How to Get Into UT Austin

How to get into UT Austin—General Information

The University of Texas at Austin is a public research university founded in 1883. The school is located in Austin, Texas. It is home to more than 40,000 undergraduate students across 156 degree programs. Each year, UT Austin admissions strives to build a class of students that will help further UT Austin’s core mission to “transform lives for the benefit of society.”

What we’ll cover in this “How to Get Into UT Austin” guide:

  • UT Austin average GPA and average UT Austin SAT scores
  • Interpreting the UT Austin acceptance rate
  • Requirements for the UT Austin application
  • The UT Austin application deadline, including the UT Austin Early Action deadline
  • And much more about the UT Austin admissions process!

We know that the UT Austin application process can feel intimidating. So, this “How to get into UT Austin” guide will answer your most asked questions. Questions like, “What is the UT Austin average GPA?” and “What is UT Austin admission’s review process like?”. Further, we’ll give you tips and resources to help guide you through the UT Austin application process and beat that UT Austin acceptance rate.

Figuring out how to get into UT Austin takes strategy. We can help. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes graduates from some of the country’s top schools. Want to maximize your UT Austin admissions odds?  Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

How can I get into UT Austin?

If this school is one of your top choices, you’ll want some concrete strategies on how to get into UT Austin. First, do some research Things like the UT Austin average GPA and average UT Austin SAT scores will help you build your strategy. Also, consider the UT Austin acceptance as you create your how to get into UT Austin plan.

In addition, you should make note of important deadlines, like the UT Austin Early Action deadline and the Regular Decision UT Austin application deadline. That way, you can begin your application with plenty of time to spare. Note that if you apply UT Austin Early Action, UT Austin admissions will share its decision about your UT Austin application by February 1st.

In short, research, planning, and submitting your best work for your UT Austin application will give you a winning “how to get into UT Austin” strategy.

For help deciding whether UT Austin Early Action should feature in your “how to get into UT Austin” strategy, click here.

Is it hard to get into UT Austin?

As you think about how to get into UT Austin, you may wonder how hard it is to get in. 

Firstly, understand that UT Austin is a top-ranked school on a state, national, and global scale. In 2021, not only was UT Austin ranked in the top 10 public colleges in the US, it also ranked in the top 40 universities in the world. 

Secondly, the estimated UT Austin average GPA and average UT Austin SAT scores are high. Also, the UT Austin acceptance rate is quite low. You’ll read more about these later in this “how to get into UT Austin” guide. These high scores and low UT Austin acceptance rate suggest a competitive UT Austin admissions process. So, be sure to prepare accordingly!   

If you are a Texas resident in the top 6% of your public high school class, you are eligible for automatic admission. However, UT Austin admissions will still use a holistic review process to determine your major.

If you are applying from out of state or from a private school, it may be harder to get into UT Austin. So, you need to be especially thoughtful in crafting your “how to get into UT Austin” strategy.

What is the average GPA needed for UT Austin?

Anyone who wants to know how to get into UT Austin will wonder how their grades compare to the UT Austin average GPA. 

There is no reported UT Austin average GPA. However, several indicators suggest that the UT Austin average GPA is high. These include the class rank and UT Austin SAT scores of enrolled students. 

Firstly, 781 students from their last admitted class were valedictorians. In addition, UT Austin admissions gave automatic admission to students in Texas who were in the top 6% of their public high school class.

The middle 50% of applicants that chose to send UT Austin SAT scores and ACT scores had the following scores:

  • UT Austin SAT scores: 1210-1470
  • UT Austin ACT scores: 26-33

Finally, UT Austin admissions gives academic requirements and prerequisites. These, along with the high average UT Austin SAT scores, suggests that the UT Austin average GPA is high. We suggest you strive to exceed a GPA of 3.8. 

For help meeting the estimated UT Austin average GPA, check out this guide. For help getting those top UT Austin SAT scores, click here. 

What is the acceptance rate at UT Austin?

The UT Austin acceptance rate for the class of 2025 was 29%, making UT Austin a competitive school. This UT Austin acceptance rate is based on the 18,994 admitted students out of a total of 66,077 applications.

If you are a Texas resident in the top 6% of your public high school class, you are eligible under Texas state law for automatic admission to UT Austin. So if you’re a top in-state performer at your public school, you don’t need to worry about the UT Austin acceptance rate. 

By contrast, if you are an out-of-state applicant, UT Austin admissions will be more competitive for you than the official UT Austin acceptance rate shows. Texas residents made up 88.7% of the class of 2025. As a public university with an automatic admissions process, fewer spots are available for non-Texan applicants—even the highly qualified. 

So, if you are applying from out-of-state or from a private school, make sure you build the lower UT Austin acceptance rate into your “how to get into UT Austin” plan. Submit a strong application—high UT Austin SAT scores, and grades exceeding the predicted UT Austin average GPA—before the UT Austin application deadline. This is how to get into UT Austin successfully. 

