories about how your chosen experience(s) helped shape you. For example, don't just say that a public piano recital made you a hard-working person— describe in detail how practicing diligently each day, even when you weren't feeling motivated, got frustrated by particular parts of the piece you were performing, and experienced stage fright showed you that working toward your goals is worthwhile, even when it's hard.

Elaborating on how a specific challenge or obstacle that you faced during your high school career helped shape your current perspective and personality is one option for Topic A essays.

What Are Readers Hoping to Learn About You?

Admission staff are looking for two main things. First, they want to see that you can be mature and thoughtful about your surroundings and events in your life . Are you curious about the world around you? If you've really reflected on your experience, you'll be able to describe the people, places, and events that have impacted you as a high school student in a nuanced, insightful way.

Second, they want to see how you stand out from other applicants . This can be accomplished in one of two ways: (1) you can emphasize how you are somehow different because of your experience and how it impacted you, or (2) you can emphasize how you learned positive qualities from the event that differentiate you from other students. Basically, how did your experience turn you into a special, interesting person?

How Can Your Essay Give Them What They Want?

How can you make sure your essay is really answering the prompt? Here are some key strategies.

#1: Pick a Specific Experience

You'll need to select a particular opportunity or obstacle to zero in on. Opportunities include travel, internships, volunteer or paid jobs, academic events, and awards. Challenges might include competitions, performances, illnesses, injuries, or learning something new. Remember, you'll want to focus on one or two particular events or experiences that have truly contributed to your personal growth .

As you're choosing the experiences you want to write about, think about significant things that happened to you in connection with those events. Remember, you'll need to get beyond just describing how the opportunity or challenge is important to you to show how its impact on you is so significant .

#2: How Did This Experience Shape You?

You then need to consider what about your experience turned you into a person who stands out . Again, this can be about how you overcame the difficulty or how the opportunity fostered positive qualities or traits in you that would make you an appealing member of the college's student body. You want to make sure you have a clear message that links your experience to one, two, or three special traits you have.

Try to think of specific stories and anecdotes related to the event. Then, thoughtfully analyze these to reveal what they show about you. Important adults in your life can help you brainstorm potential ideas.

#3: Think of the Essay Like a Movie

Like a good movie script, a college essay needs characters, some action, and a poignant but ultimately happy ending . When you’re planning out your personal statement, try to think of the story you’re telling in movie terms. Ensure that your essay has the following features:

• Setting: As you're describing your experience, taking time to give a vivid sense of place is key. You can accomplish this by describing the actual physical surroundings, the main "characters" in your community, or a combination of both.
• Stakes: Movies propel the action forward by giving characters high stakes: win or lose, life or death. Even if you are describing your experience in positive terms, there needs to be a sense of conflict or dynamic change. In the anecdote(s) you've selected to write about, what did you stand to gain or lose?
• External conflict resolution: If there's an external conflict of some kind (e.g., with a neighbor, a family member, a friend, or a city council), you need to show some level of resolution.
• Internal conflict resolution: Inner conflict is essentially about how you changed in response to the event or experience. You'll need to clearly lay out what happened within you and how those changes have carried you forward as a person.

Describing your feelings before, during, and after the opportunity or challenge is a crucial element of a Topic A college essay.

#4: Add Details, Description, and Examples

Your essay will really stand out if you add effective examples and descriptions.

For example, imagine Karima decides to describe how learning to navigate public transit as a high school first-year student made her resourceful and helped her explore the city she grew up in. She also discusses how exploring the city ultimately changed her perspective. How should she frame her experience? Here are some options:

I was nervous about taking the El by myself for the first time. At the station, there were lots of commuters and adults who seemed impatient but confident. At first, I was very afraid of getting lost, but over time, I became as confident as those commuters.

I felt a mixture of nerves and excitement walking up the Howard red line turnstile for the first time. What if I got lost on my way to the museum? I was worried that I would just seem like a nuisance to all of the frowning commuters who crowded the platform. If I needed help, would they help me? Was I even brave enough to ask? When the metal doors opened, I pressed my nails into my palms and rushed in after a woman with a red briefcase. Success! At least for the first step. I found a sideways-facing seat and clutched my macrame bag with my notebook and sketching supplies. A map hung above my seat. Pressing my finger to the colorful grid, I found my stop and counted how many I still had to go. I spent the entire train ride staring at that map, straining my ears for everything the conductor said. Now, when I think about the first time I rode the El by myself, I smile. What seemed so scary at the time is just an everyday way to get around now. But I always look around on the platform to see if any nervous kids linger at the edges of the commuter crowds and offer them a smile.

Both versions set up the same story plotwise, but the second makes the train ride (and therefore the author) come alive through the addition of specific, individualizing details , such as the following:

• Visual cues: The reader "sees" what the author sees through descriptions such as "frowning commuters who crowded the platform," "woman with a red briefcase," and "colorful grid."
• Emotional responses: We experience the author’s feelings: she "felt a mixture of nerves and excitement." She wonders if she's brave enough to ask for help. The train ride was "so scary at the time" but feels "everyday" now.
• Differentiation: Even though the commuters are mostly a monolithic group, we get to see some individuals, such as the woman with a red briefcase.

ApplyTexas Topic A Essay Ideas

There's no one best topic for this essay prompt (or any other), but I've included some potential ideas below to help you get started with your own brainstorming:

• Describe a time you organized the people around you to advocate a common local cause.
• Hone in on a particular trip with one or more family members.
• Identify a time when you were no longer in your comfort zone. Describe how you adapted and learned from that experience.
• Discuss being a minority in your school or neighborhood.
• Describe going through a cultural or religious rite of passage as a high school student.
• Elaborate on how you moved from one place to somewhere totally different and handled your culture shock.

ApplyTexas Topic A for Transfer, Transient, or Readmit Students

If you are applying to transfer or to be readmitted, you likely already have some college experience. So in this case, ApplyTexas offers a personal statement option that allows you to write about your life beyond your high school years. This option still asks you to demonstrate what in your experience has turned you into a unique individual. But if, for instance, you left college and now are reapplying, you’ll want to address how some aspect of that experience made an impact on who you are now. Otherwise, follow the advice above for the standard Topic A prompt.

Here’s the current Essay Topic A prompt for transfer applicants:

The statement of purpose will provide an opportunity to explain any extenuating circumstances that you feel could add value to your application. You may also want to explain unique aspects of your academic background or valued experiences you may have had that relate to your academic discipline. The statement of purpose is not meant to be a listing of accomplishments in high school or a record of your participation in school-related activities. Rather, this is your opportunity to address the admissions committee directly and to let us know more about you as an individual, in a manner that your transcripts and other application information cannot convey.

Next up, let's go through the same process for ApplyTexas Topic B, taking it apart brick by brick and putting it back together again.

What’s the Prompt Asking?

At first glance, this prompt seems pretty vague. "Tell us about yourself" is not exactly the most detailed set of instructions. But if we dig a little deeper, we can see that there are actually two pretty specific things this question is asking.

#1: What Defines You?

This prompts posits that "most students"—which likely includes you!—have some kind of defining trait . This could be "an identity, an interest, or a talent," so you need to express what that defining trait is for you specifically.

For instance, are you an amazing knitter? Do you spend your free time researching cephalopods? Are you a connoisseur of indie movies or mystery novels? Or maybe you have a religious, cultural, ethnic, or LGBTQIA+ identity that's very important to you. Any of these things could plausibly be the main, framing theme of your essay.

#2: How Does That Defining Trait Fit Into "You" Overall?

Even though you have some kind of defining trait, that's not the entirety of you. Essentially, you need to contextualize your defining trait within your broader personality and identity. This is where the "tell us about yourself" part comes in. What does your defining trait say about you as a person? And how does it fit into your overall personality, values, and dreams?

In a Topic B college essay, you could potentially describe your knowledge of chess and how it exemplifies your talent for thinking several steps ahead.

Admissions staff are hoping to learn two main things:

#1: What You're Passionate About

It's essential that this essay communicates genuine passion for whatever you write about. College is a lot of work, and passion is an important driving force when things get busy. Therefore, readers are looking for students who are really engaged in the world around them and excited about specific causes and activities!

#2: How You View Yourself (and How Successfully You Can Communicate That)

A strong, well-developed sense of self goes a long way toward helping you weather all the changes you're going to experience when you attend college. Even though you'll change and grow a lot as a person during your college years, having a sense of your own core traits and values will help those changes be exciting as opposed to scary .

Colleges are looking for a developed sense of self. Additionally, they are looking for students who can communicate messages about themselves in a clear, confident, and cohesive way .

The challenge with this prompt is giving a complete picture of you as a person while still staying on message about your defining trait. You need to be focused yet comprehensive. Let's explore the best ways to show off your passion and frame your identity.

#1: Define the Core Message

First, you need to select that defining trait . This could be pretty much anything, just as long as you're genuinely invested in this trait and feel that it represents some core aspect of you.

It should also be something you can describe through stories and anecdotes . Just saying, "I'm a redhead, and that defines me" makes for a pretty boring essay! However, a story about how you started a photography project that consists of portraits of redheads like you and what you learned about yourself from this experience is much more interesting.

Be careful to select something that presents you in a broadly positive light . If you choose a trait that doesn't seem very serious, such as your enduring and eternal love of onion rings, you risk seeming at best immature and at worst outright disrespectful.

You also want to pick something realistic —don't claim you're the greatest mathematician who ever lived unless you are, in fact, the greatest mathematician who ever lived (and you probably aren't). Otherwise, you'll seem out of touch.

#2: Fit Your Message into the Larger Picture

Next, consider how you can use this trait to paint a more complete picture of you as a person . It's great that you're passionate about skiing and are a member of a ski team, but what else does this say about you? Are you an adventurous daredevil who loves to take (reasonable) risks? Are you a nature lover with a taste for exploration? Do you love being part of a team?

Select at least two or three positive messages you want to communicate about yourself in your essay about your key trait.

In a Topic B essay, a student could connect their long-time passion for cooking to their penchant for adding their unique touch to every project they take on.

#3: Show, Don't Tell

It's much more interesting to read about things you do that demonstrate your key traits than it is to hear you list them. Don't just say, "Everyone asks me for advice because I'm level-headed and reasonable." Instead, actually describe situations that show people asking you for advice and you offering that level-headed, reasonable advice.

#4: Watch Your Tone

It's important to watch your tone as you write an essay that's (pretty overtly) about how great you are. You want to demonstrate your own special qualities without seeming glib, staid, self-aggrandizing, or narcissistic .

Let’s say Andrew wants to write about figuring out how to grow a garden, despite his yard being in full shade, and how this desire turned into a passion for horticulture. He could launch into a rant about the garden store employees not knowing which plants are right for which light, the previous house owner’s terrible habit of using the yard as a pet bathroom, or the achy knee that prevented him from proper weeding posture.

