What's Needed to Get into UT Austin?

I've got my sights set on UT Austin for college, and I'm trying to make sure my application is solid. Can someone let me know what their entrance requirements are like? I'm talking GPA, required coursework, or important extracurriculars...anything helps.

Absolutely, I can help you with that. First off, it's important to know that as of the 2024-2025 application cycle, UT Austin is requiring all applicants to submit an SAT or ACT score. But besides standardized tests, there are many factors that will be considered in your application.

Academically, UT Austin is quite competitive. The average SAT score amongst admitted students is typically around 1230–1480, and the average ACT score is around 27–33. In terms of GPA, admitted students typically range from the top 6%-15% of their high school class.

When it comes to required coursework, Texas high school graduates must complete the Foundation High School Program with the Distinguished level of Achievement to be considered for admission. Out of state applicants are also reviewed holistically, and are expected to have completed a rigorous curriculum in high school.

Remember that the college application process isn't just about your grades and test scores. UT Austin also considers your essays, extracurricular activities, and special accomplishments. They're looking for a comprehensive view of who you are as a student and as a person. When it comes to extracurriculars, they don't want just well-rounded students but students with a highly developed specialty. So, use your essays and activities section to highlight these areas.

Keep in mind the importance of your essays, specifically Topic A in ApplyTexas, which is considered your main personal statement, and Short Answers 1 and 2 which are specific to UT Austin. These are your opportunity to showcase your voice, your passions, and your unique perspective, aside from just your academic achievements. UT Austin does also consider demonstrated interest, so make sure to show genuine interest in attending UT Austin in your essays.

To give you a tangible example, instead of just stating that you participated in band (which is Tier 4 and relatively common), you could write about how you implemented a new way of managing music sheets that improved the whole band's performances (a Tier 2 type of role). The key is to show initiative, leadership, and the impact of your involvement.

Finally, while you can’t control this, remember that Texas law offers automatic admission to qualifying Texas resident students in the top 6% of their public high school graduating class. However, automatic admission does not guarantee admission to a specific major or college.

The above isn't completely exhaustive, but hopefully it helps you understand better what UT Austin is looking for in an applicant, and how you can increase your chances. Good luck on your journey to UT Austin!