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Securing a spot at the University of Texas at Austin is a goal for many ambitious high school students, and understanding the University of Texas at Austin acceptance rate is crucial for those aiming to join this top-tier university. As one of the best public universities in the United States, UT Austin has an impact on the academic landscape, drawing applicants from across Texas and beyond. The admission process is competitive, with factors such as GPA, SAT scores, and class rank playing significant roles in determining what students get to call themselves a Texas Longhorn.
For aspiring students, understanding the details of UT Austin's admission criteria is essential to improving their chances of acceptance. This article explains the university's acceptance rate, exploring how it varies for in-state and out-of-state applicants, and examining the average GPA and SAT requirements. Additionally, it provides insights into the application process, key deadlines, and strategies to boost one's application. By understanding these elements, prospective students can increase their chances of joining the proud ranks of those who have the honor of calling themselves Longhorns at the University of Texas at Austin.
UT Austin Acceptance Rate Overview
The UT Austin acceptance rate currently stands at approximately 29%, making it one of the more competitive public universities in the United States.
The University of Texas at Austin has become increasingly selective in recent years, reflecting its growing popularity among students. UT Austin admissions officers carefully evaluate each application to identify candidates who align with the university’s high academic standards and values.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Acceptance Rates
The UT Austin in-state acceptance rate is 40.97% and the out-of-state acceptance rate is 11.76%.
As you can see, there's a huge difference between the acceptance rates for in-state and out-of-state students at UT Austin. This difference is primarily due to state law requirements that mandate 90% of first-year students must be Texas residents. As a result, the acceptance rate for in-state applicants is substantially higher than that for out-of-state applicants. This considerable discrepancy shows the challenges faced by out-of-state students seeking admission to UT Austin.
Historical Trends
The University of Texas at Austin has experienced fluctuations in its acceptance rates over the years. From 2016 to 2020, the overall acceptance rate went down by almost 10%, indicating increased selectivity.
Here's a breakdown of the UT Austin acceptance rates by year:
- 2016-2017: 40.4%
- 2017-2018: 36.5%
- 2018-2019: 38.5%
- 2019-2020: 31.8%
- 2020-2021: 31%
- 2021-2022: 29%
- 2022-2023: 29%
- 2023-2024: 29%
This declining trend in acceptance rates can be due to several factors, including an increase in applications and the university's efforts to maintain a balanced student body. Since 2010, first-time applications to UT Austin have increased by over 50%, showing the university's growing appeal.
Despite these trends, UT has made efforts to adjust its admission numbers based on enrollment capacity and goals. The university carefully examines past enrollment trends to forecast how many admitted students will enroll, allowing for slight increases in student enrollment in recent years.
As the number of Texas high school graduates continues to rise and the cost of alternative high-quality options increases, competition for spaces at UT is expected to intensify further. This trend suggests that gaining admission to the university will likely become even more challenging in the coming years, particularly for out-of-state applicants and those pursuing highly sought-after majors such as engineering and business.
What Factors Influence Admission at UT?
Academic Performance
The University of Texas at Austin places significant emphasis on academic performance when evaluating applicants. The admissions committee carefully examines each student's high school curriculum, class rank, and grades. UT values students who have challenged themselves academically and excelled in their coursework. While there is no specific formula used to evaluate academic performance, the university looks for students who have demonstrated a strong academic foundation.
The average GPA for admitted students at UT Austin is around 3.83. This high average indicates that the university seeks students who have consistently performed well in their high school classes. Applicants should aim to have a transcript that showcases mostly A's and demonstrates their ability to handle rigorous coursework (i.e. AP classes).
What Test Scores Are Needed for Admission to UT?
Standardized test scores are also an important part of the admissions process at UT Austin. For students applying for a Fall 2025 matriculation, submitting either an ACT or SAT score is required as part of the undergraduate admission application. The university has returned to requiring standardized testing scores after a period of test-optional admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The average SAT score for admitted students at UT Austin is 1355 on the 1600 SAT scale. For the ACT, the average score is 30. These scores indicate that UT is looking for students who have performed well on standardized tests and can demonstrate their academic abilities beyond their high school grades. Preparing to take the test? Here is a list of free resources to take advantage of.
Essays and Recommendations
Essays and letters of recommendation are very important components of the UT application because they let you tell a story and are not just a sheet of numbers. These elements help the admissions committee understand what makes you Longhorn material—your personality, motivations, and potential to thrive at The University of Texas.
The application requires three essays, with an option to write a fourth, and an optional (but highly recommended) extended resume. These essays give applicants the chance to share their unique experiences, demonstrate their fit for their chosen major, and explain how they have made an impact on their school, family, or community.
See: How to Write a College Application Resume
Letters of recommendation, while optional, can provide valuable information about an applicant's academic abilities, leadership potential, and personal qualities. UT encourages students to submit up to two letters of recommendation from sources outside of their high school who can speak to their academic success, leadership contributions, and preparation for their chosen major.