Alternatively, he could describe doing research on the complex gardens of royal palaces, planning his garden based on plant color and height, using the process of trial and error to see which plants would flourish, and getting so involved with this work that he often lost track of time.

One of these approaches makes him sound whiny and self-centered, whereas  the other makes him sound like someone who can take charge of a difficult situation .

ApplyTexas Topic B Essay Ideas

Again, there's no single best approach here, but I've outlined some potential topics below:

• Are you known for being really good at something or an expert on a particular topic? How does this impact your identity?
• Discuss how you got involved in a certain extracurricular activity and what it means to you. What have you learned from participating in it?
• Describe something you've done lots of research on in your free time. How did you discover that interest? What have you learned as a result?
• What's your most evident personality trait? How has that trait impacted your life? (You can ask friends and relatives for help with this one.)
• Relate the importance of your LGBTQIA+ identity.
• Discuss your religious or cultural background and how this defines you.
• Describe your experience as a member of a specific community.

ApplyTexas Topic B for Transfer, Transient, or Readmit Students

The ApplyTexas variation on Topic B is specifically designed for two different possible application situations. The first is for people who are applying as nondegree-seeking or postbaccalaureate students (aka “transient students”). In this case, they ask you to discuss the courses you want to take and what you hope to accomplish if you are admitted. That means they still want you to focus this essay on what you are passionate about, as mentioned above, but they expect that passion to be based on courses the university offers more directly.  

The second is for students who are reapplying after being suspended for academic reasons. In this situation, they ask you to describe any actions you have taken to improve your academic performance and to give them a reason why you should be readmitted. You’ll still need to focus on your positive traits in this variation, so this can be a tricky task. As in the example above, you’ll need to watch your tone and not come across as whiny. Instead, confront the cause of your academic suspension and what you learned from that experience; then, turn it into a newfound strength. Maybe you learned new study habits you can describe for them. Maybe working full-time while you were suspended improved your work ethic. Whatever you choose, show how a negative situation changed into a positive learning experience for you, and focus on the better person you are now because of it. 

Here’s the current prompt for Essay Topic B for transfer applicants:

If you are applying as a former student and were suspended for academic reasons, describe briefly any actions you have taken to improve your academic abilities and give reason why you should be readmitted. If you are applying as a nondegree-seeking or postbaccalaureate application, briefly describe the specific objectives you wish to accomplish if admitted, including the courses in which you would like to enroll.

Now, we can take apart Topic C to get a good handle on how to tackle this future-facing essay.

You've got a ticket in your hand—where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?

If ApplyTexas Topic A and Topic B were all about your past experiences, Topic C wants you to give readers a glimpse of your imagined possibilities .

There are basically two potential approaches to this question. We'll break them down here.

Option 1: Describe Your Long-Term Goals

One approach to this prompt is to use your essay as a chance to describe your long-term goals for your career and life .

For some students, this will be a straightforward endeavor. For example, say you’ve always wanted to be a doctor. You spend your time volunteering at hospitals, helping out at your mom’s practice, and studying biology. You could easily frame your "ticket" as a ticket to medical school. Just pick a few of the most gripping moments from these past experiences and discuss the overall trajectory of your interests, and your essay would likely be a winner!

But what if you’re not sure about your long-term goals yet? Or what if you feel like you really don't know where you're going next week, let alone next year or 10 years from now? Read on for Option 2.

Option 2: Demonstrate Thoughtful Imagination

Although you can certainly interpret this as a straightforward question about your future, you can also use it as a chance to be more imaginative.

Note that this entire question rests on the metaphor of the ticket. The ticket can take you anywhere; you decide. It could be to a real place, such as your grandmother's house or the Scottish Highlands or the Metropolitan Museum. Or it could be somewhere fantastical, such as a time machine to the Paleolithic.

The important point is that you use the destination you select—and what you plan to do there—to prove you're a thoughtful person who is excited about and actively engaged with the world around you .

The destination you choose to write about, whether realistic or fantastical, should be clearly linked to a specific goal or set of goals that you wish to pursue or are currently pursuing.

If you're on a direct path to a specific field of study or career, admissions officers definitely want to know this. Having driven, goal-oriented, and passionate students is a huge plus for any college. If this sounds like you, be sure your essay conveys not just your interest but also your deep love of the subject, as well as any related clubs, activities, or hobbies you’ve done during high school.

If you take the more creative approach to this prompt, however, realize that in this essay (as in all the other ApplyTexas essays),  the how matters much more than the what . Don't worry that you don't have a specific goal in mind yet. No matter where your eventual academic, career, or other pursuits might lie, every activity you've done up to now has taught you something, whether that be developing your work ethic, mastering a skill, learning from a mentor, interacting with peers, dealing with setbacks, understanding your own learning style, or persevering through hardship. Your essay is a chance to show off that knowledge and maturity.

So no matter what destination you choose for your ticket (the what ), you want to communicate that you can think about future (and imagined!) possibilities in a compelling way based on your past experiences (the how ).

Whether you take the ideas of "where you are going" and "what you are doing" in a more literal or more abstract direction, the admissions committee wants to make sure that no matter what you study, you'll be able to get something meaningful out of it . They want to see that you’re not simply floating through life on the surface but are actively absorbing the qualities, skills, and know-how you'll need to succeed in the world.

Here are some ideas for how to show that you have thoughtful and compelling visions of possible futures.

#1: Pick Where You're Going

Is this going to be a more direct interpretation of your goals (my ticket is to the judge's bench) or a more creative one (my ticket is to Narnia)? Whichever one you choose, make sure that you choose a destination that is genuinely compelling to you . The last thing you want is to come off sounding bored or disingenuous.

#2: Don’t Overreach or Underreach

Another key point is to avoid overreaching or underreaching. For instance, it’s fine to say that you’d like to get involved in politics, but it’s a little too self-aggrandizing to say that you’re definitely going to be president of the United States. Be sure that whatever destination you select for your ticket, it doesn’t come off as unnecessary bragging rather than simple aspiration .

At the same time, make sure the destination you've chosen is one that makes sense in the context of a college essay. Maybe what you really want is a ticket to the potato chip factory; however, this essay might not be the best place to elaborate on this imagined possibility.

While you can of course choose a whimsical location, you need to be able to ground it in a real vision of the kind of person you want to become . Don't forget who your audience is! College admissions officers want to find students who are eager to learn . They also want to be exposed to new thoughts and ideas.

#3: Flesh It Out

Once you've picked a destination, it's time to consider the other components of the question: What are you going to do once you reach your destination? What will happen there? Try to think of some key messages that relate back to you, your talents, and your goals .

#4: Ground Your "Journey" in Specific Anecdotes and Examples

The way this question is framed is very abstract, so ground your thoughts about your destination (whether it's more straightforward or more creative) in concrete anecdotes and examples that show you're thoughtful, engaged, passionate, and driven.

This is even more important if you go the creative route and are writing about an unusual location. If you don't keep things somewhat grounded in reality, your essay could come across as frivolous. Make sure you make the most of this chance to share real-life examples of your desirable qualities.

Imagine Eleanor’s essay is about how she wants a ticket to Starfleet Academy (for the uninitiated, this is the fictional school in the Star Trek universe where people train to be Starfleet officers). Which essay below conveys more about her potential as a student?

My ticket is to Starfleet Academy. There, I would train to become part of the Command division so I could command a starship. Once I was captain of my own starship, I would explore the deepest reaches of space to interact with alien life and learn more about the universe.

I've loved Star Trek since my dad started playing copies of old episodes for me in our ancient DVD player. So if I could have a ticket to anywhere, it would be to Starfleet Academy to train in the command division. I know I would make a superb command officer. My ten years of experience in hapkido have taught me discipline and how to think on my feet. Working as a hapkido instructor in my dojo the past two years has honed my leadership and teaching qualities, which are essential for any starship commander. Additionally, I have the curiosity and sense of adventure necessary for a long career in the unknown reaches of space. Right now, I exercise my thirst for exploration through my photography blog. Using my DSLR camera, I track down and photograph obscure and hidden places I find in my town, on family trips, and even on day trips to nearby cities. I carefully catalogue the locations so other people can follow in my footsteps. Documentation, after all, is another important part of exploring space in a starship.

Both versions communicate the same things about the imagined destination, but the second essay does a much better job showing who Eleanor is as a person. All we really learn from the first excerpt is that Eleanor must like Star Trek .

We can also infer from version 1 that she probably likes leadership, exploration, and adventure because she wants to captain a starship, but we don't really know that for sure. Admissions officers shouldn't have to guess who you are from your essay; your essay should lay it out for them explicitly and articulately.

In the second essay, by contrast, Eleanor clearly lays out the qualities that would make her a great command officer and provides examples of how she exemplifies these qualities . She ties the abstract destination to concrete activities from her life, such as hapkido and photography. This provides a much more well-rounded picture of what Eleanor could bring to the student body and the school at large.

Eleanor's essay about her desire to explore the final frontier creatively illustrates her curiosity and leadership potential .

ApplyTexas Topic C Essay Ideas

I've come up with some sample essay ideas for the two different approaches to this prompt.

Possibility 1: Your Concrete Goals

• Describe your goal to pursue a particular academic field or career and discuss how specific classes or extracurricular activities ignited that passion
• Discuss how your plans to pursue politics, project management, or another leadership role were fostered by a first experience of leadership (this could be a straightforward leadership position in a club or job or a more indirect or unplanned leadership experience, such as suddenly having to take charge of a group).
• Discuss how your desire to teach or train in the future was sparked by an experience of teaching someone to do something (e.g., by being a tutor or by helping a sibling deal with a particularly challenging class or learning issue).
• Describe your goal to perform on stage, and discuss how your past experiences of public creativity (e.g., being in a play, staging an art show, performing an orchestra, or being involved in dance,.) led you to this goal

Possibility 2: Creative/Abstract Destination

• What would you do if you could visit the world of a favorite childhood book, movie, or TV series? What qualities does that show about you?
• Is there a relative or friend you would like to visit with your ticket?
• Is there a particular historical period you would like to time travel to?
• Is there a destination you've always wanted to go to that you've read about, heard about, or only conjured up in dreams or in a moment of creativity?

Remember to tie your imaginative destination to concrete details about your special qualities!

Topic C for Transfer, Transient, or Readmit Students

ApplyTexas offers a Topic C alternative in case there is personal information you want them to consider along with your application, such as why you are transferring to a new school. They still want you to focus on the future, but they encourage discussing any hardships, challenges, extenuating circumstances, or opportunities that have affected your abilities and academic credentials (in a positive way). They also want you to discuss how these circumstances can help you contribute to a diverse college community. In this case, this variation is not fundamentally different from the ticket question; it just asks for a more specific focus. So if this variation applies to you, use the advice above for question C option one. 

Here’s the current prompt for Essay Topic C for transfer applicants:

There may be personal information that you want considered as part of your admissions application. Write an essay describing that information. You might include exceptional hardships, challenges, or opportunities that have shaped or impacted your abilities or academic credentials, personal responsibilities, exceptional achievements or talents, educational goals, or ways in which you might contribute to an institution committed to creating a diverse learning environment.

