UT Introduces Fourth Short Answer Prompt on Diversity
Performing for Teacher's Day, Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia
Update: Check out these Fall 2020 UT-Austin Enrich The Learning Environment Short Answer Examples
Fourth Short Answer Prompt: Diversity
First-time freshman applicants still need to submit Essay A and the three short answers from last year. The prompts are the same whether you submit Apply Texas or the Coalition Application.
UT-Austin has added a new short answer prompt requiring students to discuss in 250-300 words the following:
"Contribution to Learning Environment:
At UT Austin, we value, embrace, and encourage a wide range of diverse experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and talents. This diversity strengthens our university and supports an open and supportive educational environment in which ideas are freely exchanged alongside thoughtful consideration of our differences.
As you consider attending our University that values a learning environment enhanced by the diverse contributions, perspectives, and experiences of our students, please share how you believe you might contribute to our community of scholars."
In a bold move, UT will require students to directly confront and discuss diversity. It's no secret that UT values a multitude of perspectives - they fought for almost ten years defending the necessity of promoting a diverse learning environment.
My message has always been the same – diversity means a lot more than race, gender, or background. Anything that adds a new perspective to the conversation can be considered diverse.
I've always advised students to address diversity somewhere in their essays. Now you have an opportunity to discuss what you will bring to classroom discussions and campus life.
I will have two follow-up posts: one with other admissions updates and a second providing tips and suggestions for approaching this new prompt.
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- Kevin