Kealing Magnet Admissions Essay

Students applying to the magnet program need to attend an Admissions Essay session.  The Admissions Essay is a 30-minute timed, hand-written essay where students receive 2 different quotes/prompts and choose 1 to analyze and answer. Students will be guided through the essay writing process and supervised by Kealing Staff.

If a student receives extended time or other accommodations through Special Education or Section 504, they will be provided those services. We will need a copy of the IEP or 504 Plan one week prior to the session you choose to attend. Please email paperwork to the magnet administrative assistant at anngela.watkins@austinisd.org.

Students may bring the following items into the testing area: water and a quiet snack, a jacket or sweater, and a favorite pen or pencil (writing utensils will be provided if needed). Parents are welcome to remain in the lobby area but are not allowed in the testing room. The drop off area is in the back of the school off Salina Street. When you arrive at the front of the school, pass the front of the school then make a right onto Salina Street. Park in the parking lot to the right. There will be signs directing you to the essay admissions test location. 

Please contact Anngela Watkins in the Magnet office at 512-414-3214 or anngela.watkins@austinisd.org with any questions.

• Dates and Times: 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM
  • December 7, 2024
  • December 14
  • January 11
  • January 18
  • January 25
    • Optional Campus Tours 
      • 9:00 am - 9:30 am or 10:00 am - 10:30 am 

Practice Essay Information: 
On the actual essay portion of the test you will receive 2 quotes in a similar style to the one below and you will be asked to CHOOSE 1 to write about. The example is just to give you practice on the format. 

Directions:

• You will have 30 minutes to plan and write your final essay. 
• Use a separate sheet of paper to brainstorm and plan out your essay.
• Use paragraphs to organize your ideas on your final product.
• There is no specific minimum writing required. We want to remind you that the more you write and the more in-depth it is, the more your readers will be able to evaluate. Use the full time provided as best you can. 

Note: This essay must be written in English only. 

Practice Essay Prompt: Oscar Levant, a pianist and movie actor, said, “Happiness is not something you experience, it’s something you remember." Describe an event that you are happy to remember. Provide specific examples and details to support why this event was a special memory.

Essays will be evaluated using the criteria below:

Essay Rubric