Would you use your ticket to visit Renaissance Italy, a journey you metaphorically hope to take as a history major?

If you're applying to one of several fine arts fields, you might have to write this essay.

Personal interaction with objects, images, and spaces can be so powerful as to change the way one thinks about particular issues or topics. For your intended area of study (architecture, art history, design, studio art, visual art studies/art education), describe an experience where instruction in that area or your personal interaction with an object, image, or space effected this type of change in your thinking. What did you do to act upon your new thinking and what have you done to prepare yourself for further study in this area?

If you’re applying to study architecture, art, or art history, one of the essays you will likely have to write is this one. This essay topic is trying to ask as broadly as possible about an experience with art that has moved you in some way. This means that your options for answering the question are quite varied. So what are the two different parts of this prompt? Let's take a look.

Part 1: Observation and Reaction

Think of a time you experienced that blown-away feeling when looking at something human made. This is the reaction and situation the first part of the essay wants you to recreate. The prompt is primarily interested in your ability to describe and pinpoint exactly what quality made you stop in your tracks. The huge set of inspiring object options the prompt offers tells us that your taste level won't be judged here.

You can focus on a learning experience, which includes both classes and extracurricular activities, or you can focus on a direct experience in which you encountered an object or space without the mediation of a class or teacher. The only limit to your focus object is that it is something made by someone other than you. Your reaction should be in conversation with the original artist, not a form of navel-gazing.

The key for this part of the essay is that your description needs to segue into a story of change and transformation . What the essay topic is asking you to show isn’t just that you were struck by something you saw or learned about, but that you also absorbed something from this experience that impacted your own art going forward.

Did seeing the Angkor Wat Temple during a trip abroad with your family foster your intellectual passion for Southeast Asian art or religious monuments?

Part 2: Absorption

This brings us to the second part of the essay prompt: this is where you need to move from the past into the present — and then at least gesture meaningfully toward the future.

It’s one thing to look at a piece of art, such as a sculpture or architectural form, and feel moved by its grace, boldness, or vision. But it’s a sign of a mature, creative mind to be able to take to heart what is meaningful to you about this work and then transmute this experience into your own art or your interpretation of others' creative works.

This essay wants to see that developing maturity in you ; therefore, you should explain exactly how your own vision has changed after this meaningful encounter you've described. What qualities, philosophy, or themes do you now try to infuse into what you create or how you analyze art?

More importantly, this essay prompt asserts that being affected by something once isn’t enough. That’s why in this second part of the essay,  you also need to explain what you’ve been doing to keep having similarly moving encounters with other creative works .

You have some choice, too, when it comes to answering, "What have you done to prepare yourself for further study in this area?" For example, you could describe how you’ve sought out other works by the same artist who moved you the first time. Or you could describe investigating new media or techniques to emulate something you saw. Or you could discuss learning about the period, genre, school, or philosophical theory that the original piece of art comes from to give yourself a more contextualized understanding.

If you’re planning an academic career in the visual arts or architecture, then you’re entering a long conversation started by our cave-painting ancestors and continuing through every human culture and society since.

This essay wants to make sure that you aren’t creating or interpreting art in a vacuum and that you have had enough education and awareness to be inspired by others. By demonstrating how you react to works that move you—not with jealousy or dismissal but with appreciation and recognition of another’s talent and ability—you're proving that you're ready to participate in this ongoing conversation.

At the same time, this essay is asking you to show your own creative readiness.  For example, describe not only the work you have produced but also your ability to introduce new elements into that work—in this case, inspired by the piece you described. This way, you can demonstrate that you aren’t a one-note artist but are mature enough to alter and develop what you make. Or if you want to major in art history or art education, relate how your perspective on a particular piece of art or architecture is shaped by your unique perspective, based on your experiences, education, and cultural identity.

A student might write their Topic D essay on how Michelangelo's Madonna della Pietà   has influenced their own artistic renderings of youth and beauty in grief.

What are some best practices for teasing out the complexities of art in written form? Here are some helpful tips as you brainstorm and write your essay.

#1: Pick One Piece of Art or Learning Experience

Once you’ve chosen between these two contexts, narrow down your selection even further . If you're writing about an educational encounter, don’t forget that it can come from an informal situation as well. For example, you could write about something you learned on your own from a documentary, a museum visit, or an art book.

If you're writing about a direct experience with art, don't necessarily fixate on a classic piece . Alternatively, you could discuss a little-known public sculpture, a particularly striking building or bridge you saw while traveling, or a gallery exhibition.

Whatever you end up writing about, make sure you know some of the identifying details . You don’t need to know the answers to all the following questions, but do your best to research so you can answer at least two or three of them:

• Who is the artist?
• Where is the piece on display?
• What kind of work is it?
• With what materials was it made?
• When was it made?

#2: Figure Out Why You Were Struck by This Particular Work

The make-it-or-break-it moment in this essay will be your ability to explain what affected you in the object you're writing about . Why is it different from other works you’ve seen? Were you in the right place and time to be moved by it, or would it have affected you the same way no matter where or when you saw it? Did it speak to you because it shares some of your ideals, philosophies, or tastes—or because it was so different from them?

Be careful with your explanation because it can easily get so vague as to be meaningless or so obscure and "deep" that you lose your reader. Before you start trying to put it down on paper, try to talk out what you plan to say either with a friend, parent, or teacher. Do they understand what you’re saying, and do they believe you?

#3: Make a Timeline of Your Own Creative Works

When you think about what you've been making or thinking about making during your high school career, what is the trajectory of your ideas? How has your understanding of the materials you want to work with or study changed? What message do you want your works to convey, or what message in others' works most resonate with you? How do you want your works to be seen or engaged with by others? What is the reason you feel compelled to be creative or involved in the arts?

Now that you’ve come up with this timeline, see whether your changes in thought overlap with the art experience you're planning on describing . Is there a way you can combine what was so exciting to you about this work with the way you’ve seen your own ideas about art evolve?

#4: Use a Mix of Concreteness and Comparisons in Your Description

Just as nothing ruins a joke like explaining it, nothing ruins the wordless experience of looking at art as talking it to death does. Still, you need to find a way to use words to give the reader a sense of what the piece that moved you actually looks like —particularly if the reader isn't familiar with the work or the artist that created it.

Here is my suggested trick for writing well about art. First, be specific about the object. Discuss its colors, size, what it appears to be made of, what your eye goes to first (e.g., bright colors versus darker, more muted ones), what it represents (if it’s figurative), where it is in relation to the viewer, whether or not you can see marks of the tools used (e.g., brush strokes or scrapes from sculpting tools).

Second, step away from the concrete, and get creative with language by using techniques such as comparative description. Use your imagination to create emotionally resonant similes. Is there a form of movement (e.g., flying, crawling, or tumbling) that this piece feels like? Does it remind you of something from the natural world (e.g., a falling leaf, a forest canopy being moved by wind, waves, or sand dunes shifting)?

If the work is figurative, imagine what has been happening just before the moment in time it captures. What happened just after this point? Using these kinds of nonliteral descriptors will let your reader understand both the actual physical object and its aesthetic appeal.

Dissecting the UT and Texas A&M Short-Answer Prompts

Both UT Austin and Texas A&M require short answers as part of their first-year applications. For both schools, some prompts are required by all applicants, whereas others are required by those applying to certain majors or departments.

We'll go over the UT Austin prompts, followed by the Texas A&M prompt.

UT Austin Short-Answer Prompts

UT Austin requires three short answers from all first-year applicants and also offers an optional prompt. Each short answer should be approximately 250–300 words , or one paragraph.

Short Answer 1: Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?

Short Answer 2: Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community, or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT.

Short Answer 3: The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is, “To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society.” Please share how you believe your experience at UT Austin will prepare you to “Change the World” after you graduate.

Optional Short Answer: Please share background on events or special circumstances that may have impacted your high school academic performance.

What Are These UT Austin Short-Answer Prompts Asking?

Obviously, these short-answer prompts are asking four different things, but they do have some similarities in terms of their overall goals.

These prompts basically want to know what you can offer UT Austin and why you'd be a great fit as a student there . They also want to know why you chose UT Austin and your specific major.

In other words, all these prompts essentially work together as a "Why This College?" essay .

How Can You Give UT Austin What They Want?

Admissions officers will be looking for evidence that you're genuinely interested in the school, the major you've chosen, and the career you want to pursue . Make sure to identify features of the program that appeal to you. In other words, why UT Austin? What makes you a good fit here?

Be as specific as possible in your responses. Since you won't have much room to write a lot, try to focus on a particular anecdote, skill, or goal you have.

Admissions officers also want to see that you have an aptitude for your chosen career path , so if you have any relevant work, research, or volunteer experience, they definitely want to know this! It's OK to take a broad view of what's relevant here.

Finally, they're looking for individuals who have clear goals as well as a general idea of what they want to do with their degree . Are you interested in working with a specific population or specialty? Why? What led you to this conclusion?

Texas A&M Engineering Prompt

All engineering applicants to Texas A&M must submit an esssay responding to the following prompt:

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?

What Is This Texas A&M Engineering Prompt Asking?

The engineering prompt wants to know two essential things:

• What are your future goals for your specific field of interest (i.e., the kind of engineering field you want to go into or are considering going into)?
• What environmental or external factors (e.g., a person, a mentor, a volunteer experience, or a paper or book you read) contributed to your development of these goals?

How Can You Give Texas A&M What They Want?

Be as specific as possible in your response. For the engineering prompt, what admissions officers want to know is simply what your biggest engineering ambition is and how you came to have this goal.

You'll want to be as specific as possible. Admissions officers want to see that you have a clear future in mind for what you want to do with your engineering degree. For example, do you plan to go on to a PhD program? Why? Do you have a particular career in mind?

In addition, make sure to specify the main inspiration for or motivation behind this goal. For instance, did you have a high school teacher who encouraged you to study engineering? Or perhaps you decided on a whim to take a computer science class, which you ended up loving.

Remember that the inspiration for your engineering goals doesn't have to be limited to something school-related. If you get stuck, think broadly about what initially got you interested in the field.

Briefly: ApplyTexas Essay Topic E (Transfer Students)

US transfer students and international transfer students must typically submit an additional essay responding to the following prompt (or must submit an essay on one of the topic variations listed above ).

Choose an issue of importance to you—the issue could be personal, school related, local, political, or international in scope⁠—and write an essay in which you explain the significance of that issue to yourself, your family, your community, or your generation.

What's the Prompt Asking?

This prompt, which is intended for transfer students, essentially wants to know what hardship, challenge, or social issue has affected you on a personal level (or a larger group you're part of) and why you think this particular issue is so important to you .

