texas a&m supplemental essays 2024

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How to Respond to the 2024-2025 Texas A&M University Essay Prompts

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Texas A&M is located in warm and sunny College Station, Texas. If you are set on becoming an “Aggie,” then crafting winning responses to the Texas A&M supplemental essays will help your application stand out from all other applicants. Keep reading our guide to learn how to best respond to the Texas A&M prompts! 

Breaking down the Texas A&M supplemental essay prompts

The Texas A&M supplemental essays may seem overwhelming at first. There is one optional prompt as well as a prompt just for engineering majors. So, be sure to know which prompts to respond to. 

Here is a breakdown of the Texas A&M prompts : 

• Essay Prompt 1

Short answer #1

Short answer #2.

• Short answer #3 (optional) 
• Prompt for College of Engineering only 

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

This prompt is an extremely open-ended and broad question. Therefore, you can take this as an opportunity to elaborate on anything you are proud of that was not included in your Common Application or Coalition Application . 

To begin, you should create a list to brainstorm ideas. Write down the most impactful opportunities and challenges that you encountered while in high school. Once you have narrowed down your list to two or three  of the most important and influential events, it is time to write your response! 

The important thing to do when responding to this prompt is not to just simply state the events but expand on the “why” of your prompt. 

Think about the following questions to help expand upon the prompt : 

• Why is it important to share these experiences? 
• What did you learn from this experience? 
• Did you grow from this event? 
• Why were you proud of yourself during this experience? 
• How has this experience shaped you into the person you are today? 

Whatever you write, be sure that you are telling your story. You want to be truthful and true to yourself and your interests. Being authentic will help the Texas A&M admissions officers see just how unique you are.

One important thing to remember throughout your response is that you are not just listing facts and details. Rather, you should weave together your thoughts in an organized and easy-flowing way. Your perspective and interpretation of the events that quite literally changed your life is what the admissions officers are looking for. 

Before submitting your answer to this prompt be sure to ask yourself these questions : 

• Does this prompt tell a story about opportunities or challenges you face while at high school? 
• Is this prompt response told in an organized way? 
• Did you show how your experience shaped who you are today? 

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Short answer section.

With a 10 to 250 word limit , these are true “short answer” questions. Therefore, be sure to stay short and sweet with your answers! Your response can be anywhere from a few sentences to a few paragraphs .

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

This is an extremely broad question. Therefore, try to narrow down your most influential life event. 

Consider the following questions when brainstorming for this prompt’s response:

• What challenges have you faced that have changed your life? 
• How have you overcome obstacles in your life? 
• What are your most dominant traits?
• How are you prepared to become successful in college? 
• What do you want to do in the future? 
• What skills have you developed over the years? 
• How will you thrive at Texas A&M? 
• Who has helped you through your academic and social journey in high school?

Once you have narrowed down to your most influential life event, you should then describe this event in a narrative way. After describing said event, detail how it has impacted you. What have you learned that will make your college experience more successful?

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

Right after reading this prompt, someone popped into your mind. Who was it? However, if you are not content with this person try brainstorming impactful people in your life. 

Think about the following to help you brainstorm people: 

• Family members
• Celebrities
• Historical figures

Once you have determined who has had the greatest impact on your life, describe them and your relationship with them. Are they a friend? Did you read their book every night? Are they still alive? Once you have introduced this person and your relationship to them, highlight how they impacted your life. 

Questions to consider: 

• Did this person teach you anything? 
• Would you be the person you are today without this person’s influence? 
• How exactly was this person impactful in your life? 

Short answer #3

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.

This question is completely optional, so therefore, do not feel pressured to answer. Only answer this question if you have suffered academic or other types of hardships from COVID. 

Make sure you are not repeating anything that you have already written about in your application. This prompt is the opportunity to elaborate on circumstances that may have affected your grades, clubs, or anything else found on your application. 

If you choose to respond to this prompt, make sure that you are divulging the full truth. Do not beat around the bush and be specific with facts.  Explain any COVID-related hardships you may have experienced and how they negatively affected you. 

Engineering majors only 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? It is important to spend time addressing this question as it will be considered as part of the engineering review process. If you have chosen an engineering major for both your first and second choice majors, you will see the same question twice and may provide the same response to both questions.

Ultimately this question asks you to narrow down your engineering goals for a better understanding of you as an engineering student. Think about which field of engineering you specifically want to pursue and then think about what future goals you have for yourself. 

Consider the following questions:

• What career do you see yourself thriving in? 
• Why do you want to pursue this field? 
• What has influenced you to fulfill these goals? 
• Do you have any figures you look up to in this field? 
• How will your interests and talents be put to use in this field? 

After addressing the answers to a few of these questions, it is then important to address any experience you have had in this engineering field. 

Consider the following questions: 

• How did you become interested in this field? (YouTube video, teacher, parent, etc.) 
• Were you in any engineering or related clubs in high school? 
• Have you volunteered anywhere in the engineering community? 

Lastly, you should tie your response back to Texas A&M. 

Think about the following questions to help you tie your response back to Texas A&M

• What resources does Texas A&M have to help you reach your future and career goals?
• Are there any organizations you are looking to join?
• What specific classes are you excited to take? (Use the actual names of these classes!) 
• How will Texas A&M help you better than other schools? 

Final thoughts on the Texas A&M supplemental essays

The Texas A&M supplemental essays might seem a little daunting at first. However, there is no need to worry if you read every prompt carefully and outline your responses prior to writing. This will help you narrow down what to discuss in your prompt responses.

The most important thing is to be authentically you. Texas A&M is looking for unique, creative, and ambitious students to join their incoming freshman class to become part of their Aggie community. So, just be yourself!

Once you complete your Texas A&M supplemental essays, be sure to check over your writing for any mistakes and that you are answering the questions completely. Best of luck on your academic journey, and make sure that you apply for all the scholarships you qualify for!

