Texas Christian University essay prompts
2025-26verified Texas Christian University admissions
These are the most recent published prompts. Final 2026-27 supplements typically land by early August. These are the most recent prompts Kolly has verified for this school. Schools typically publish final 2026-27 supplements by early August; check the official source below before submitting.
Main Essay – Significant Influence
Tell us about the most significant person, experience, or circumstance which has shaped your life thus far. How has he, she, or it influenced your character? How might you use what you have learned to achieve your goals?
500 words max · Required
Main Essay – What Matters
In her best-selling novel The Secret Life of Bees, TCU alumna Sue Monk Kidd wrote, "The hardest thing on earth is choosing what matters." What matters to you?
500 words max · Required
Community Contribution / Leadership
What essential quality or experience will you bring to the Milton Daniel community? How does that quality or experience define you, and how might it influence your leadership style on campus and/or in Roach Honors?
800 words max · Required
Main Essay – Mission Statement
At TCU, our mission statement is very important to us. "The mission of Texas Christian University, a private comprehensive university, is to educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the global community through research and creative activities, scholarship, service, and programs of teaching and learning offered through the doctoral level." This is integrated into all aspects of the TCU experience. If you were to write a mission statement about your life, what would it be and how does this mission direct your life and goals?
500 words max · Required
Main Essay – Failure & Success
Those we call great will usually point to some failure in their lives as a pivotal moment leading them to their successful path. Tell us about a time in your life in which failure propelled you toward success.
500 words max · Required
Freedom of Expression (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 submit an essay, poem, work of art or a URL that showcases another side of you.
No limit listed · Optional
Dream Big, Be Bold, Lead On
TCU's Chancellor, Daniel Pullin, often encourages students to "Dream big, be bold, and lead on." In this essay, explain a pivotal time in your life when you did at least two of the three. What did you learn from this moment and what will you do with this knowledge?
800 words max · Required
Impact
What impact do you hope to have on the TCU campus or in your community if you are chosen as a Community Scholar?
400 words max · Required
Serve Something Greater
In Spring 2025, the John V. Roach Honors College hosted Chef José Andrés of World Central Kitchen for its Fogelson Honors Forum. In his most recent book, Change the Recipe, Chef Andrés encourages readers to "serve something greater than yourself" (142). Why and how have you embraced or embodied this motto?
800 words max · Required
Significant Change
Tell us about the most significant change you experienced during high school. How will this experience shape your college career?
400 words max · Required
About the application
Applies via the Common App.
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Common questions
- What are the Texas Christian University essay prompts for 2025-26?
- Texas Christian University lists Main Essay – Significant Influence (1 prompt); Main Essay – What Matters (1 prompt); Community Contribution / Leadership (1 prompt); Main Essay – Mission Statement (1 prompt); Main Essay – Failure & Success (1 prompt); Freedom of Expression (Optional) (1 prompt); Dream Big, Be Bold, Lead On (1 prompt); Impact (1 prompt); Serve Something Greater (1 prompt); Significant Change (1 prompt) for 2025-26.
- How many essays does Texas Christian University require?
- Texas Christian University requires 9 essays based on the published group instructions for 2025-26. The page lists 9 required and 1 optional prompts.
- What are the word limits for the Texas Christian University supplemental essays?
- The published word and character limits are 500 words max, 800 words max, 400 words max.