Applying to UT Austin Heres What You Need to Know

Learn What it Takes to Be a Longhorn UT Austin is one of the most prestigious public universities in the country, so it’s no wonder that it’s a top choice for many high school seniors. From Division 1 sports teams to a destination-worthy location in the heart of Austin, there are several qualities that set this institution apart. Given UT Austin’s renowned name, many applicants may wonder what it takes to gain a seat in the class. Keep reading to learn more about this university and what applicants can do to set themselves up for success. The BasicsUT Austin is a public research university located in Austin, Texas. It was founded in 1883 and is known as the flagship institution of the University of Texas system. The institution enrolls over 50,000 students full-time, including approximately 40,000 undergraduates. UT Austin’s campus spans more than 430 acres and includes over 150 buildings, with a specialized research center in north Austin. Recently, the institution debuted a state-of-the-art computer science hall and a center for new media. There are 18 different colleges and schools within the University, including a medical school, an engineering institution and a division for social work. Application 101First-time freshmen must submit an application online, either through the ApplyTexas system or through the Coalition App. Students can choose to submit their application before November 1 for priority consideration, which allows applicants to receive their decisions up to one month earlier than regular decisions, by February 1. All other applicants must complete the admissions process by December 1 and can expect admissions decisions by March 1. Students must submit one essay with their applications, as well as responses to three, short-answer questions. Applicants will also need to send in their high school transcripts, a $75 application fee, SAT or ACT scores and potentially major-specific items. Letters of recommendation are considered optional as are expanded resumes. The Admissions ProcessMost recently, the in-state acceptance rate for UT Austin was 48.5%, while the out-of-state admissions rate was 25.9%. The middle 50% SAT score for applicants was 1170-1410, while for ACT scores the range was 27-33. The institution received 50,576 applications and admitted 19,482 students, including 284 salutatorians. Like many other top-tier institutions, UT Austin’s admissions process is holistic, but prioritizes grades and standardized testing scores. Students should strive to receive SAT or ACT scores that fall within or above the middle 50% range of the previous year’s freshman class. Similarly, applicants should prioritize keeping their grades up while taking challenging classes, as course rigor is another important factor in admissions decisions. What it Takes to Stand OutUT Austin admissions is competitive and students need to do their due diligence in order to stand out. This includes researching the institution thoroughly, obtaining the best grades and test scores possible and writing compelling answers to the essay prompt and short-answer questions. Some students may recall that UT Austin was implicated in Operation Varsity Blues; the institution recently released a statement discussing the incident and the school’s response, which included terminating UT’s Men’s Tennis Coach and implementing new regulations surrounding the admissions process for student-athletes. All applicants, including athletic recruits, should focus on leading with their interests and passions and trust that they will gain admission to one or more of the institutions on their balanced college lists. Students who wish to apply to UT Austin should begin working on their application well in advance in order to compile a document that they are genuinely proud of. If you are in the midst of the college admissions process and need additional guidance, our team is here to help.