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Additional resources

At Scholarships360, we offer free college admissions information at your fingertips. We understand that the college admissions process is challenging, and have tried our best to provide resources that can help you. 

Check out our following guides to help you navigate through college admissions: 

• How to write a 500 word essay
• How to answer the Common App Essay Prompts
• How to write an essay about yourself

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Texas A&M Supplemental Essays 2023-24

Texas a&m supplemental essays 2023-24.

If you’re thinking about how to get into Texas A&M, you’ve probably come across the Texas A&M supplemental essays. Texas A&M is one of the top public universities in the country (currently ranked #20 by U.S. News). As such, the Texas A&M application is comprehensive, requiring students to respond to multiple Texas A&M essay prompts. The Texas A&M admissions essays are a critical part of your application narrative. The prompts allow you to provide valuable information to Admissions about why you would be a good candidate for admission.

Writing strong responses to the Texas A&M admissions essays can be tough. Throughout this article, you’ll find tips for how to respond to each of the Texas A&M supplemental essays. This includes specific details about each of the Texas A&M essay questions and things to keep in mind when writing. We’ll also discuss what the Texas A&M admissions committee is looking for when it comes to reviewing these essays. And finally, we talk more generally about how to get into Texas A&M beyond just the Texas A&M supplemental essays. We’ll give you key information about application deadlines and other Texas A&M admission requirements.

Ready to learn more about the Texas A&M admissions essays? Let’s dive in! 

Texas A&M Admission Requirements Quick Facts:

Texas a&m admission requirements: quick facts.

• Texas A&M Acceptance Rate: 63% – U.S. News rates Texas A&M as a more selective school.
• One long essay (max. 750 words)
• Two short answer questions (max. 250 words each)
• One Optional Essay (max. 250 words)
• Common Application
• Engineering Early Action Deadline: October 15th
• Regular Decision Deadline: December 1st
• Texas A&M Essay Tip: Start Early! There are many Texas A&M supplemental essays to complete for the Texas A&M admission requirements. The more time you give yourself to work on them, the better your essays will be.

Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.

How many essays does Texas A&M require?

For the 2023-2024 application cycle, there are three required Texas A&M admissions essays. In addition to the required essays, the Texas A&M essay prompts include one optional question. Students may answer if they feel the prompt is relevant to their life experience.

We will go into more detail with each of the Texas A&M essay prompts later on in this article. And, we’ll offer specific tips for how to answer each of the different Texas A&M essay prompts. 

How long do the essays for Texas A&M have to be?

Each of the Texas A&M essay prompts has a certain maximum word count that you must stay within. The first of the Texas A&M essay prompts has a maximum word count of 750 words. This means that your response to this Texas A&M essay should be absolutely no longer than 750 words. You don’t need to get as close to 750 words as possible in your long Texas A&M essay. However, you should also not submit a Texas A&M essay that is too short either. About 600-750 words is a good length to shoot for in this Texas A&M essay.

The shorter Texas A&M admissions essays have more strict word counts. Responses to these Texas A&M supplemental essays should not be more than 250 words. For these shorter Texas A&M essays, using as much of the word count as possible is beneficial. At the same time, make sure the words you use have purpose in providing new and relevant information. When writing a personal essay for college, be sure to pay close attention to maximum word counts.

Texas A&M Essay Prompt – Tell your story

Texas a&m university essay prompt #1, tell us your story. what unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today.

The first of the Texas A&M supplemental essays asks students to share some opportunities or obstacles that they’ve faced. The purpose of this Texas A&M essay is to help the admissions committee learn more about the writer’s resilience. They want to see how they behave in the face of adversity, specifically during their high school years. While exciting, college represents a significant challenge in a student’s life. The Texas A&M supplemental essays provide students the opportunity to demonstrate how they have overcome challenges in their lives.

Brainstorming Ideas

The most important step in writing the Texas A&M supplemental essays is the brainstorming phase. Start by coming up with a list of challenges you have faced in your life. Then determine which one or two topics you want to focus on for your Texas A&M supplemental essays.

It can be very tempting to write your Texas A&M essays about all of the challenges you have faced. But in fact, it is better to focus on one or two specific examples. That way you can provide more engaging details and evidence about the moments you choose. And, you can avoid simply recycling information from the rest of your application. 

Connecting to Character Traits

Here’s another helpful way to brainstorm for your Texas A&M essays. Think of three character traits you would like for your Texas A&M admissions essays to say about you. Then, use the challenges you thought of earlier to illustrate those characteristics.

For example, maybe you would like to demonstrate strong leadership qualities in your Texas A&M essays. So, you may describe how, despite setbacks, you put on a successful school dance as head of the prom committee. Or maybe you want your Texas A&M supplemental essays to showcase your interest in community service. In that case, you may write about how you organized a fundraiser after a natural disaster struck your neighborhood. 

Telling a Story

So, you’ve determined what you want to write about in your Texas A&M essay. Now you need to think about how you want to tell the story of these challenges to your reader. Remember that your reader does not know you or your background outside of what you write in your Texas A&M essays. Be sure to pick the details that are most relevant to write about.

Make sure the focus of your Texas A&M essays is on you and what you felt and accomplished.

Avoid simply listing facts that your reader can find elsewhere in your application. Instead, think about showing the reader your character through the actions you describe.

Texas A&M Essay Prompt #2 – Life Event

Texas a&m university essay prompt #2, describe a life event which you feel has prepared you to be successful in college..

The second of the Texas A&M supplemental essays asks students to reflect on a single life event. Specifically, one that has helped them to prepare for and be successful in college. This event can be anything you want it to be. However, make sure it’s a different experience than the one you wrote about in the other Texas A&M essays. This event should also demonstrate your college readiness by showcasing your maturity, academic skills, leadership, or resilience. 