For example, maybe you identify as LGBTQIA+ and have personally experienced discrimination in your local community because of your sexual orientation or gender identity. Or perhaps you grew up in a wealthy family but have begun to see recently how widespread the issue of homelessness really is and now are making a more conscious effort to find ways to remedy this problem in your own community.

The issue you choose doesn't have to relate to a wider social issue; it could be a learning disability you have, for instance, or the fact that you no longer share the same religious beliefs as your  family.

The most important part of this question is the connection between the issue and yourself . In other words, why is this issue so important to you ? How has it affected your life, your goals, your experiences, etc.?

This essay is a way for admissions officers to get to know you and what matters to you personally on a much deeper level than what some of the other essay topics allow, so don't be afraid to dive into topics that are very emotional, personal, or special to you .

Furthermore, be sure to clearly explain why this particular issue—especially if it's a broader social issue that affects many people—is meaningful to you . Admissions officers want to know about any challenges you've faced and how these have positively contributed to your own growth as a person.

The Bottom Line: Tips for Writing ApplyTexas Essays

The ApplyTexas application contains four essay prompts (Topics A, B, C, and D), with different schools requiring different combinations of mandatory and optional essays . There are also short-answer prompts for UT Austin, as well as a Topic E only for transfer students.

One way to keep these three similar-sounding essay topics (A, B, and C) separate in your mind is to create a big-picture category for each one:

• Topic A is about your outside .
• Topic B is your inside .
• Topic C is about your future .

Now, let's briefly summarize each essay topic:

Essay Topic A

• Overview:  Describe any unique experiences you've had as a high school student and how these have shaped who you are as a person.
• Pick a specific aspect of your experience.
• Describe how it made you special.
• Describe the setting, stakes, and conflict resolution.
• Add details, description, and examples.

Essay Topic B

• Overview:  Describe a defining trait and how it fits into the larger vision of you.
• Define the core message.
• Fit that core message of yourself into the larger picture.
• Show things about yourself; don’t tell.
• Watch your tone to make sure that you show your great qualities without seeming narcissistic, boring, glib, or self-aggrandizing.

Essay Topic C

• Overview:  Describe "where you are going" in either a literal, goal-oriented sense or a more imaginative sense.
• Pick where you’re going, but don’t over- or underreach.
• Flesh out your destination. How does it relate back to you?
• Ground your “journey” in specific anecdotes and examples.

Essay Topic D

• Overview:  Describe being affected by a work of art or an artistic experience to make sure that you are ready to enter a fine arts field.
• Pick one piece of art or one specific experience of learning about art.
• Figure out exactly why this work or event struck you.
• Examine your own work to see how this artwork has affected your creativity or engagement with art or art history.
• Use a mix of concrete descriptions and comparisons when writing about the piece of art.

Short-Answer Prompts

• Overview: Specific to UT Austin applicants
• Describe your relevant experiences and interests up to this point.
• Describe what about the program appeals to you and how you will use your degree (i.e., your future goals).
• Treat the prompts as parts of a "Why This College?" essay.

Essay Topic E (Transfer Students)

• Overview: Specific to US and international transfer applicants
• Pick an issue that means a lot to you and has had a clear effect on how you see yourself.
• Emphasize how this issue or how you've treated this issue has ultimately had a positive impact on your personal growth.

What's Next?

Curious about the other college essay choices out there? If your target college also accepts the Common Application, check out our guide to the Common App essay prompts to see whether they would be a better fit for you.

Interested to see how other people tackled this part of the application? We have a roundup of 100+ accepted essays from tons of colleges .

Stuck on what to write about? Read our suggestions for how to come up with great essay ideas .

Working on the rest of your college applications? We have great advice on how to find the right college for you , how to write about your extracurricular activities , and how to ask teachers for letters of recommendation .

Anna scored in the 99th percentile on her SATs in high school, and went on to major in English at Princeton and to get her doctorate in English Literature at Columbia. She is passionate about improving student access to higher education.

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How to Write the Texas A&M University Essays 2017-2018

Though the “A” and “M” of Texas A&M University stood for “Agricultural” and “Mechanical” when the it first opened its doors in 1876, today the university offers over 130 different degrees, from anthropology to entomology, with branch campuses in Galveston and Qatar.

Texas A&M is a paradigmatic modern large public research institution, but it maintains strong ties to its agricultural roots: A&M students are affectionately known as “Aggies,” and the school’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences remains one of the world’s top research institutions for studying how our food is produced and delivered.

Whether you plan on placing pennies on Sully’s toe before an exam, or basking under the Century Tree in the aftermath, this article will guide you through the Texas A&M essay prompts while also offering some writing tips that should be useful no matter where you decide to apply.

The Texas A&M University application has three essays, two required and one optional. Before writing the individual essays, it is worth taking a moment to think about how all three of your essays might be used to tell one multi-dimensional story about yourself. Ideally each essay will help the admissions committee learn something new about you that they would not be able to get from looking at your test scores and grades.

For example, you might have one essay where you discuss your work in the Model United Nations club. In another essay, you might shift the focus from your interest in international relations to your own personal history: Maybe you grew up in Brazil and want to write about a quiet moment when your father first taught you how to make abará.

A common theme holds these essays together (your interest in and connection to cultures that reach across national boundaries), but the focus of each essay is distinct. You don’t want to just write two or three essays all on the topic of your work with the Model UN. The trick is to think about your essays as complimenting each other to build a multi-dimensional picture of yourself. Of course, no set of 300-500 word essays will ever be enough to communicate the whole of your personality. The challenge is to pick and choose the collection of anecdotes and experiences that will make an admissions committee want to invite you to their campus so that they can learn more.

Before we begin, a note on the third “optional” essay: Anyone who wants to present a more complete picture of themselves to A&M should go on ahead and write a thoughtful response . The only reason to pass on it would be if you are pressed for time and A&M is lower on your list of schools that you hope to attend. The first two essay prompts are fairly generic, and essays that you have used for other schools can probably be lightly edited and slotted in. The third essay is unique to A&M and a simple substitution probably will not work, but it also offers you the best chance to stand out as a mature and creative thinker.

Texas A&M Application Essay Prompts

Required prompt #1, what was the environment you were raised in describe your family, home, neighborhood, or community, and explain how it has shaped you as a person. (must be  no longer than 120 eighty-character lines of text, including spaces and blank lines . applytexas recommends that you keep your essay to between 500 and 750 words in length.) .

In order to write this essay, it is helpful to take a step back from the sometimes panic-inducing task of focusing on your college applications and instead look around. As you go about your day, maintain awareness of things that ordinarily seem insignificant, to the point that you may be taking them for granted.

For instance, remind yourself of the neighborhood you wake up in every day, the foods available to you for breakfast, and how you feel as you pass through your community on your commute to school. Reflect upon the impact your surroundings have on your day-to-day life and the ways in which they have fostered your personal development. You are probably familiar with your surroundings, to the point where they don’t seem particularly remarkable to you, but you are trying to introduce yourself to an admissions committee that probably knows very little about your hometown.

After reflecting on this exercise, you might realize that your work ethic stems from your gratefulness for the sacrifices your immigrant parents have made in order to give you a chance to succeed, or it could take the shape of your precocious desire to study geriatric medicine and hearing-loss pathologies because you have grown up in a town where the majority of your community is of advanced age.

This thought experiment is the perfect way to start dissecting what it is about your surroundings that has shaped you into the person you are today. Most importantly, it will show your essay reader that you have matured enough to be able to speak about yourself in a frank and vulnerable way. As long as you speak your truth, there is no wrong answer.

That being said, as you tell your story, you will want to avoid clichés and stay true to the complexity of your experience. If you have struggled to overcome obstacles, you don’t need to present yourself as a heroic individual that has achieved success because of your own grit and determination. You can acknowledge the bonds of friendship or family that helped you hold yourself together during tough times. There is nothing wrong with asking for help, and indeed having the courage to reach out and the humility to acknowledge your support network is one way to demonstrate maturity.

If you needed to watch after your father while he was suffering from early onset Alzheimer’s, you might talk about how you had to work with your sister to watch him in the evening, and how sometimes you needed to get out of the house and play soccer with your friends in order to be able to come back inside and commit yourself to the work of care all over again. Maybe that experience is part of what made you want to get into nursing, not only to help patients suffering from Alzheimer’s, but also to encourage patient’s family members to take care of themselves.

If you describe poignant tales of overcoming hardship and obstacles in your response, that is fine, as long as it is the truth. Some applicants might think that exaggerating their tales will score with admissions officers, but admissions officers are not judging your essay based on the level of hardship you have overcome. Rather, the question they will ask is what you’ve learned from your experiences and what kind of person you will be when you join the Texas A&M community.

One last word: As we’re revising this guide for the 2017 application season, the rains have only just barely stopped falling after Hurricane Harvey . The environmental, economic, and political dynamics of this disaster will be thought about and debated in the coming years as people try to rebuild more resilient cities in a changing climate. The students, faculty, and staff at Texas A&M will be taking part in this conversation.

If you were affected and feel so moved, you can certainly talk about your experience of the storm in your essay, even if you think that a lot of other applicants will also be talking about the storm as well. A major disaster contains a multitude of narratives, and if you focus on the particularities of your experience — what you lost, what you saw, how you imagine going forward — you will be making a contribution to a conversation about Harvey that will continue for years to come.

Required Prompt #2

Most students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. tell us about yourself.  (must be  no longer than 120 eighty-character lines of text, including spaces and blank lines . applytexas recommends that you keep your essay to between 500 and 750 words in length.) .

I am going to break up my discussion of this prompt into two parts. The first part addresses how you might write an essay about your “interest” or “talent,” and the second part addresses how you might write an essay about your “identity.”

‘Interest’ or ‘Talent’

This is your chance to discuss what makes you unlike the rest (or at least, the vast majority) of applicants. Whatever you choose to talk about, you should be able to talk about it with great specificity. If woodworking is your passion, you should be able to talk about the smell and feel of the woodworking shop; the best advice that you got from a mentor; a particularly challenging project that you undertook and how you succeeded (or what you learned in the process of failing); and the ways that you have tried to share your passion, whether it be by going to competitions, teaching others, or helping to repair a community center.

In order to identify the thing that is “essential” to you, you might try a simple thought exercise: try to imagine what your life would be like if it were missing something. How would you feel if you didn’t have a soccer game to play, if you didn’t have a friend to practice your German with, if you weren’t able to play the trumpet…

Eventually, you will come across something that’s absence will feel the most noticeable and impactful, and then you should make a clear mental note of why it feels so much heavier than the absence of something else. At this point, you have found at least one thing that defines you in an essential way, because if it were to be removed from your life, you would no longer feel like your true self.

Additionally, it would be helpful, although not necessary, to discuss a passion you have towards something that you could keep working on while at Texas A&M. Most important, however, is the fact that you want the subject of this essay to harmonize with the  central theme  of your entire application — do not define yourself by something that would appear random or out-of-place to an admissions officer. For example, if you’re a political science major who has held internships in law offices each summer, writing about your interest in astrophysics might seem a bit incongruous.

