Applying to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) for the 2024-2025 academic year? You’re in the right place! UTSA has introduced a new essay prompt designed to help you showcase your unique story. Let’s dive into the prompt and discuss how to craft a compelling essay that stands out.
The Prompt
UTSA’s supplemental essay prompt for this year is:
"Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today?"
Word Limit: 700.0 words
This open-ended prompt gives you ample room to reflect on your high school experiences and how they have molded you into the person you are today. Here’s how you can approach it effectively:
Understanding the Prompt
The key to tackling this essay is to be genuine and reflective. Colleges, including UTSA, want to understand you beyond your academic scores and extracurricular activities. They’re interested in the person behind the application. When brainstorming, consider the following:
Significant experiences that have shaped your views or values.
Challenges or obstacles you’ve faced and how you’ve overcome them.
Unique opportunities you’ve had and the impact they’ve had on your growth.
Using Sups AI can be incredibly helpful in this stage. Sups AI is a revolutionary college counseling platform that helps students brainstorm and get feedback on essays. With the assistance of Sups, you can refine your ideas and ensure your story resonates with the admissions committee.
Writing Tips
1. Be Specific and Personal
Instead of general statements, dive into specific examples that illustrate your points. Did a particular project, sport, or event have a lasting impact on you? Describe it vividly. The more personal and detailed your story, the more compelling it will be.
2. Reflect on Growth
Admissions officers want to see how you’ve grown from your experiences. Clearly articulate the lessons you’ve learned and how these experiences have prepared you for college life. Don’t just recount events; reflect on their significance and their impact on your development.
3. Show, Don’t Just Tell
Use descriptive language to illustrate your experiences. Instead of saying “I faced a challenge,” describe the scenario, your emotions, and actions. Engaging storytelling will captivate the reader and offer a more immersive understanding of your journey.
Crafting Your Story
Break down your writing process into manageable steps. Here’s a suggested approach:
Brainstorm: Jot down significant high school experiences. Identify which ones align with the prompt.
Outline: Organize your thoughts into a structured outline. This helps in maintaining a logical flow of ideas.
First Draft: Write freely without worrying about perfection. Focus on getting your thoughts on paper.
Revise: Refine your essay for clarity, coherence, and depth. Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly.
Seek Feedback: Share your draft with mentors, friends, or use Sups AI. Sups provides personalized feedback and connects you with current students for valuable insights.
Why Use Sups AI?
As you navigate the essay writing process, Sups AI can be your invaluable partner. It offers one-on-one chats with current students, helping you gain different perspectives and enhance your essay’s quality. Having already supported over 10,000 students in getting admitted to top schools, including UTSA, Sups AI’s expertise can significantly boost your chances.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the UTSA supplemental essay is your chance to showcase what makes you unique. Be authentic, reflective, and personal in your writing. Utilize the resources available, like Sups AI, to polish your essay and make a strong impression.
Good luck, and we hope to see you at the University of Texas at San Antonio!
