Hello, I am applying to UT Austin this month, and I have the two required essays done but not the “optional” one. I was planning on writing it, but I just can’t find any inspiration or motivation to write it. Everything I write down seems like it would hurt my app rather than help it, and the December 1 deadline is getting closer.
I feel like I am a strong applicant, but I want my app to be as strong as it can be, especially because I’m OOS. Would turning in the optional essay improve my chances?
Everything I’ve read about colleges, says that optional means “do it.” It’s a way of differentiating those who don’t take the extra step. But, that could be wrong, of course. I would say “when in doubt, write it out.”
You might look at the whole application, including the essays and detailed resume, and ask yourself or your family members / teachers / counselor if this looks like a complete, consistent and creative total body of work that represents you as a person, student, athlete, etc. What is the story of YOU. If you feel it is sufficient and concise, without unnecessary repetition…then feel confident you are putting your best foot forward.
Only 10% of the incoming class will comprise OOS and international students–no more. UT is unique in this way vs other top state flagships. Does your application adequately express the YOU that gives Texas an opportunity to see how you bring something valuable and unique to the 2021 class?
If you aren’t feeling inspired to write a third essay, and with the deadline coming up soon, I wouldn’t worry about it. It isn’t like you get any bonus points or anything for submitting an additional essay. It is simply an opportunity for you to introduce a different perspective into your application.
Nope. Personal Achievement is a single score taking the totality of your application portfolio. They are basically asking, how much do we want this student, on a scale of 1-6. Essays and the PAI used to be scored separately on scales of 1-6 with the scores averaged together. Now, it is just one score, more or less.