As with the other Texas A&M admissions essays, your writing should focus on one defining event. Remember, this is one of the Texas A&M essays with a more limited word count. So, be sure to focus on telling a specific story of the specific moment in your life. You want your reader to feel like they’re experiencing the life event with you, so illustrate your points with vivid information.

Concurrently, use the details to illustrate the larger point that you would be a good fit for Texas A&M. No matter what the prompt for a personal essay for college actually says, they’re all asking “are you a good fit?” Each of your Texas A&M admissions essays should provide the reasons why you deserve admission to Texas A&M.

Choosing a topic for your Texas A&M essay

Deciding your topic for your Texas A&M supplemental essays is your first hurdle. For your Texas A&M essays, it is important to choose a moment that is personal and meaningful to you. With open-ended Texas A&M essay prompts, it’s tempting to write about what you think the admissions committee will find impressive. However, it’s always better to write about your authentic interests and let your true character shine through in your writing.

There is no specific formula for choosing your topic for the Texas A&M supplemental essays. Just make sure your topic is new and has not been discussed already in other parts of your application. And make sure you are writing about your passions in your Texas A&M supplemental essays.

Any experience can be compelling, so long as you make it clear why you’ve chosen to discuss it. For example, you may describe how an improv comedy show going badly wrong taught you how to handle adversity, think on your feet, and use creativity in a difficult situation.

Still need help coming up with a topic for your Texas A&M supplemental essays? Check out this webinar or this article for additional resources.

Texas A&M Essay Prompt #3 – Impactful Person

Texas a&m university essay prompt # 3, tell us about the person who has most impacted your life and why..

This is arguably the hardest of the required Texas A&M essay prompts. That’s because it asks students to write about a topic other than themselves. The Texas A&M supplemental essays are all about getting to know the applicants on a more personal level. However, this is not easy to do when you’re writing about someone else. Therefore, it is important to both answer the prompt while keeping the focus on you.

The first step to writing this essay is choosing the person that it is going to be about. This is not about finding the most famous or well-recognized person you know. It’s about examining your life and identifying those who have genuinely pushed you to be the best version of yourself. You also want this person to have impacted your life recently so you can show details from your high school years. Or, if they are from your childhood, show how their influence has stayed with you during your high school years.

Let’s say you’ve found the person you will write about. Think about what you need your reader to know about this person in order to understand who they are. Remember that you have limited space in your Texas A&M supplemental essays. Avoid using too much of it simply describing who your person is. The central focus of your Texas A&M essays should be on you, the applicant. So, your job is twofold. Describe the person who has most impacted your life in your Texas A&M essays. Then, focus on what you learned from them and how you’ve used their influence in your academics, extracurriculars, or school community. 

How do I write the Texas A&M essay?

The Texas A&M supplemental essays will take time to complete. So, the best advice we have is to start your Texas A&M essays early. The Common App opens on August 1st, which is also when the Texas A&M essay prompts become visible. It’s never too early to start planning your responses to the Texas A&M essays! Often picking the topics for your Texas A&M essays can be the most difficult part of the process. Give yourself plenty of time to choose what your Texas A&M supplemental essays will be about.

We also recommend writing multiple drafts of your Texas A&M supplemental essays. And, it’s beneficial to seek help from others throughout the writing process from a teacher, parent, or college advisor. Sharing your Texas A&M essays can help you clarify your ideas and improve the grammar of your writing. And, a trusted editor may catch errors you did not see or offer insights you had not previously thought of. For additional tips and help on writing college essays, check out tips for writing better essays!

Optional Texas A&M Essay

Texas a&m university optional essay prompt, 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..

In addition to the required Texas A&M supplemental essays, there is also an optional Texas A&M essay. This is the most open-ended of the Texas A&M essay prompts. It asks students to describe any challenges they have faced, particularly those which may have negatively impacted their academic performance. This is the only one of the Texas A&M supplemental essays that is optional. However, it could still be well worth writing for many students.

The optional prompt for the Texas A&M essays is a great place to explain worrisome aspects of your application. Here, you can address any potential red flags directly with the admissions committee. Perhaps your extracurricular resume is not as strong as those of other applicants. But, that’s because you need to spend time after school taking care of younger siblings while your parents work late. Or, perhaps your grades dipped towards the C-range for a semester while you were dealing with a close personal loss.

This optional choice in the Texas A&M essay prompts gives you the opportunity to provide context. Providing details regarding these unflattering parts of your application can only benefit you. Don’t hesitate to show Texas A&M Admissions why they should still consider you for admission despite these facts.

Is this optional essay really optional?

Many students wonder whether the optional Texas A&M essay is truly optional. We recommend that you complete all the required Texas A&M supplemental essays and also the optional essay if you have a personal challenge that applies to the prompt. Do the optional essay only after you have finished all of the other required Texas A&M supplemental essays. Starting with these essays ensures you are prioritizing the Texas A&M admissions essays that are required for your application. The optional Texas A&M essay can be a helpful addition to your other Texas A&M essays. Especially if you have some extenuating circumstances that affect other areas of your application. 

So yes, the last of the Texas A&M essay prompts is truly optional. But, responding to this prompt is a good way to communicate additional details about your personal situation to the admissions committee. Completing all the Texas A&M essay prompts not only shows the school that you are a hard worker. It can also help them get to know you better and explain any anomalies in your otherwise stellar application.

Are the Texas A&M supplemental essays important?

The Texas A&M supplemental essays are an important part of your Texas A&M admissions application . Your Texas A&M essays are your only opportunity to give Admissions information beyond your grades and extracurricular activities. The Texas A&M essays also provide important information to the admissions committee about your readiness for college. And whether you would be a good fit for the culture of Texas A&M.

Strong responses to the Texas A&M supplemental essays can help increase your chances of admission to Texas A&M. These Texas A&M admissions essays are your golden opportunity to stand out from the rest of the applicants. Plan to spend ample time on your Texas A&M supplemental essays. They’ll likely be the most time-consuming portion of crafting your application.