For additional resources for college essays and recommendations, check out:
- How to Write a Conclusion for a College Application Essay
- 4 Tips to Elevate Your College Essay
- 5 Pro Tips for Writing Successful College Application Essays
Application Process and Deadlines
UT Austin Admission Dates (2024-2025)
- Application Opens: August 1
- Early Action Deadline to Apply: October 15
- Early Action Deadline for Supplemental Materials: October 23
- Regular Deadline to Apply: December 1
- Regular Deadline for Supplemental Materials: December 11
- Early Action Decisions Released: January 15
- All Decisions Released: February 15
- Honors Decisions Released: March 1
- FAFSA Deadline (to maximize scholarships): March 15
Required Materials
All freshman applicants who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or graduating from a Texas high school must submit several required materials. These include:
- Application: Applicants should use the Common App for summer/fall admission and the ApplyTexas application for spring admission.
- Application fee: A non-refundable fee of $75 is required. Fee waivers are available for eligible students.
- Essay and short answers: At least one essay and required short answer prompts must be submitted.
- SAT/ACT scores: Official test scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency by the appropriate deadline. For Early Action, scores must be received by October 23, or the application will be moved to regular decision.
- High school transcripts: These should list all coursework from 9th to 11th grade and include class rank.
- College transcripts: If applicable, for any college credit earned during high school.
Application Fees and Waivers
The application fee for UT is $75, payable upon submission. However, fee waivers are available for eligible U.S. students. These can be requested directly in the application or by submitting a “Request for Fee Waiver” form via the Document Upload System in MyStatus.
International applicants should note that UT does not offer fee waivers due to limited funding and cannot defer fees for either domestic or international applicants.
Strategies to Improve Your Chances of Admission to UT Austin
- Have your bases covered with a strong academic profile. This means you should get good grades throughout high school and as high of a test score as possible. If you’re earlier on in high school, challenge yourself with rigorous coursework like AP classes that will give you a higher weighted GPA. If your GPA is on the lower side, it’s extra important that your test scores are great and vice versa.
- Write really good essays. The essays are your one chance to show who you are as a human and potential future Longhorn. Get specific – your essays should only be applicable to you and no one else. Think about the kind of person that you are implying you are through your essays. For the best essays possible, it’s highly recommended to work with an expert who can provide objective feedback based on years of experience in admissions.
- Show leadership and initiative in your extracurricular involvement. Nowadays, it’s less about showing how much of a well-rounded candidate you are and more about where you spike and what you’ll bring to campus. Admissions officers love to see initiation and leadership because those are great qualities to have in students on campus. They’re asking themselves, “Will UT Austin be a better place with this person on campus?”
Get Into UT Austin with the Help of an Expert College Admissions Coach
For students looking to boost their chances of admission, focusing on academic excellence, crafting compelling essays, and showcasing unique experiences and qualities is essential. By carefully navigating the application process and meeting all deadlines, applicants can present their best selves to the admissions committee. With dedication and strategic preparation, any ambitious student can increase their odds of becoming a Longhorn! Good luck on your journey to UT Austin, and remember—every step you take brings you closer to that burnt orange pride. Hook 'em!
Next, read:
- How to Pick the Best College for You
- How to Build the Best Extracurriculars for College
- How to Succeed During Your College Years
FAQs
What does the 90% rule at UT Austin mean?
- Under Texas state law, 90% of UT Austin's first-year students must be Texas residents. Among these, 75% are granted automatic admission if they rank within the top 6% of their high school class. The remaining 25% of in-state students, along with transfer and out-of-state applicants, are evaluated through a holistic review process that considers exam scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
How selective is the admission process at UT Austin?
- UT Austin has an acceptance rate of about 29%, reflecting its selective nature. This means that out of every 100 applicants, around 29 are admitted. To increase your chances, focus on meeting or exceeding the university’s GPA and standardized test requirements, and present a strong overall application.
Is a 3.7 GPA enough to get into UT Austin?
- A 3.7 GPA is competitive, but UT Austin considers multiple factors in admissions, such as SAT/ACT scores, extracurriculars, and essay quality. Typically, the middle 50% of admitted students have GPAs ranging from 3.75 to 4.0, so a 3.7 can be competitive if paired with strong additional application elements.
How can I improve my chances of being accepted to UT Austin?
- To strengthen your application to UT Austin, focus on maintaining a high GPA, with the average GPA of admitted students around 3.68. Additionally, aim for strong SAT/ACT scores and actively engage in extracurricular activities. Craft thoughtful and well-written essays that reflect your personality and goals. Participating in challenging courses and highlighting leadership roles can further enhance your profile.
What role do test scores play in UT Austin admissions?
- While UT Austin is test-optional, submitting strong SAT or ACT scores can still benefit your application, especially if your GPA is lower than the average admitted student. High exam scores can demonstrate academic ability and readiness for rigorous coursework, making your application stand out in the holistic review process.
