College Applications
When it comes time to apply for college, the two most common applications are:
ApplyTexas Links to an external site. | Apply for admission to and scholarships from participating Texas public universities, private colleges, and community colleges.
ApplyTexas Essay Prompts for 2021-2022:
A. Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?
B. Most students have an identity, an interest, or a talent that defines them in an essential way. Tell us about yourself.
C. You've got a ticket in your hand - Where will you go? What will you do? What will happen when you get there?
The Common Application Links to an external site. | For students who are interested in private colleges and colleges out of state, the Common Applications can be used to apply to over 800 institutions.
Essay Prompts:
1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, please share your story.
2. 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?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma — anything of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging 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?
7. 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.
Links for specific colleges:
Austin Community College Links to an external site. - please note that not all programs are offered at all campuses.
Alamo Colleges District Links to an external site. - Applications for all Alamo Colleges (San Antonio area) campuses can be accessed from the same link. Please note that not all programs are offered at all campuses.
Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Links to an external site. - links to each specific campus application can be accessed on the main website. Please note that not all programs are offered at all campuses.
Some institutions will have applications directly on their websites.
For your application, you will also need to prepare a resume that reflects the experience you have gained during high school and your involvement at school and in the community. Here are two examples of a resume colleges are looking for:
Texas State University Resume Guide
University of Texas Sample Expanded Resume Links to an external site.