When are essays for Texas A&M applications due?

Students need to submit their Texas A&M supplemental essays by December 1st. So, be sure to satisfy all of the Texas A&M admissions requirements ahead of the deadline. The deadline is different for students applying for the Early Admission Deadline for the College of Engineering. If that’s you, your Texas A&M admissions essays must be in by October 15th. For more information about the timeline and deadlines for your application, check out their admissions website !

Five Tips for Writing the Texas A&M Essays

Texas a&m university essay writing tips, 1. start early.

Because there are so many Texas A&M supplemental essays, get started on them as early as possible. This is especially true if you want to complete all of the Texas A&M essay prompts, including the optional one. You’re probably not going to put all of your best ideas into your first draft of the Texas A&M supplemental essays. Setting aside time for multiple drafts will help strengthen the writing of your Texas A&M admissions essays. 

2. Brainstorm ideas before writing

The Texas A&M admissions essays require personal reflection and thought to answer effectively. Because of this, take time to write down some of the most important events and people in your life. That way, you have a bank of topics from which to pull for your Texas A&M supplemental essays. (And you can choose the very best ones to answer the Texas A&M essay prompts). The Texas A&M essays are not long enough to capture every one of your unique life experiences and qualities. Choosing a few to focus on will help streamline your essays!

3. Show, don’t tell

Following this guideline can strengthen not only your Texas A&M admissions essays but also your writing in general. The idea is to use relevant examples to demonstrate the qualities showcased in your Texas A&M essays. These stories are powerful tools because they do two things. One, they help your reader see the kind of person you’ve become. Two, they provide perspective into the kind of student you would be at Texas A&M.

4. It’s all in the details 

This tip is related to the last, because no personal essay for college would be complete without vivid, specific details. These details help separate your essay from the crowd and allow the reader to transport themselves into your memories. The more descriptive and specific your language, the better your message will come across to your readers. Avoid stringing together several different stories with only surface-level descriptions for each one. When responding to the Texas A&M essay prompts, use as much descriptive language as possible!  

5. Ask for help

The Texas A&M supplemental essays are not easy. Writing college essays is a skill and is very different from writing a paper for class. So, it can be helpful to have some other people that you trust edit and review your essay. They might even catch mistakes in your Texas A&M supplemental essays or see improvements that you would not have considered. Just make sure that anyone you ask for help is not writing the Texas A&M supplemental essays for you! Admissions officers are trained to look for essays written by parents or siblings. Nothing someone else writes will come close to the power of your original, authentic voice.

Texas A&M Supplemental Essays – Final Takeaways

The Texas A&M essays are one of the most difficult parts of the Texas A&M admission requirements. However, with the proper preparation and guidance, anyone can write strong responses to the Texas A&M essay prompts. Any personal essay for college is important. So be sure to put your best foot forward in your Texas A&M supplemental essays. 

We at CollegeAdvisor are here to help you with your Texas A&M admissions essays. Our advisor network includes Texas A&M graduates who have personal experience with writing Texas A&M essays. By signing up for a CollegeAdvisor.com account, you get access to individual coaching for your personal essay for college. (And help from admissions experts and our Essay Editing team!) To register for an account and get help with your Texas A&M supplemental essays, click here .

This essay guide was written by senior advisor, Alex Baggott-Rowe . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Mastering the Texas A&M University Supplemental Essays 2024

Applying to Texas A&M University comes with its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. One of the most critical components of the application is the supplemental essays. In this blog post, we will guide you through the specific essay prompts for Texas A&M University and provide insights on how to effectively approach each one.

Overview of Texas A&M Supplemental Essay Prompts

Texas A&M University requires applicants to respond to three mandatory essay prompts along with an optional essay. Here's what the prompts look like:

Prompt 1 (750 words): Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?

Prompt 2 (250 words): Describe a life event which you feel has prepared you to be successful in college.

Prompt 3 (250 words): Tell us about the person who has most impacted your life and why.

Optional Prompt (250 words): 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.

Let's dive deeper into how you can approach each supplemental essay to make your application stand out.

Essay 1: Tell us your story (750 words)

This is your opportunity to let Texas A&M know about the experiences that have defined your high school career. Reflect on significant moments, challenges, or opportunities that have shaped your identity, interests, and ambitions.

Be Authentic: Admissions officers appreciate authenticity. Share real stories and express genuine emotions. Sups AI is a fantastic resource to help you brainstorm ideas and refine your narrative. Their one-on-one chats with current students can provide you with diverse perspectives and valuable feedback.

Show Growth: Highlight how you've evolved over your high school years. This could be related to academics, extracurricular activities, personal challenges, or any experiences that contributed to your growth.

Link Back to Texas A&M: Connect your story to how Texas A&M can help you continue your growth. Mention specific programs, resources, or communities within the university that resonate with your journey.

Essay 2: A life event that prepared you for college (250 words)

This essay is an opportunity to showcase resilience and preparedness for college life. Think back to a key event that taught you valuable lessons or skills applicable to a college setting.

Be Specific: Describe the event in detail and focus on the outcomes and lessons learned.

Highlight Personal Qualities: Emphasize traits like adaptability, leadership, and perseverance.

Use Sups AI: Utilize Sups AI to receive tailored feedback on your essay. Their platform has successfully helped over 10,000 students get admitted to top schools across the US.

Essay 3: The person who has impacted your life (250 words)

For this essay, think about the person who has had a significant influence on you. This can be a family member, teacher, coach, or even a friend.

Focus on Influence: Detail how this person's actions, words, or traits have impacted you. Don’t just list their qualities but link them to your own growth and development.

Personal Connection: Make the connection personal and specific to ensure your essay stands out. Consult the experts at Sups AI to help articulate this connection clearly and compellingly.

