What are UT Austin's admission requirements?

The University of Texas at Austin requires all applicants to submit a complete ApplyTexas or Coalition application, high school transcripts, and standardized test scores unless applying test-optional. Texas residents graduating in the top 6% of their high school class receive automatic admission, while all other applicants undergo holistic review.

For standardized testing, UT Austin typically prefers SAT scores above 1210 or ACT scores above 26, though these aren't strict cutoffs. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1210-1470 on the SAT and 26-34 on the ACT. The university has extended its test-optional policy through fall 2024, allowing students to apply without submitting test scores.

While UT Austin doesn't publish a minimum GPA requirement, competitive applicants typically maintain a strong academic record with challenging coursework. The university recalculates GPAs on a 4.0 scale, considering only core academic subjects like English, math, science, social studies, and foreign language.

Extracurricular activities play a significant role in the holistic review process. UT Austin values leadership, community service, work experience, and special talents. They look for sustained involvement and meaningful impact rather than simply participating in many activities. The university particularly values activities demonstrating leadership, initiative, and commitment to your chosen field of study.

Your essays are another crucial component of the application. UT Austin requires responses to specific prompts that help admissions officers understand your personal experiences, challenges overcome, and future goals. These essays provide an opportunity to showcase your writing ability and explain how you'll contribute to the campus community.

The admission process becomes more competitive for certain programs, particularly business, engineering, and computer science. These majors often expect higher academic credentials and relevant extracurricular activities aligned with the intended field of study.