Afterward, it is time to begin putting these thoughts on paper. An effective strategy is to start with a narrative explaining how your interest formed, coupled with an explanation of the role it now plays in your life. For instance, if you decide to focus on your rowing career, you might describe the point at which it went from being a hobby forced upon you by your parents, to something that has allowed you to travel all over the United States and meet new people.

While you might want to include some mention of the awards you’ve won in rowing, woodworking, or piano playing, you should remember that an essay is different from a resume. The admissions officers already have your activity list, and if you’ve won a statewide piano competition they will already have that information. The more important thing to analyze — the thing that the admissions committee cannot get from reading your activity list — is a sense of what you have learned from pursuing your passion.

The most important thing that you can convey about the work you’ve put into your standup comedy routine is probably not that you won your high school talent show, but rather the fact that the first time you performed at an open mic night you bombed — but were able to hold it together, go back next week, and try again. If you are truly passionate about something, it probably means that you care enough about it to come back to it even after you have failed. Even though it can seem like your application wants you to paint one story of uninterrupted triumph, many universities are trying to teach their students to take risks and recover from failure .

If you are writing about “identity,” you might be a little bit uncomfortable with the prompt’s suggestion that your identity is “essential,” and you are certainly talking about something that is conceptually distinct from a hobby that you chose to pursue, like rowing or marching band. If you are talking about being black, or trans, or Latinx in the United States, you might be thinking about how your life’s story is embedded in a history that makes your identity an important part of your daily experience — whether you like it or not. While Texas A&M could probably have worded this prompt a little bit better, it is still possible to write an insightful essay about your “identity.”

If you are writing about identity, one way to approach this essay is to move from your own personal experience of “difference” to the larger historical, social, and political context that gives weight to that experience. For example, what did it mean to you when you went to the county courthouse for the first time and saw a monument to Confederate soldiers outside its door? As the events of this last summer suggest, these monuments have a contentious history, rooted not just in the Civil War itself but also in how different groups have interpreted and remembered that war in the early and mid-twentieth centuries.

You might also consider how “difference” has played a role, not just in your life but also in the lives of those you are closest to. For example, if your mother uses a wheelchair to get around, what have you learned about the way your community facilitates access for people with disabilities by going out to lunch at restaurants with her?

Finally, if you have a unique background, it does not mean that you need to commit to answering the “diversity question” that asks you to focus on your own personal experience. For example, if you’d like to talk about your family’s history, you might write a response to the previous prompt about how you have been interviewing your great aunts and great uncles about their experience of the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan .

Optional Essay Prompt

You’ve got a ticket in your hand. where will you go what will you do what will happen when you get there  (must be  no longer than 120 eighty-character lines of text, including spaces and blank lines . applytexas recommends that you keep your essay to between 500 and 750 words in length.) .

For all the young high school graduates bursting with wanderlust, this essay is for you. While you may be tempted to talk about that trip via yacht to New Zealand or Monaco you have always fantasized about taking, those dreams will not barter any favor with your essay reader at Texas A&M University.

Despite what some may believe, these sorts of questions definitely have right answers. For this prompt, the dream trip that your essay reader wants to see is not the same dream that you would describe to your friend. Either way, this prompt is an amusing way to exercise your imagination in a productive manner.

Pretend this prompt says that the ticket in your hand is for the purpose of professional, academic, or personal development, and then you can begin brainstorming about what it will be used for.

You should think about which experts in your field you have fantasized about meeting; which company headquarters’ strategy room you wish you could visit; what it would be like to go to the training site of your favorite professional soccer team after 12 years of playing the sport; or how it would be to have a 1-on-1 session with a famous editor you admire, since you are working on some script ideas.

Whatever its purpose, your ticket must be used for something creative that sheds light on your interests and personality, so try not to mention something trivial that would not ultimately benefit you in the eyes of an admissions officer.

It would be ideal to relate your ticket to an opportunity offered by Texas A&M, such as a boarding pass to Barcelona in order to study Spanish at a study-abroad program you read about on the university’s study-abroad page, because you work with Latinx immigrants in your community center and feel the need to bridge the cultural gap between you and your clients.

Describing the purpose of your experience will inform your essay reader of your interests, how far you are willing to go to fuel them, and most importantly, if you were given the chance, how you would take advantage of the opportunity to gain more experience in your interests. As you discuss what will happen when you reach your destination, remember that there are no limits to what could happen during this experience, so be creative!

Regardless of what you choose for the purpose of your ticket, your essay will fare best against the creativity of all your competitors if you are able to relate it to the activities, courses, and general experiences you would pursue at Texas A&M University.

We at CollegeVine wish you good luck!

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Texas A&M College of Medicine Secondary Application Essay Prompts

• Cracking Med School Admissions

Texas A&M School of Medicine is known medicine + engineering. In fact, it has a unique EnMed program, in which the school cultivates Physicianeers. The Texas A&M secondary application is extremely long, especially if you apply to the regular MD program and the EnMed program. Our Cracking Med School Admissions team strongly suggests students to work on this application early, pre-writing their responses once their TMDSAS primary application is submitted. The essay prompts have not changed in the past couple of years. 

Our Cracking Med School Admissions team has a track record of helping our mentees receive acceptances numerous University of Texas medical schools, including Texas A&M University each year.  Work with us through our medical school application packages , and we will help you tailor your secondary application essays towards each school’s strengths. 

• Personally Tailored Essays
• Edits by Stanford & Harvard-trained Doctors
• We study your application strengths to see what unique attributes we’ll bring to the medical school

Texas A&M College of Medicine Secondary Application Questions: 2022 – 2023

Texas a&m medical school secondary application prompts md program.

• New Essay. As a physician, you never know what type of patient you will serve. From your past experiences, please describe or highlight factors or situations that demonstrate your ability to work with individuals from multicultural communities.  (3,500 characters max)
• The Texas A&M School of Medicine embraces the Aggie Core Values of Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity and Selfless Service. Briefly discuss what activities demonstrate best that you would be a good custodian of these core values. (3,500 characters max)
• Describe any circumstances indicative of some hardship, such as, but not limited to, financial difficulties, personal or family illness, a medical condition, a death in the immediate family or educational disadvantage not mentioned in your primary application essays; OR describe any key academic, personal, or financial barriers that COVID-19 may have posed on you or your immediate family. ( Do not leave blank. If not applicable, please so indicate .) (3,500 characters max)
• (Optional) List the area (or areas) of medicine that appeals to you and briefly explain. (Limit your explanation to 50 words or 250 characters for each area of interest you list.) Do not leave blank. If not applicable, please so indicate. (50 words max or 250 charactesr max)

Texas A&M Medical School Secondary Application Prompts EnMed Program – Additional Questions

• How did you hear about the EnMed program? (100 words max)
• Explain your interest in the EnMed medical education program: (250 words max)
• How will the EnMed medical education meet your goals and interests in ways that a traditional MD-only program would not? (150 words max)
• What creative, engineering, innovation, or entrepreneurship related activities have you participated in outside the classroom? Describe how these have prepared you to create innovative medical technologies. (150 words max)
• What knowledge, skills, and experiences have you acquired inside the classroom during your education that are most relevant to EnMed? (150 words max)
• What role do you envision yourself taking in the process of creating and translating new medical technologies during your future medical career? (150 words max)
• If you do not have an undergraduate or graduate degree in engineering or computer science, what knowledge, skills, experiences, or other preparation do you have that will contribute to your success in the EnMed medical education program, and in your future career as a Physician? (250 words max)

Tips to Answer Texas A&M Medical School Secondary Application Essays

Texas A&M Secondary Application Pre-Writing Guidance: The Texas A&M and EnMed essay prompts have not changed in the past couple of years.  We strongly suggest students to work on this application early, pre-writing their responses once their TMDSAS primary application is submitted. 

>> Download our Cracking Med Secondary Essay Workbook and Examples .

Texas A&M Secondary Application Tip #1: Tell stories. The Texas A&M medical school secondary application has a high word limit so that you have ample space to tell stories. For example, we encourage our students to write stories about a time they became more aware of other cultures and a story that  shows how they reflect the core values of Texas A&M College of Medicine. Additionally, you could write stories of a field in medicine you are interested in (e.g. an interesting orthopedic patient case if you are interested in orthopedics) and stories that reflect your hardship.

The strongest Texas A&M applications, in our opinion, will include stories where you have had to problem-solve. Additionally, you should include stories where you have helped the Texas community.

Texas A&M Secondary Application Tip #2: If you decide to discuss hardships, be sure to include the following:

• How did you overcome the challenge or academic road bump?
• What did you learn from this experience?
• What will you do differently in the future?
• Reflections will allow the reader to understand your personal characteristics like problem-solving, resilience and grit. 

Texas A&M Secondary Application Tip #3: In the Texas A&M Medical School secondary application prompt, “The Texas A&M College of Medicine embraces the Aggie Core Values of Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity and Selfless Service,” there are several great ways to answer this.

One question we receive is, “Do I need to talk about each core value?” Our answer is typically “No, but you should try to discuss how you reflect many of the Aggie Core Values.” Additionally, we advise our students we help through our secondary essay edits to add 1-2 anecdotes that reflect those core values. The adage of “show, don’t tell” is very relevant for your medical school applications! 

Texas A&M Secondary Application Tip #4:  If you are applying to the EnMed program, the program values problem-solving and innovation. Make sure you discuss your research experiences, any projects that reflect problem-solving, and other entrepreneurial pursuits (even if they are not in medicine). Describe how your career in medicine incorporates engineering, problem-solving, and medicine. Dr. Rizal has ample experience in healthcare entrepreneurship, so reach out to her through our contact form if you have questions about healthcare innovation! 

Texas A&M Secondary Application Tip #5: For the Texas A&M secondary optional question, “ List the area (or areas) of medicine that appeals to you and briefly explain ” – this seems like a straightforward question, and it is. But, if you want to stand out, you should link it to your vision to improve medicine throughout your career as a physician AND link it to your previous clinical experiences. For example, if you are interested in the field of rheumatology, you should ideally mention any clinical experience in rheumatology as a premedical student, how your prior rheumatology clinical experiences shaped your motivation for medicine, and how you want to improve our understanding of immunology in the future. 

Some medical school applicants skip this question because they don’t know what field of medicine to enter. We strongly encourage you to answer all optional questions, including this optional question, on your secondary applications. Answering optional questions gives the admissions committee members more insight about you. For this essay, if you don’t know what specific field of medicine you are interested in, you can list 2 or 3. Additionally, you can discuss specific populations you want to work with. For example, some applicants mentioned they are interested in women’s health, but don’t necessarily say they want to be OB/GYN.