Optional Essay: Additional challenges or opportunities (250 words)

Use this space wisely to discuss any additional circumstances that have impacted your academic performance or personal life. This is especially important if you have COVID-related experiences to share.

Be Honest: Transparency is key. Explain the situation and how you've managed it.

Show Resilience: Highlight how these experiences have made you stronger or more determined.

Seek Feedback: Sups AI can offer invaluable advice on how to present these experiences effectively, ensuring that your essay is honest and impactful.

Writing the Texas A&M University supplemental essays can seem daunting, but with careful planning and the right approach, you can craft compelling essays that highlight your strengths and fit for the university. Remember, Sups AI is here to help you every step of the way, offering personalized guidance and insights to ensure your application stands out. Embrace this opportunity to share your unique story, and good luck with your application!

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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.
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Essay Prompts for UT Austin and Texas A&M, Fall 2024

You probably know that ApplyTexas A (the large essay) is required by A&M and UT, but both universities also have supplemental essays for 2024 applicants (this is you, rising seniors!). While UT Austin lists these prompts on their website, A&M has them a bit hidden away, so many students might not even know they need to prepare these essays. Here are all of the required essays needed for UT or A&M (minus any Honors/major-specific essays). Happy writing!

UT Austin Short Responses (250-300 words each):

1. Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?

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.

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: Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance. (This one truly is optional; think of it like the additional info section on the Common App and only use the space if you need to!)

Texas A&M Short Answers:

1. Describe a life event which you feel has prepared you to be successful in college. (Few sentences to a couple of paragraphs)

2. Tell us about a person who has most impacted your life and why. (Few sentences to a couple of paragraphs)

NOTE: Engineering applicants also have an additional engineering-specific short response: 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?

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Apply as a Freshman

At Texas A&M University, we foster lifelong success with a premiere multidisciplinary education and academic support programs. And with more than 140 undergraduate programs  offered at several locations , you have many options for beginning your college career. If you’re considering joining us as a freshman, view our application information to get started.

Freshman applicants are current high school students (with or without college credits) or high school graduates who haven’t earned any college credits since high school graduation.

Freshman Admission Cycles

If you’re applying as a freshman to Texas A&M, find the dates when you can apply for each semester and location.

College Station

College station spring 2025 the application period is aug. 1, 2024 - oct. 15, 2024, college station fall 2025 the application period is aug. 1, 2024 – dec. 1, 2024.

All additional required documents are due by Dec. 15, 2024.

If the application deadline falls on a weekend, the Common Application and ApplyTexas will remain open until 11:59 p.m. CST on the following Monday. Required documents will be accepted until 5 p.m. CST on that Monday.

College Station Early Action Engineering Deadline (Fall 2025) The application deadline is Oct. 15, 2024

Applicants who apply to the College of Engineering and have a complete admission file by the Early Action Deadline of Oct. 15, 2024, will receive a communication regarding their admission decision by mid-December for fall 2024. The communication will notify the student of admission or deferral to the standard decision timeline.

Please apply early to allow time to complete your entire application file by the deadline. On average, it takes three to five business days from the time your application is successfully submitted to receive the communication from Texas A&M University that is needed to link your self-reported academic record. Applicants who apply on or just before the Early Action Deadline will likely not meet the deadline.

Galveston Spring 2025 The application period is Aug. 1, 2024 – Dec. 1, 2024

Spring application dates differ for incoming international freshmen.

NOTE: On average, it takes three to five business days from the time your application is successfully submitted for Texas A&M to receive it. Monitor your email address that you provided on the application for the Application Acknowledgement communication.

Galveston Fall 2025 The application period is Aug 1, 2024 - May 1, 2025

The application deadline for fall is May 1, 2025.

All other required documents will be accepted through May 15, 2025.

Higher Education Center at McAllen

Higher education center at mcallen spring 2025 the application period is aug 1, 2024 - october 14, 2024, higher education center at mcallen fall 2025 the application period is aug 1, 2024 - march 1, 2025, application materials for freshman applicants, required online application.

Prospective students can submit their applications through Common App or ApplyTexas. The application you choose will not affect your admission decision.

Processing Time

On average, it takes three to five business days from the time your application is successfully submitted for Texas A&M to receive it. Monitor the email address that you provided on the application for the application acknowledgment communication.

Required Application Fee

A $75 nonrefundable application fee is required to complete your application. The application fee can be paid online through Common App or ApplyTexas, or by calling 979-458-5155.

See the “application fee” section of our undergraduate document submission page to learn about fee waivers.

Required Essay

Submit at least one essay with your application. You can submit your essay as part of your application or upload it to the Applicant Information System .

This is your chance to set yourself apart from other applicants. Texas A&M cares about more than your grades and scores; we want to know what makes you you!

See essay tips on our college readiness resources page .

Required Self-Reported Academic Record

A self-reported academic record replaces high school transcripts during the initial admission process in most cases.

Circumstantial Other Materials to Include with your Application

In some circumstances, you may need to submit a high school transcript or an official GED transcript.

Depending on your residency status, you may need to submit additional documents.

You can also choose to submit official test scores, a résumé and up to two letters of recommendation.

Choose Which Location You Want to Attend

Admission deadlines and processes can vary depending on which campus you are applying to. Explore our locations and the application information for each one.

College Station, Texas

Texas A&M University’s main campus in College Station is located in the heart of the Houston-Dallas-Austin triangle. Here, you’ll build lasting relationships with friends and professors. You’ll also find out about the traditions that bind all Aggies together and make this university so special. Not only that, you’ll receive a top-quality education that will prepare you for any career path you choose.

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McAllen, Texas

One of our newest facilities is the Higher Education Center at McAllen, which opened in fall 2018. The center serves students in the Rio Grande Valley by providing access to top-tier academic programs close to home. Degree programs range from agricultural economics and engineering to public health and construction science.

