<p>What is the deal with UT's essay questions? (and why can't they just let us choose what to write about??) The first one is the typical "Describe a significant setback, challenge or opportunity in your life and the impact that it has had on you."</p>
<p>but the second one is so random and stupid!: </p>
<p>"Many students expand their view of the world during their time in college. Such growth often results from encounters between students who have lived different cultural, economic, or academic experiences. With your future growth in mind, describe a potential classmate that you believe you could learn from either within or outside a formal classroom environment."</p>
<p>what the hell?? what are they talking about?</p>
<p>is there any way around this? like can you send your common app personal essay instead?</p>
<p>lol. yea. i hated that topic first too when i saw it last march. after i started writing though, it's not so bad.
i think it's just a way to make you examine yourself closely...your personalities, experiences, beliefs, etc..then think about how you can improve yourself in some way. finally create a imaginary (or realistic) person who possess those or some of those qualities that you'd like to have someday.
this is just one way of interpreting the topic. there are plenty more. good luck!</p>
<p>Last year, my S wrote about the economically disadvantaged kids at his school who were on work/study program. He said that they had to overcome so much to attend and excel academically, and that he admired them for wanting, and sacrificing for, a good education. He said that he learned so much from watching them and that they spurred on the more economically advantaged kids by their drive and ambition. Blah, de Blah, etc. It was well written and more eloquent than I have summarized, but you get the idea. Be politically correct and you have the right theme.</p>
<p>theres no way of just sending in an essay on a different topic instead is there? i already wrote a good one for the common app (chose my own topic, but its about writing so it doesnt really cover either UT topic) and i really wish i could just give them that, at least for one of the essays...</p>
<p>hilary....if your in the top 10%....you dont need to worry about it....if your not.....i dont recommend not doing what is required for the application</p>
<p>Are the two essays required for admissions also used for financial aid? I noticed financial aid requires the same two prompts (among other things). Could I write one essay for admissions about Prompt A and write a different one for the same Prompt A but for financial aid? I don't want to blow off the admissions essay if they are used for finaid.</p>
<p>I wrote my essay on attending my sister's graduation at UT, and how she influenced me. I talked how great it was to have an 'opportunity' to attend the graduation, etc</p>
<p>They've been using that hardship question and that unique student question for years, haven't they? I saw it on past apps, from '02. One of the admissions advisors says everyone hates the Common App essay questions, lol. The good news is that they're usually not deal-breakers unless you're weak in other areas. Just write standard and coherent English essays and you'll be fine; that was his advice.</p>