Texas A&M Secondary Application Tip #6: Start early  and  get our help . The Texas A&M College of Medicine secondary application not only has several essay, but the essays also have large word limits. Have questions about how you can stand out? Contact us  below. Need editing help on your secondary? We can help you through our  secondary essay packages

[ Read more secondary essay tips:  University of Texas Houston McGovern ,  University of Texas San Antonio School of Medicine ,  Baylor College of Medicine  ]S

Your medical school application Coaches, Mentors, & Cheerleaders

We Personally Advise Every Student We Work With.

Rachel Rizal, M.D.

Changing the trajectory of people’s lives.

Undergraduate Princeton University, cum laude

Medical School Stanford School of Medicine

Residency Harvard, Emergency Medicine

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Rishi Mediratta, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.

Advising students to attend their dream schools.

Undergraduate Johns Hopkins University, Phi Beta Kappa

Residency Stanford, Pediatrics

Awards & Scholarships Marshall Scholar Tylenol Scholarship Global Health Scholar

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Download your secondary essay guide.

Use this essay guide and workbook to write standout secondaries.

• First Name *
• Best Email *
• Year Applying to Medical School *
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
• Describe briefly any experiences and/or skills that have made you more sensitive or appreciative of other cultures or the human condition. (3,500 characters max)
• The Texas A&M College of Medicine embraces the Aggie Core Values of Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity and Selfless Service. Briefly discuss what activities demonstrate best that you would be a good custodian of these core values. (3,500 characters max)
• (Optional) List the area (or areas) of medicine that appeals to you and briefly explain. (Limit your explanation to 50 words or 250 characters for each area of interest you list.) Do not leave blank. If not applicable, please so indicate.

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Texas A&M College of Medicine Secondary Application Questions: 2021 – 2022

Texas a&m college of medicine secondary application questions: 2020 - 2021.

• Describe any circumstances indicative of some hardship, such as, but not limited to, financial difficulties, personal or family illness, a medical condition, a death in the immediate family or educational disadvantage not mentioned in your primary application essays; OR describe any key academic, personal, or financial barriers that COVID-19 may have posed on you or your immediate family. ( Do not leave blank. If not applicable, please so indicate .) (3,500 character maximum)
• (Optional) List the area (or areas) of medicine that appeals to you and briefly explain. (Limit your explanation to 50 words or 250 characters for each area of interest you list.) Do not leave blank. If not applicable, please so indicate. (50 word maximum or 250 character maximum)

Texas A&M College of Medicine Secondary Application Questions: 2019 – 2020

• The honor code for the Texas A&M College of Medicine is: “A Texas A&M medical student is a professional who exhibits leadership, honesty, integrity, compassion, respect and self-discipline.” Please briefly discuss what activities or personal attributes demonstrate best that you would be a good custodian of our honor code. (3,500 characters max)
• Describe any circumstances indicative of some hardship, such as, but not limited to, financial difficulties, personal or family illness, a medical condition, a death in the immediate family or educational disadvantage. ( Do not leave blank. If not applicable, please so indicate .) (3,500 characters max)

Texas A&M College of Medicine Secondary Application Questions: 2018 – 2019

Texas a&m college of medicine secondary application questions: 2017 – 2018, texas a&m college of medicine secondary application questions: 2016 – 2017, texas a&m college of medicine secondary application questions: 2015 – 2016, texas a&m college of medicine secondary application questions: 2014 – 2015, contact us with questions, we'll answer any and all your questions about medical school we typically respond within 1 business day..

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2023-2024 Texas A&M

• Thread starter wysdoc
• Start date Mar 17, 2023

Plain-spoken Texan

• Mar 17, 2023

ClashRoyaleKing

Medical school applicant.

• May 6, 2023

My grandpa was a teacher at this university for several years and is one of the big reasons I am applying here as an out of state applicant. Would it be worth it to write about this relation to Texas A&M in my optional essay? I cannot seem to find a good place for this in the secondaries that were posted last year.  

dklinsmann said: My grandpa was a teacher at this university for several years and is one of the big reasons I am applying here as an out of state applicant. Would it be worth it to write about this relation to Texas A&M in my optional essay? I cannot seem to find a good place for this in the secondaries that were posted last year. Click to expand...

• May 16, 2023

I'm not sure it would be a good idea unless the only school you're applying to via TMDSAS is A&M. All schools are going to receive the optional essay, including ones that aren't TAMU.  

• May 17, 2023

reese2023 said: I'm not sure it would be a good idea unless the only school you're applying to via TMDSAS is A&M. All schools are going to receive the optional essay, including ones that aren't TAMU. Click to expand...

Full Member

• May 24, 2023

Just got a secondary invite btw. So check y’all’s emails!  

yearofmagicalthinking

Good luck everyone!! @wysdoc 1. As a physician, you never know what type of patient you will serve. From your past experiences, please describe or highlight factors or situations that demonstrate your ability to work with individuals from multicultural communities. (3500 chars max) 2. The Texas A&M School of Medicine embraces the Aggie Core Values of Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity and Selfless Service. Please elaborate on personal characteristics, values, accomplishments and/or any experiences that you feel will help to demonstrate your potential to contribute to the school and to the profession of medicine. (3500 chars max) 3. Describe any circumstances indicative of some hardship, such as, but not limited to, financial difficulties, personal or family illness, a medical condition, a death in the immediate family or educational disadvantage not mentioned in your primary application essays. What strategies have you used to address these circumstances? (3500 chars max) 4. OPTIONAL QUESTION: List the area (or areas) of medicine that appeals to you and briefly explain. (Limit your explanation to 50 words or 250 characters total) Do not leave blank. If not applicable, please so indicate.  

Thanks, @yearofmagicalthinking I want to comment that the A&M deans DO NOT see that final question as optional and would be really puzzled if there are "NO" areas of medicine that currently interest you. I believe there is a sample list of types of practice affiliated with this question. Is question #3 about possible hardships required, or optional?  

wysdoc said: Thanks, @yearofmagicalthinking Is question #3 about possible hardships required, or optional? Click to expand...

thematrixcitizenkane

I noticed the first prompt changed from last year's secondaries. However, in my mind it mostly seems like the same question (e.g. it would warrant the same stories, anecdotes, experiences, etc.). Is this accurate or is this question asking something totally different? For reference last year's secondary was: 1. Describe briefly any experiences and/or skills that have made you more sensitive or appreciative of other cultures or the human condition. (3500 characters)  

thematrixcitizenkane said: I noticed the first prompt changed from last year's secondaries. However, in my mind it mostly seems like the same question (e.g. it would warrant the same stories, anecdotes, experiences, etc.). Is this accurate or is this question asking something totally different? For reference last year's secondary was: 1. Describe briefly any experiences and/or skills that have made you more sensitive or appreciative of other cultures or the human condition. (3500 characters) Click to expand...

wysdoc said: You are probably right that your responses could cover the same ground. I know a lot of applicants were confused about what the wording of the prior prompt meant. Click to expand...

thematrixcitizenkane said: Thanks! I was mainly confused about the "individuals from multicultural communities" part. I might be overthinking it, but do we have to talk about experiences where we worked with individuals who are a part of multiple cultures or merely a [single] culture that differed from our own, if that makes sense? Click to expand...

crazyfish123

For questions one, does multicultural explicitly refer to people from different cultures/countries? Or could I discuss interacting with diverse groups like the LGBTQ community and homeless community?  

crazyfish123 said: For questions one, does multicultural explicitly refer to people from different cultures/countries? Or could I discuss interacting with diverse groups like the LGBTQ community and homeless community? Click to expand...

Multiculturalism - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

Admissions advisor

• May 26, 2023

tcc926818 said: It is required, yes. Click to expand...

ARTICLE PUBLISHED: Other Impactful Experiences

deleted1158460

Mr.Smile12 said: Question #3. Remember that the prompt asks you not to repeat information in your primary application. I do not think TMDSAS has "Other Impactful Experiences" (please correct if it does), but keep in mind the character length is longer than the AMCAS prompt (and I think it's optional). I don't believe the school can access your AMCAS. ARTICLE PUBLISHED: Other Impactful Experiences Updating, the article is out https://www.studentdoctor.net/2023/06/08/other-impactful-experiences-essay-exploring-your-unique-story/ forums.studentdoctor.net Click to expand...

wysdoc said: TMDSAS schools don't see your AMCAS application or its essays. AMCAS did add the optional essay "other impactful experiences". TMDSAS has an optional essay (2500 characters) which could be used to discuss hardships, but which is pretty open and can be used to write about almost anything that's important about you or to you. Click to expand...

purkinjekitty

“Describe any circumstances indicative of some hardship, such as, but not limited to, financial difficulties, personal or family illness, a medical condition, a death in the immediate family or educational disadvantage not mentioned in your primary application essays. What strategies have you used to address these circumstances?” I’m having trouble navigating this essay without breaking the “not mentioned” rule. The primary unfortunately offered me every opportunity to “mention” all of these hardships, but TMDSAS being so short, didn’t offer me much to expand on. If anyone has any past experiences with writing this, would it be fair game to describe a circumstance in greater detail/different angle? I did have a death in my immediate family, but I mention it during a paragraph in my PS as my motivation for medicine (but did not expand or reference upon it afterwards). appreciate any insight.  

purkinjekitty said: “Describe any circumstances indicative of some hardship, such as, but not limited to, financial difficulties, personal or family illness, a medical condition, a death in the immediate family or educational disadvantage not mentioned in your primary application essays. What strategies have you used to address these circumstances?” I’m having trouble navigating this essay without breaking the “not mentioned” rule. The primary unfortunately offered me every opportunity to “mention” all of these hardships, but TMDSAS being so short, didn’t offer me much to expand on. If anyone has any past experiences with writing this, would it be fair game to describe a circumstance in greater detail/different angle? I did have a death in my immediate family, but I mention it during a paragraph in my PS as my motivation for medicine (but did not expand or reference upon it afterwards). appreciate any insight. Click to expand...

wysdoc said: Yes, you can expand on it or bring out different aspects in this essay. Be sure to focus on the "how did you handle this" part. While it's good to follow the rules & all, they are not heartless and don't expect someone to have more than one serious life event to talk about in essays. Click to expand...

• May 28, 2023

Anyone's TMDSAS application verified yet? If so, when did you submit?  

cranberrylimeade

I’m going to be a doctor.

Has anyone successfully gotten a secondary fee waiver here? MSAR says they have them. I’ve wasn’t able to get in contact with them at all last cycle but would love to know if anyone knows the best way to reach out other than email!  

futuredoc456

Heya has anyone's secondary been marked as completed? Mine says my LOR's weren't recieved but shows that they were on 5/9.  

futuredoc456 said: Heya has anyone's secondary been marked as completed? Mine says my LOR's weren't recieved but shows that they were on 5/9. Click to expand...

wysdoc said: For a lot of these things a human being in the office staff has to manually check things off in your student application portal. If you know the letters went to TMDSAS, it is now just the mechanics of things getting updated. Don't call & ask the school unless you see nothing happening for another 3 weeks. Click to expand...

cranberrylimeade said: Has anyone successfully gotten a secondary fee waiver here? MSAR says they have them. I’ve wasn’t able to get in contact with them at all last cycle but would love to know if anyone knows the best way to reach out other than email! Click to expand...

wysdoc said: It is up to you to look at each school’s page to see if they offer secondary fee waivers, and ask for one if they do Click to expand...

cranberrylimeade said: Yes, they do according to the MSAR and I both emailed and called them last cycle to try to get one. I just wanted to see if anyone has had any success as I’ve been unable to get a response. Click to expand...