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Galveston, Texas

Texas A&M University at Galveston, known as the island campus, is leading the development of the blue economy in the Gulf of Mexico. This branch campus offers a unique blend of marine and maritime programs, including majors in science, business, engineering, liberal arts and transportation.

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Doha, Qatar

Texas A&M University at Qatar is our branch campus in Doha, Qatar. The university offers six undergraduate degrees — including Bachelor of Science degrees in several engineering concentrations — and a graduate program. Courses are taught in English in a coeducational setting.

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Finding Out if You're Admitted

We begin making admissions decisions in late September. See the “What happens after I apply?” section of our freshman application page to learn about tracking your application status or about admission decision appeals.

Connect with an Advisor

Texas A&M University offers prospective students their own advisors, specific to where they call home. If you have questions about the application and admissions process, connect with the advisor closest to you.

Essays & Short Answers

Summer/Fall 2025 Essay

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Please keep your essay between 500–650 words (typically two to three paragraphs).

Spring 2025 Essays

All freshman Spring 2025 applicants must submit Topic A in ApplyTexas.

Please keep your essay between 500–700 words (typically two to three paragraphs).

Spring 2025 Essay Topic

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

Submitting Your Essay

You can submit your essays:

• In conjunction with your application.
• Using the Document Upload System in MyStatus.

*Students do not need to submit other Common App essays. We’ll only review what is required.

Short Answers

Submit the required short answers to prompts in your admission application. Answers are limited to no more than 40 lines, or about 250–300 words per prompt, typically the length of one paragraph.

Summer/Fall 2025 Prompts

• Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?
• Think of all the activities — both in and outside of school — that you have been involved with during high school. Which one are you most proud of and why? ( Guidance for student s: This can include an extracurricular activity, a club/organization, volunteer activity, work or a family responsibility.)

Optional Short Answer

Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance.

Spring 2025 Prompts

• 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.
• 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.

Submitting Your Short Answers

You can submit your short answers with either your Common App or Apply Texas application. Short answer responses must be completed in order to submit your application.

Transfer applicants must submit one essay responding to Topic A. Applicants to the School of Architecture are required to upload Topic D in addition to Topic A. 

Essay Topics

Topic a (required).

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/college or a record of your participation in school-related activities. Rather, this is your opportunity to address the admission committee directly and to let us know more about you as an individual, in a manner that your transcripts and the other application information cannot convey.

Topic D (School of Architecture majors only)

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, 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?

Submitting Your Essay(s)

Texas A&M Class of 2029 Admission Cycle

Will the 2024-2025 TAMU application have the short/supplemental essay prompts in addition to the Common App essay? If so, what are the short essay prompts? (I know the Common App prompt stayed the same, not sure about the short/supplemental ones. The TAMU admission website mentions the Common App essay, but I can’t find anything about the short essays for the 2024/2025 cycle).

By way of background, when my daughter applied in 2023, she submitted responses to the 4 essay prompts below:

Prompt 1: (Common App) Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today? (750 words)

Prompt 2: Describe a life event which you feel has prepared you to be successful in college. (250 words)

Prompt 3: Tell us about the person who has most impacted your life and why. (250 words)

Prompt 4 (optional): 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)

Prompts should be the same. They may add one or two.

@FriscoDad - A friend’s son just learned he got a 1330 on the SAT. She’s asked for the stats/data on SAT scores for TAMU engineering admission. Do you happen to have that handy? (He won’t be in the top 10% but is a solid student at a non-ranking private HS in Texas.)

Overall I posted a week or so ago

For SAT/ACT, but focus on the red circled data for SAT or ACT. Those are the scores holistic need to target because auto-admit have less incentive to get good scores. Data below include TEAB, McAllen and Galveston offers.

Thanks! Are those specific to Engineering? Or for general TAMU admission? I think engineering, but I don’t see where it makes that clear.

The image I just posted are the SAT/ACT for engineering in Fall 2023 cycle only.

You are the best!! Thanks a million.

The “SAT Percentile” column is misleading.

On the Headcount column. 1296/3208 engineering students with average of 1467. That’s a whopping 40.3% engineering students, nearly half.

We do know every year, half of all engineering admitted/enrolled are auto-admit. So based on this table, it is up to the readers to choose which group to focus on. (A lot of the rest of the groups get TEAB/McAllen/Galveston)

If you look at overall average 1334, one may think can easily get in with that average, unfortunately not many aware that the standard deviation is high (138). If good rank (~ top 20%), good essays, STEM course strength, and some meaningful ECs, 1334 “may” get TEAB.

For first quartile engineering applicants, the easiest way to enhance their chance is still increasing the scores, and focusing the STEM rigor in senior year.

And these top scoring kids will compete another round in ETAM.

Asking for a friend: SAT score needed to get into Bush school?

It’s getting into Tamu, not specific major. If not top 10% then 1450 to be almost guaranteed admission and in top quarter.

Is anyone familiar with the University’s honors program? not specific departmental ones, but just the general one. What are the general stats to be accepted, and any feedback on the program itself?

Not a fan of UH, major/college specific HNR programs are FAR better.

UH requires living in UH dorms freshman year-can’t select room or roommate. UH is a lot of mandatory fluff/busywork freshman year, can be time consuming. UH doesn’t have their own advisors, which can be a big problem. Seems many drop out/leave the program after freshman year.

UH does get early registration!

UH definitely isn’t anything like UT Plan II

Thank you! That is what I was wondering–whether it was extra work vs it being smaller classes, more opportunities etc.

Being in UH doesn’t guarantee getting into every HNR section wanted, especially in Mays. While UH does get to register early-with all other HNR students-the Mays HNR sections will be open to BH students first. Not having UH advisors is really a downfall. UH students are on their own. Far more Cons vs Pros…IMO

My son is currently Auto-Admit but of course he wants to go into Engineering. Will there be a place in the main Apply Texas App for letters of req at the time of submission or will a spot open up for that in the portal when he goes holistic review after he applies? Do the teachers give him the letter or does he send them a link to where they submit it to? In the letters of req do the teachers need to talk about his as a student in general or about his math and science skills? He wants his english teacher to write one because english is not his strong suit but she can speak of his hard work and determination very well as it is the class he works his hardest in.

