Possible UT-Austin essay requirement changes and other updates.
A student reached out to me yesterday that UT is rumored to be changing their essay requirements. This came as a big surprise to me. Apply Texas topics change every two years. They changed this past cycle, so it is expected that they remain the same. If they changed this close to the application opening, it would be a first.
It seems that UT may be breaking with this tradition and, while still requiring Essay A, they will instead be asking students to submit answers to a few shorter responses. It is unclear what will happen with Essays C, D, and those for specific majors like Nursing and Social Work.
I tracked down the rumor and, indeed, there is at least one reputable source reporting this change. It is unclear how the rumor started. My present advice is to pause your essays until an announcement is made.
As of now, the official website remains the same. The Apply Texas website also hasn't changed indicating any new or different requirements. Although Apply Texas is opening July 1, as of now, the earliest you can submit remains August 1.
I will keep readers posted on this developing situation.