BitofNothin

• May 29, 2023

Prompt 3 has got me pretty lost, I don't feel like I have any extenuating circumstances of the caliber of their listed examples. Would talking about having a friend with a drug addiction be weird as an answer? It just doesn't feel like it compares to an illness/death or financial troubles, but I don't know what else I could talk about that comes close to that level of hardship...  

Deltasidearm

Howdy! I am a current medical student at A&M and am happy to answer any questions throughout the year when I have time! Feel free to quote, mention, or PM me to get my attention.  

Deltasidearm said: Howdy! I am a current medical student at A&M and am happy to answer any questions throughout the year when I have time! Feel free to quote, mention, or PM me to get my attention. Click to expand...

dklinsmann said: What was the standard patient interview part like? Click to expand...

medstudent13579

Deleted1164884.

• May 31, 2023

When is the earliest an interview invite goes out usually?  

medmagician123 said: When is the earliest an interview invite goes out usually? Click to expand...

wysdoc said: They have to read your primary, secondary, and a few dozen or hundred other people's before they make interview decisions. Here is the first date all the schools started last year. #2 I'll set up a similar page sometime in July and do the same thing. Click to expand...

• Jun 2, 2023

I haven't yet received a secondary from Texas A&M even though I applied when the TMDSAS submission opened and my app was transmitted more than a week ago. Did I get screened out? I am a reapplicant. I am also not getting secondaries from other schools that have already sent them out.... I've checked my spam  

sdfwr312 said: I haven't yet received a secondary from Texas A&M even though I applied when the TMDSAS submission opened and my app was transmitted more than a week ago. Did I get screened out? I am a reapplicant Click to expand...

• Jun 5, 2023

For A&M - is it okay if I submit the secondaries 2 weeks (14 days) after receiving it? Is that something that could be looked down on or it considered fine.  

• Jun 6, 2023

hornzup said: For A&M - is it okay if I submit the secondaries 2 weeks (14 days) after receiving it? Is that something that could be looked down on or it considered fine. Click to expand...

I received a text message saying my app was transmitted and to check email for secondary, but I can't find email. Any suggestions of where it may be? Yes I checked spam  

How do I send my letters of recommendation to A&M? I'm applying thru AMCAS and they don't use the AMCAS letter service... Is it something I do after I receive my secondaries?  

BitofNothin said: How do I send my letters of recommendation to A&M? I'm applying thru AMCAS and they don't use the AMCAS letter service... Is it something I do after I receive my secondaries? Click to expand...

SWR1913 said: I received a text message saying my app was transmitted and to check email for secondary, but I can't find email. Any suggestions of where it may be? Yes I checked spam Click to expand...

Similar threads

• Oct 18, 2023

• Oct 11, 2023

• Mar 22, 2023

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Texas A&M University Guide

The Ivy Scholars guide to Texas A&M University’s culture, admissions, and other essential information for prospective students and their families.

Location: College, Station Texas

Mascot: Reveille the Dog

Type: Public Research Institution

Population: 70,000 (54,500 undergrads)

About Texas A&M University

Texas A&M’s 5,200 acre campus located in College Station, Texas is the largest campus in the United States. The school’s students, athletes, and alumni are known as “Aggies” – a name which references the university’s former name – “The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas.” Texas A&M is the only institution in Texas to hold the title of land grant, sea grant, and space grant.

Texas A&M University Statistics

Year Founded:  1876

4 Year Graduation Rate:  51.0%

Gender Distribution: 53% male, 47% female

Acceptance Rate:  71%

Residency:  85% in state, 6% out of state, 9% international

Location Type:  College Town

Schedule System: Semesters

Student/Faculty Ratio: 6:1

Average Class Size: 14

Demographics:  62% Caucasian, 7% Asian, 3% Black, 23% Hispanic, 5% Other

National Rankings

US News Rankings:

• #27 Top public schools
• #44 Undergraduate research
• #52 Most Innovative Schools
• #70 Best Nationally
• #76 Best Undergraduate Teaching

Independent Rankings:

• #1 Most Affordable College in Texas per Business Insider
• #2 Best Master’s in Human Resources per College Choice
• #13 Best Value for Public School per Forbes
• #18 Best Value College per Money Magazine
• #22 Best Public University per Wall Street Journal
• #94 Best College per Wall Street Journal

Texas A&M University Admissions Statistics

Application Deadlines:

• Regular Decision:  December 1st
• Transfer Deadline: March 15th

Notification Dates:

• Regular Decision: April 1st

Acceptance Rates:

• Transfer: 53%

Average Applicant Pool:  37,000

Average Number of Applicants Accepted: 26,000

Average Number Enrolled: 11,500

Application Systems:  Coalition App, Apply Texas

Average GPA: 3.68 weighted

SAT Scores:  25th percentile – 1180, 75th percentile -1390

ACT Scores:  25th percentile – 26, 75th percentile – 31

*Test mandatory. Writing sections optional.

Subject Test Requirements:   No Subject Tests are required , but high scores in some subject tests may be substituted for credit.

Demonstrated Interest:  Texas A&M does consider demonstrated interest.

Click here for tips on demonstrating interest in a university.

Recommendation Letter Policies:  You may submit up to two letters of recommendation, more than this are not reviewed. Letters of recommendation are not required, and are not strongly considered. 

Texas A&M University Essay Prompts for 2020:  Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today? (650 words maximum)

Texas A&M Essay Writing Tips

Special Notes:

You may qualify for automatic admission in one of three ways:

1. Graduate in the top 10% of your class at a public high school in Texas

2. Graduate in the top quarter of your graduating class and score a total of 1360 on your SAT (minimum 630 Math, 660 English) or a composite of 30 on your ACT (minimum 27 English, 27 Math)

3. You may also qualify under the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy .

Texas A&M University Academics

• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• College of Architecture
• Mays Business School (capped at 1,000 admits)
• College of Dentistry
• College of Education and Human Development
• College of Engineering
• College of Geosciences  
• Bush School of Government and Public Service
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Nursing (27% acceptance rate)
• School of Public Health
• College of Sciences
• College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Core Requirements:

• 42 Semester Credit Hours (SCH) total (6 SCH Communications, 6 SCH Mathematics, 9 SCH Life and Physical Sciences, 3 SCH Language, Philosophy, and Culture, 3 SCH Creative Arts, 6 SCH American History, 6 SCH Government and Political Science, 3 SCH of Social and Behavioral Sciences)
• Comprehensive Core Requirements Information

What Majors Does Texas A&M University Offer?

• 90 Majors Offered
• Option to double major
• Popular majors include Interdisciplinary Studies, Biology, Business Administration, Agricultural Economics, and Psychology. 

What Minors Does Texas A&M University Offer? 

• Minors Offered

Texas A&M University AP Credit Policy:

• Texas A&M accepts credit for scores of 4 or 5 on most AP exams and scores of 4 or above on IB higher-level exams, as long as the student was awarded an IB diploma.
• Comprehensive AP Credit Information

Honors Programs:

• University Honors Program (a llows students to take additional courses, build their own majors, and be part of a smaller, more focused campus community)
• Cornerstone Honors Program (alternate honors path from the University Honors Program, which allows students to take various honors level courses)
• University and Departmental Honors (includes Latin Honors)
• Engineering Honors (separate honors track within the engineering program with additional application requirements)
• Scholastic Honors Societies (focused academic networks)

Research Availability:

• LAUNCH gets undergraduates involved in university research initiatives. 

Study Abroad: 

• Study Abroad Options

Business Options: 

• Mays Business School has nine undergraduate majors as well as a business minor. The program is very prestigious more competitive than Texas A&M generally.

Pre-Med Options:

• Texas A&M does not offer a pre-med major, but does automatically admit students who meet certain requirements through  Early Assurance  into its medical school.
• Military to Medicine Program
• Engineering to Medicine Program
• Cadet to Medicine Program
• Pre-Medical Society

Pre-Law Options:

• Pre-Law Advising Program
• Pre-Law Society
• Philosophy Pre-Law Certificate

Additional Specialty Programs: 

• Texas A&M at Qatar
• Texas A&M at Galveston  
• Cadet Corps

Student Life at Texas A&M University

School Motto:   Through Unity, Strength

Mission and Values:

• Mission: Texas A&M University is dedicated to the discovery, development, communication, and application of knowledge in a wide range of academic and professional fields.
• Values: Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, Loyalty, Respect, and Selfless Service
• Additional Information
• Student Testimonials: ( Niche , Unigo , Grad Reports )

Texas A&M’s Housing:

• A subset of on campus housing, Living Learning Communities (LLCs) “provide an ideal learning environment as most students spend more collective hours in their living environment than any other location on campus, including the classroom.” 
• Students are not required to live on-campus, although there are a large number of dormitories and residence halls. There are also off-campus apartments available to rent through the university for upperclassmen and graduate students.

Housing Statistics:

• 20% of students live on campus
• 80% of students live off campus

Campus & Surrounding Area:  

• Bisected by a railway track, the campus is divided into the Main Campus and the West Campus.
• The university dominates the town of College Station, which has 170,000 residents.
• The campus boasts numerous attractions, including a presidential library , various arts venues , and local attractions .
• A campus map and virtual tour can help give a sense of the scale and beauty of A&M.
• Texas A&M has a very safe campus, and has its own Police Department .

Transportation:

• The university operates both on and off campus shuttles , which are free to ride with a student ID. Students can use these to get to class or head downtown. Weekday hours of operation are 7AM-6PM, with variant hours for nights, weekends, and gamedays.
• There are bike and car share programs available on campus. 
• Parking Information

Traditions:

• Orientation – Each year, new students attend a 4-day “Fish Camp” to learn about the school and its traditions.
• Pennies on Sully – Students put pennies on the statue of the school’s former president for good luck on exams.
• The Corps’ Traditions – The corps of cadets has a number of traditions to promote unity and their legacy.
• Game Day – There are numerous game day traditions including band performances and Midnight Yell rallies, which occur before home games at Kyle Field. All the lights are turned off, and couples kiss in the dark. Singles hold up lighters to show their position to other singles.
• Remembrance – Traditions honoring people associated with the University who have passed away. 

Student-Run Organizations: 

• Organization Database
• Sample Organizations ( Singing Cadets , Student Government Association , The Big Event )
• D1 Athletics – Southeastern Conference (Good Football and Women’s Soccer)
• Intramural Sports
• Club Sports
• Main Rival: LSU

Greek Life:

Around 10% of the student body at Texas A&M participates in Greek Life. There are 58 organizations on campus, including social, academic, and service oriented groups. 