Also, our school is very a small private school and the counselor said that we do not have a subscription for submitting official transcripts digitally. She said that she would have to mail it in. Show we have her mail it in now or wait until after he applies in August?

I’m sure I will have more questions but I think that is all for now. Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

LOR is optional, for auto-admit, they won’t even look at it. Engineering honor however, will require LOR but it has a different portal handling that, and that’s after admission.

Teachers can give LORs to students for them to upload via AIS.

Electronic transcript can send now, but paper ones may need to wait until after application when ID is assigned. ID is used as a form of letterhead so admission can match the applicant’s file.

Your student can work on Essay A now, as well as create SRAR account for linking later after application opens.

Thank you so much! This was all very helpful. He has already completed his SRAR and it is ready to be linked when needed. He will be working on the essay after he takes his SAT on Saturday and his English teacher will be proofreading it. She is such an amazing human being. I wish all teachers were like her.

Okay, so I have another question. If my son applies to both Main Campus (CS) and Galveston for Engineering and gets accepted at Galveston 1st and CS 2nd will the portal change? Will he have two portals? He is top 10% so he will be auto admit to both before holistic review for engineering.

I’m just confused as to how this is all going to work out. Right now he wants to go to CS first but both my husband and I both started at Galveston before transferring and graduating at CS and told him that it might be easier going from small private school to a small campus like Galveston at first. He agrees and said the will think about it. I’m really hoping that this jumbled up mess of a question makes sense.

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

2 Terrific Texas A&M Essay Examples by an Accepted Student

Founded in 1876, Texas A&M University has the distinction of being the oldest institution of higher education in Texas. Texas A&M has grown considerably since its founding as an Agricultural and Mechanical (A&M) college—today, it’s home to 17 academic colleges and offers more than 130 undergraduate degrees. 

Texas A&M’s wide range of academic offerings, and national reputation as an athletic powerhouse thanks to their success in the Southeastern Conference, makes it desirable to many applicants. To help yourself stand out from the crowd, you’ll want to make sure your essays are as strong as possible. Here, we’ll provide you with two examples of essays submitted by a student who was eventually accepted to Texas A&M, to give you a clearer sense of what admissions officers are looking for.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Texas A&M University essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Essay Example 1 – Success in College

“How much are you looking to make.” This was the question I had feared; a wrong answer could’ve meant I wasn’t ready for the job, and I’d look like a fool, but if I answered wrong for myself, I’d be stuck knowing I could’ve asked for more. 

Walking into my first job ever, I had immediately begun to shake; it had hit; this had been my first ever job interview, and the person I was about to meet would decide how my summer would go. I shook hands, sat down, and introduced myself. After a couple of questions, I was offered the position, but then that million-dollar question came. I had gone over this question several times during the car ride here. After an extensive debate with myself, I decided it wouldn’t look good if I were to shoot too high, but I also did not want to undervalue myself. I wanted to get the job; I said a number I thought was fair, making sure not to shoot ‘too’ high.

“We start everyone at the same pay.” It turns out I underestimated myself; I had told him something I thought he’d want to hear for the sake of the position. I learned not to underestimate or doubt myself, to always believe in myself, and reach for whatever I dreamed of. Now in life, I always try to achieve the highest level and believe in myself, never selling myself short and always having faith in my capability.

What the Essay Did Well

The author does a great job of centering their essay around a down-to-earth anecdote which still contains a life lesson that directly relates to their future success as a college student. With this prompt, many students will likely write about awards and achievements, but by choosing a more “ordinary” moment, the student shows that they have the ability to reflect on and learn from daily life as well.

As a quick aside, with that being said, you want to be authentic in your college essays. If you’re brainstorming for this prompt, or a similar one, and you feel your strongest response would be about an award or achievement, that’s completely fine! We just want to highlight that sometimes, writing about something less stereotypically impressive can be an incredibly effective way of humanizing yourself for admissions officers.

Another strength of this essay is the author’s personal, conversational writing style, which allows us to step into their shoes and imagine the situation as if we were there. By describing their thoughts and feelings with lines like “I immediately began to shake” and “then that million-dollar question came,” the writer keeps us invested in their story.

Finally, the student also does a great job of both telling a complete story and leaving enough space to reflect on their experience. That reflection leads to clear takeaway lessons which they explicitly connect to the prompt, so there’s no risk of the admissions officer finishing the essay wondering what the point was.

What Could Be Improved 

One small change this student could make is in the final paragraph, where they reflect on how they “ learned not to underestimate or doubt [themself], to always believe in [themself], and reach for whatever [they] dreamed of.” While the first lesson, to not underestimate themself, is a logical takeaway from the experience, the next two feel tangentially related at best. 

The lack of a clear connection makes the end of the essay feel a little too much like a Hallmark Card. Since readers don’t have anything to anchor the second and third lessons to, they seem generic, when the whole point of the college essay is to set yourself apart. While you do want to maximize the limited space given to you in college essays, this is an example of a place where less is more.

Essay Example 2 – A Teacher’s Impact

Walking into my first class of senior year, Securities and Investments, I thought, “Just another class with just another basic teacher.” Mr. Anderson was standing outside the classroom, I walked in and saw no one, I knew no one. All of my friends were in separate classes, it was just me.

He started the class immediately after the bell rang by telling us, “Ok, class, let’s go outside.” Instead of just doing a regular old lecture, Mr. Anderson teaches outside and around the school. I was immediately hooked: to me, a class where I didn’t have to sit in a rock-hard chair for 90 minutes every other day seemed thrilling. However, it wasn’t just the outdoors that intrigued me, but the content: investments we can make throughout our lives, and how to benefit from the stock market. I was attached; I was drawn to business; I was drawn to the financial aspects, technological aspects, all the aspects of a business. Finally, a class that I yearn to be in, a class about the inner workings of the stock market and business.

