How to Get Into UT Austin: Requirements, Acceptance Rate, and Tips

The University of Texas at Austin, also called UT Austin, is a research university named after the state it calls home. Undergraduate and graduate students alike can enjoy the many programs UT Austin offers. If the prestigious school has piqued your interest, you are probably wondering how to get into UT Austin. 

From athletics to the sciences to the arts, UT Austin has opportunities for all. Whether you’re a creative or have an entrepreneurial spirit, this article will teach you how to get accepted into UT Austin. Learn about UT Austin’s requirements and the UT Austin acceptance rate, as well as everything about the admissions process you should be aware of.

All About UT Austin Admissions

UT Austin ranks number 33 on the list of the best universities in the world, and one of the best public schools in the United States, making it a desirable university to attend. In turn, UT Austin seeks highly qualified students to be part of their campus community. The section below highlights the key information regarding admissions at UT Austin to give you a broader perspective of what it takes to become a part of the UT Austin community.

UT Austin Acceptance Rate

The UT Austin acceptance rate for the 2020 fall semester was 32 percent of 57,241 freshman  applications. Although the chances of admission may seem daunting, it expresses the institution’s value of selecting only the most qualified candidates, and the value that a degree from UT Austin has. 

UT Austin GPA

Although not required, UT Austin will take your high school grade point average (GPA) into consideration when reviewing your application. Each undergraduate school has its own GPA requirements, and an example of this is UT Austin’s School of Architecture requiring a minimum GPA of 3.25. 

Students wishing to enroll in the path to admission through co-enrollment, or PACE program, have a different set of GPA and other PACE requirements. To qualify for the College of Education, College of Liberal Arts, of Steve Hicks School of Social Work, students must have a 3.2 GPA from Austin Community College and a 2.0 GPA from courses taken at UT Austin. 

UT Austin Total Enrollment 

The 2021 fall semester saw 40,916 undergraduate enrollments and 11,075 graduate program enrollments, representing all 50 states and 123 countries. Nine percent of the students enrolled were international applicants, and 55 percent of the student body was female.  

UT Austin Requirements

• High school transcripts. High school transcripts will be prepared by your high school and sent to UT Austin for consideration. These transcripts will reflect the classes you’ve taken, grades attained, your GPA, and class rank. Any college coursework you’ve done should also be sent over.
• Application. Your college application will affect your admission decision. The two types of applications you can use are the Coalition for College application and the Apply Texas application. Fill out the details of your academic record as prompted.
• Application fee. An application fee will be incurred when submitting your application. The current fee for US residents is $75 and $90 for international students. This fee is non-refundable, but in some cases may be waived. Ask for a waiver at the time of application and provide any additional documentation to support your request. 
• Supplemental essays. Applicants must submit an essay of 500 to 700 words which will allow the admissions team to get to know you better. The topic is provided by the university and can be found under the “Essay” tab in the admissions checklist section on the UT Austin website.
• Prerequisites. Each major has its own prerequisites. Ensure that you have checked all the prerequisites that are specific to the major you want to pursue. This applies to both your first and your second choice majors.

Is It Hard to Get Into UT Austin?

Yes, it can be difficult to get into UT Austin. The university’s overall ranking alone creates a high demand for its programs. An astounding 49 of its schools and specialties have been ranked in many top 10 categories. This translates to thousands of applicants to evaluate, as seen from the admissions statistics above, so ensure that your application is competitive.

One way to do this is to submit an expanded resume. This will expound on your activities, achievements, leadership roles, and even student employment. Another way is to attach letters of recommendation that will speak to your character and offer additional information that is not on the already submitted application documents. 

How to Prepare for a UT Austin Interview

UT Austin does not have an admissions interview process for undergraduate students. However, they do employ a holistic review process in their admissions decisions. This provides prospective applicants with an individualized holistic review that determines their admissibility to any of their programs. 

10 Tips for Getting Into UT Austin

Preparing to get into college is often a busy and stressful time for students. Keeping tabs on the application requirements, deadlines, and the process can be tricky. Below are 10 tips for getting into UT Austin to ease the stress and help you focus on the things that matter most in the college admission process.

1. Conduct Research

Do research on the university as a whole to get a feel for what programs are available to you. Once you have an idea of one or two programs you would like to enroll in, do further research on any prerequisites and admission requirements you will need to fulfill beforehand. 

2. Ask Questions

Ask questions if you are unsure about anything regarding admissions and submissions. Questions help you clarify your understanding as well as enable you to get additional information that may not be readily available. 

3. Ask for Help

Having support from teachers, mentors, parents, guardians, or a school counselor during this time will go a long way in staying on top of things. Ask for help with filling out your application, writing your essay, submitting your standardized test scores (SATs), requesting your official transcripts, and choosing a major. Ask for help when you are feeling overwhelmed.

4. Get Organized

There is nothing more important than being organized during this time. Being organized will also keep you from being overwhelmed. Organize all your time and activities so that you do not miss any application deadlines. Being organized creates a timeline that enables you to evaluate what you have completed and what is still pending. 

5. Stay Positive

It is very easy to feel discouraged or anxious during this process. The pressure can quickly mount up and leave you feeling like you might not complete your application in time. Anxiety about acceptance may also create moments of discouragement. Staying positive and hopeful in the face of uncertainty will be useful in helping you manage any challenges that may arise. 

6. Complete Your Tasks

Make sure that you complete each task required for the application. If there is a form to fill out, ensure all the fields are complete before you submit it. Do not overlook any aspect of the application process. The failure to complete all that is required in the application process is one reason students do not hear back from the universities they have applied to. 

7. Observe Deadlines

Make sure you do not miss your application deadline. The university has two deadlines for application: a priority deadline and a regular deadline. In 2021, the priority deadline was November 1, while the regular deadline was December 1. Certain documents and information may have their own deadline. SAT and ACT scores should usually be received by December 31.

8. Follow Up

When you make requests for any documentation, make sure you follow up on your request. Your high school could be having a busy season processing other transcripts, each with its own submission deadline. It doesn’t hurt to check in to ensure that your process is on track. 

9. Keep an Application Checklist

The university has a general checklist you can use to ensure that you have submitted all the applicable documents. If there are submissions that are specific to your chosen majors, include them in your checklist. If any additional documents are required at any stage, include them in the list. As each task gets completed, check it off the list. This will give you a sense of the progress you are making and give you a sense of satisfaction as you go.  

10. Track Your Application Status

Once you have completed everything required and have submitted all the documents, track the status of your application. This is crucial because sometimes, the university may request additional documentation which you must submit on time. Until your application is listed as complete, monitor this status frequently. 

What Does It Take to Get Into UT Austin?

Getting into UT Austin requires an excellent application and supplemental documents that prove your promise to the admissions officers. The admissions team reviews tens of thousands of prospective students’ applications, making it a highly competitive school. Ensure you stand out by including any additional information that proves you qualify for a spot at UT Austin.

How to Get Into UT Austin FAQ