• There are many nightlife options in College Station.
• A&M is the #9 party school in Texas according to Niche . 
• There are over 1,200 performances and sporting events on campus each year.

Financial Information

Yearly Cost of Attending Texas A&M University in 2020:

• Total: $31,428
• Tuition and Fees: $12,744
• Room & Board: $11,400
• Books: $1,222
• Travel: $2,498
• Personal Expenses: $3,500

Scholarships and Financial Aid: 

All admitted students must complete applications to be considered for both scholarships and financial aid . There are plenty of work-study opportunities on campus, and students can also apply for State and Federal funds by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• Since 1931, Reveille – the school’s canine mascot – has held the highest rank in the cadet corps.
• All former Reveilles are buried under the North end of the Kyle Field football stadium, with their heads facing the scoreboard.
• Kyle Field football stadium is the tallest structure in College Station Texas.
• Notable Alumni include former Texas Governor Rick Perry, and former Bolivian President Jorge Quiroga.
• 7 Aggies won a Medal of Honor in WWII.

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How Can New Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle Make Texas Baseball Contenders?

Evan vieth | jun 30, 2024.

Texas baseball head coach Jim Schlossnagle has been in Austin for just one full day, but it's clear that he’s going to have to get to work quickly.

After poaching the entirety of the Texas A&M coaching staff to replace head coach David Pierce, Texas baseball’s future looks to be in good hands. Schlossnagle and the staff nearly won the College World Series in 2024, and the head coach has made the postseason in nine of his last 10 seasons, with six CWS appearances during his time with A&M and TCU. 

But simply hiring a great staff isn’t enough to take Texas baseball back to where it wants to be: Omaha.

Schlossnagle’s goals seem to be clear early on, establish a culture and win immediately. But winning right away isn’t as easy as it seems.

Texas’ future will be very heavily influenced by the 2024 MLB Draft, taking place from July 14-16, where many players and recruits are expected to be picked.

At a bare minimum, Texas will lose three of their main 10 batters from last year, with Porter Brown, Jack O’Dowd and Peyton Powell all graduating, but it's hard to see a world where sophomores Jalin Flores and Jared Thomas don’t end up on signed to an MLB team this summer. It’s likely that Schlossnagle will have to replace four starting positions on the offense, and potentially starting pitcher Lebarron Johnson Jr.

On top of the former Longhorns, the future of the team could be in jeopardy because of the draft. Texas has an extremely strong recruiting class, headlined by MLB.com’s 10th-best draft prospect, shortstop Bryce Rainer. Alongside Rainer, Thomas, and Flores, Texas features four of their best recruits in the website's top 250 rankings. There’s a world in which Texas has seven players drafted in the first five rounds, which could cripple the team's talent pool.

So how does Schlossnagle address this? He needs to do something Pierce struggled with in the past: utilize the transfer portal to its fullest potential.

As of right now, the Texas roster has six of its starting nine positions covered. Catchers Rylan Galvan and Kimble Scheussler will split time between catcher and DH, Big 12 POTY Max Belyeu and 2023 top 50 recruit Will Gasprarino will take two of the outfield spots, and standout freshman Dee Kennedy and Casey Borba will likely slot into the left side of the infield.

Texas has Rainer and fellow shortstop recruit Theo Gillen don’t take contracts into the MLB, as they would be perfect options at shortstop, but otherwise, the team does not have CWS-level players to play at third base, shortstop, and left field.

The team still has plenty of depth, with freshman outfielder Tommy Farmer showing potential as well as players like sophomore infielder Jayden Duplantier and transfer outfielders Casey Cummings and Seth Werchan waiting to step up. But Texas will need to find players to replace the level of Flores, Powell and Thomas, the top of the order for the 2024 Texas team.

The easiest replacements could come from Schlossnagle’s old job, Texas A&M. The two best players in the transfer portal right now are former Aggies outfielder Jace Laviolette and third baseman Gavin Grahovac, both who would instantly slot in as top players for the Longhorns.

If those two aren’t available, Schlossnagle should look into the availability of shortstop Gavin Kilen, outfielder Logan Maxwell, third baseman Cole Cramer, infielder Bobby Boser, or any of the other A&M transfer options. Either way, Texas will need a minimum of two veteran or high-talent bats to make up for the loss of the top of their lineup.

On the pitching staff, Texas looks a lot deeper. Even if the likes of Johnson  Jr. or top prospects Levi Sterling, Jason Flores, and Kyle DeGroat take an MLB contract, Texas still has eight pitchers on the roster that pitched 19 or more innings in 2023. 

The bullpen may be good as is, with closer Gage Boehm and reliever Andre Duplantier II breaking out in 2024. With Ace Whitehead potentially moving to the pen and the high potential of younger arms like Cade O’Hara, Easton Tumis and Cole Selvig, Texas could be set in that group in 2025.

Where the team may struggle is with starting pitching. Max Grubbs will remain the Friday starter, but there are no guarantees after that. An elite transfer arm to pitch the weekends, such as Myles Patton or Austin Williamson, would make up for the loss of Johnson or a freshman to the draft.

Texas has under a week to make some big moves, as the summer transfer window ends on July 2. Schlossnagle doesn’t need to make every move for the Spring at this time, but as of right now Texas likely needs four starters from the transfer portal.

Schlossnagle maximized the portal in his time with Texas A&M, but doing so in Austin will be even harder given the time crunch. If Texas can bring in some of the best players from the last season, it’s easy to see a world where the team is one of the most competitive teams in the SEC in just its first year.

• Post-Election

What is Project 2025 And Why Is It Alarming?

By Matt Cohen

June 28, 2024

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The general election is still about four months away and, with the latest polls showing an incredibly tight race , anything can happen in that time. But that hasn’t stopped former President Donald Trump who, in concert with top Republicans and conservative figures and organizations, already sketched out a plan to reshape the federal government in their image. 

The plan is called Project 2025 — a collection of policy transition proposals that outline how, should Trump win the November election, he can vastly remake the federal government most effectively to carry out an extremist far-right agenda. 

“It is not enough for conservatives to win elections,” the project’s website states. “If we are going to rescue the country from the grip of the radical Left, we need both a governing agenda and the right people in place, ready to carry this agenda out on day one of the next conservative administration. This is the goal of the 2025 Presidential Transition Project.”

What, exactly, is Project 2025?

Simply put, Project 2025 is a massive, 920-page document that outlines exactly what the next Trump presidency would look like. This doesn’t just include policy proposals — like immigration actions, educational proposals and economic plans — but rather a portrait of the America that conservatives hope to implement in the next Republican administration, be it Trump or someone else. The document is a thorough blueprint for how, exactly, to carry out such a vision, through recommendations for key White House staff, cabinet positions, Congress, federal agencies, commissions and boards. The plan goes so far as to outline a vetting process for appointing and hiring the right people in every level of government to carry out this vision. 

The opening essay of the plan, written by Heritage Project President Kevin D. Roberts, succinctly summarizes the goal of Project 2025: a promise to make America a conservative nation. To do so, the next presidential administration should focus on four “broad fronts that will decide America’s future.”

Those four fronts include:

• Restore the family as the centerpiece of American life and protect our children.
• Dismantle the administrative state and return self-governance to the American people.
• Defend our nation’s sovereignty, borders, and bounty against global threats.
• Secure our God-given individual rights to live freely—what our Constitution calls “the Blessings of Liberty.”

The rest of the document sketches out, in detail, how the next Republican administration can execute their goals on these four fronts. That includes comprehensive outlines on what the White House and every single federal agency should do to overhaul its goals and day-to-day operations — from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Defense, Small Business Administration and Financial Regulatory Agencies. Every sector of the executive branch has a detailed plan in Project 2025 that explains how it can carry out an ultra-conservative agenda. 

Project 2025 is supported by the same right-wing groups bringing dozens of anti-democracy lawsuits that will impact the outcome of this year’s election.

Democracy Docket is the only news outlet tracking and reporting on these cases — sign up for our free daily and weekly newsletters to get the latest updates sent straight to your inbox.

Why should we be worried about Project 2025?

As The New Republic notes , Project 2025 is “a remarkably detailed guide to turning the United States into a fascist’s paradise.” The primary document of Project 2025, the magazine explains, lays out what is essentially a “Christian nationalist vision of the United States, one in which married heterosexuality is the only valid form of sexual expression and identity; all pregnancies would be carried to term, even if that requires coercion or death; and transgender and gender-nonconforming people do not exist.”

It’s a terrifying vision of what American life could look like, but what’s most concerning about Project 2025 is its playbook for the first 180 days of a hypothetical second Trump term. “The time is short, and conservatives need a plan,” the playbook states. “The project will create a playbook of actions to be taken in the first 180 days of the new Administration to bring quick relief to Americans suffering from the Left’s devastating policies.”

Among the numerous troubling suggestions laid out in the playbook is a detailed plan to essentially purge the federal workforce of tens of thousands of workers in favor of hiring ones who will adhere to the conservative principles of Project 2025. Paul Dans, a former Trump administration official who’s director of Project 2025’s Presidential Transition Project, told the Associated Press the 180 day transition plan is a “clarion call to come to Washington… People need to lay down their tools, and step aside from their professional life and say, ‘This is my lifetime moment to serve.’”

Much of the 180-Day Playbook reads like a cult’s recruiting pamphlet, explaining how department and agency heads should be vetting potential candidates. “This book is functionally an invitation for you the reader—Mr. Smith, Mrs. Smith, and Ms. Smith—to come to Washington or support those who can,” Dans writes in the intro to the Playbook . “Our goal is to assemble an army of aligned, vetted, trained, and prepared conservatives to go to work on Day One to deconstruct the Administrative State.”

Who’s behind Project 2025?

Project 2025 is the brainchild of The Heritage Foundation , the 50-year-old conservative think tank that’s among the most influential right-wing organizations in the country. 

In its nearly half century of existence, The Heritage Foundation has used its resources, influence and money to push its conservative agenda in just about every facet of American life: anti-abortion advocacy , voter suppression , anti-climate policies , and anti-LGBTQ advocacy . 

Though The Heritage Foundation organized Project 2025 , the initiative is actually a coalition made up of more than 100 right-wing groups, including notorious groups like America First Legal , the Public Interest Legal Foundation and Moms For Liberty . According to NBC News , a huge web of right-wing dark money groups connected to Project 2025, led by the Leonard Leo-connected Donors Trust, has seen a large bump in donations since the project was announced. 

The chapters in the Project 2025 plan and 180-Day Playbook were written by “more than 400 scholars and policy experts from across the conservative movement and around the country,” the group says. That includes former Trump administration officials and notable right-wing figures, like former Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller , former Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Ken Cuccinelli , and Peter Navarro , a former top trade advisor to Trump.

Read the full 2025 Project plan here.