Mr. Anderson taught me to keep an open mind when doing anything new, from joining a new class to researching a stock. That mindset has led me to new opportunities, such as volunteering for Wells International Foundation to create clubs. Now, whenever I’m feeling apprehensive about something new, I remember how much I ended up loving Mr. Anderson’s class, and do my best to change my apprehension into anticipation.

This essay’s greatest strength is that the writer has chosen someone who has clearly made a genuine impact on their life. While that may seem like a strange thing to highlight, since that’s the whole point of the prompt, a pitfall some students fall into is trying to impress the admissions officers by choosing someone famous, or a historical figure, who hasn’t actually been that important for their growth. 

But for this prompt, who you choose doesn’t matter–what does is that you can articulate why they’ve been influential in your life, which this student does an excellent job of. The overall lesson of keeping an open mind clearly follows from the student’s description of Mr. Anderson’s unconventional teaching style, and also connects to another aspect of the student’s life (their work with Wells International Foundation).

Additionally, in the first two paragraphs the author builds a personal connection with their readers by letting us in on their thoughts and feelings in real time, through lines like “a class where I didn’t have to sit in a rocking chair” and “finally, a class that I yearn to be in.” This open, honest tone helps us better understand just how impactful the student’s experiences with their teacher were.

While the student clearly lays out the bigger picture lesson they learned from Mr. Anderson in the final paragraph, the first two paragraphs lack detail about how his actions, or personality, helped them learn that lesson. Talking about the outdoor class is a great start, but that’s just one example, and this prompt is asking about “the person who has most impacted your life.”

The student hints at Mr. Anderson helping them engage with topics they initially didn’t find interesting, but in the college essay, hinting isn’t enough–remember, your readers are complete strangers, so they don’t have any background context to fall back on if they don’t fully understand something. The essay would be much stronger with a concrete example of a time Mr. Anderson helped motivate the student academically, like:

“Before I was taught by Mr. Anderson, ‘investments’ was just a word I heard my dad occasionally say while reading the newspaper. I had never cared to learn more, but that disinterest died the day Mr. Anderson put us into teams and had us try to invest responsibly even as he rolled a die to trigger random misfortunes or windfalls.”

This anecdote provides readers with the detail we need to understand how Mr. Anderson specifically encouraged this student’s budding interest in business and finance, which is the connection that’s missing in the original essay.

Where to Get Feedback on Your Essay

Want feedback like this on your Texas A&M essay before you submit? We offer expert essay review by advisors who have helped students get into their dream schools. You can book a review with one of our experts to receive notes on your topic, grammar, and essay structure to make your essay stand out to admissions officers.

Haven’t started writing your essay yet? Our advisors also offer expert college counseling packages . You can purchase a package to get one-on-one guidance on any aspect of the college application process, including brainstorming and writing essays.

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Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi

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

Common app personal essay.

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

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

Texas Christian University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Action/Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Feb 1

Texas Christian University 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 2 essays of 200 words or fewer

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Community , Short Answer

At TCU, it is our vision to be a world-class, values-centered university.  We value academics, intellectual inquiry, creative expression, leadership, service, diversity, and the appreciation of the human experience. With which one of TCU’s core values do you most align and why? (Maximum length: 200 words) 

Admissions wants to learn more about the person behind the application and your values. You have your pick of the litter as far as TCU’s core values are concerned, so choose the one that most resonates with you and then paint a picture of why that is. Maybe you have always been a curious cat, so intellectual inquiry has your name all over it. What excites you about learning new things? How do you like to explore new information? Perhaps you stayed inside for over a year during the pandemic to protect an immunocompromised family member. How has your experience engaging with others changed since reemerging? What do you value about the human experience that you may not have reflected on before becoming housebound in 2020? Use this opportunity to give admissions more insight into who you are.

TCU is committed to creating an inclusive campus culture for all people. We have a shared responsibility to enhance our community by encouraging inclusive environments through learning opportunities related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Describe how you have already contributed to creating an inclusive environment in your community or how you plan to contribute to an inclusive college environment in the future. (Maximum length: 200 words)

First of all, let us remind you that your “community” can be just about anything, from your neighborhood to your family to your dojo. Pick a community that means something to you and the diversity narrative will fall into place. Maybe your progressive church welcomes people of all sexualities and gender identities, and you developed a brand new youth group for queer and questioning teens. Perhaps your school is incredibly homogenous and isolated, and you helped your Spanish class organize Skype chats with a school in Guatemala to learn more about different parts of the world while developing your Spanish skills. No matter your starting point, be sure you tell a clear story with a beginning, middle, and end that demonstrates your commitment to creating inclusive environments. It would be tempting to pen a vivid description of your community and leave it at that, but the point of an essay like this is to tell a story about you and your contributions.

Freedom of Expression

Completion of the questions below is optional. tcu values individuality and believes that students are more than just a gpa and test score. to help us get to know you even better, consider this opportunity to further express yourself. the only limitations are the boundaries of your imagination. please upload an essay, poem, work of art or a url that showcases another side of you..

The final piece to Texas Christian’s supplement isn’t an essay at all, unless you want it to be. TCU is asking you to upload an essay, poem, work of art, or a URL that showcases a side of you that admissions hasn’t seen before. Maybe you want to upload a link to your small business’s online presence so admissions can see your entrepreneurship in action. Perhaps you’re excited about sharing a series of sketches you put together to give your creative side a spotlight. Of course, you could also take this opportunity to upload an essay you wrote for a different school’s supplement that you feel would give TCU more insight into your character. If that’s the case, make sure it’s one that addresses your self-expression in some way (and doesn’t reference another school!).

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