What does the UT Austin application look like?

A good UT Austin application is at the heart of the best “how to get into UT Austin” plans. 

The first step to completing your UT Austin application is to choose how you want to apply. You can use either ApplyTexas or the Coalition for College application. If your college list includes several Texas universities, ApplyTexas may be the better fit. If the UT Austin application is the only UT application you’ll submit, check if your other colleges accept the Coalition application.

When considering how to get into UT Austin, you will want to prepare your materials well before the UT Austin application deadline. Students can choose to apply by the UT Austin Early Action deadline (November 1) or the Regular Decision UT Austin application deadline (December 1). Most students who apply before the UT Austin Early Action deadline will receive a decision by February.

Whether you apply by the UT Austin Early Action deadline or the Regular Decision UT Austin application deadline, your UT Austin application must include these materials:

There are several optional components of the UT Austin application, including:

  • UT Austin SAT scores or ACT scores
  • Expanded Resume
  • Up to 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • Additional materials (extra writing prompts, portfolio, audition, interview, etc.)

UT Austin SAT scores and ACT scores are not required. However, a high test score can strengthen your application. Given the low UT Austin acceptance rate, we suggest you submit UT Austin SAT scores if they meet or exceed the average. If you choose not to send UT Austin SAT scores or ACT scores, UT Austin admissions will rely more on other aspects of your application.

Be sure to check if your selected major has any further requirements well before the UT Austin application deadline. You can find a full list of these requirements under “major-specific items” on this page. 

Finally, if you are applying to one of UT Austin’s Freshman Honors Programs, you may need to submit an expanded resume or a letter of recommendation.

What extracurriculars does UT Austin look for?

As you plan how to get into UT Austin, you may find yourself stuck comparing your profile to the UT Austin average GPA and UT Austin SAT scores. However, UT Austin admissions knows that scores and grades aren’t everything. This is why the extracurricular section of your UT Austin application is important. It shows off your accomplishments and commitments, both inside and outside of school.

In the class of 2025:

  • More than 80% of students held a formal leadership role in a school organization or activity
  • 63% had a job or internship experience
  • Nearly 30% received awards at the state, national, or international level
  • About 20% founded a company, non-profit, or school organization.

If your extracurriculars don’t line up with these categories, that’s okay! UT Austin admissions isn’t looking for specific extracurriculars. Instead, they are looking for students who have qualities that align with their core values. These include leadership, curiosity, and commitment to improving the community. This article will help you evaluate your extracurriculars as you build your “how to get into UT Austin” plan.

Does UT Austin do interviews? 

UT Austin admissions will not give you an interview as part of your UT Austin application, even if you apply UT Austin Early Action. So, preparing for an interview shouldn’t feature in your how to get into UT Austin strategy. 

However, students may need to interview for some programs. For example, applicants for the B.F.A. in Theatre Education may be invited to interview with the faculty after the UT Austin application deadline.

With this in mind, be sure you do the following:

  • Research the UT Austin application requirements for your specific program thoroughly
  • Complete your UT Austin application well before the UT Austin application deadline
  • After the UT Austin application deadline, keep a close eye on your email and application portal for any further communications.

How to write a UT Austin supplemental essay

Supplemental essays are a required part of your UT Austin application. These must be submitted before the UT Austin application deadline. Especially given the low UT Austin acceptance rate, make sure your “how to get into UT Austin” plan includes learning how to nail these essays.  

Firstly, UT Austin admissions asks for an essay. You can find this under Topic A in ApplyTexas or under UT Austin Required Essay in the Coalition App.

The UT Austin essay prompt for 2021-2022 year is:

Tell us your story. What unique opportunities or challenges have you experienced throughout your high school career that have shaped who you are today? (500-700 words)

In addition, you must complete four short answers, each between 250-300 words. Above all, these give you a chance to tell UT Austin admissions about:

  • Your preferred major
  • The value you would bring to the UT student community 
  • How your ambitions and values align with those of UT Austin
  • Your demonstrated interest in the school

For an in-depth dive into UT Austin’s prompts, check out our UT Austin Supplemental Essay Guide.

The UT Austin application essays are a critical part of your “how to get into UT Austin” plan. Your essays can highlight your strengths! This is true even if you didn’t meet the average UT Austin SAT scores or the UT Austin average GPA threshold. 

Finally, as you make your “how to get into UT Austin” plan, set aside time to complete any additional writing. This includes essay prompts, portfolios, audition videos, or other materials required by your selected major or honors program.

How does UT Austin review applications?

When thinking about how to get into UT Austin, you are probably wondering what happens after the UT Austin application deadline. UT Austin admissions uses a holistic review process. They consider your academic strengths as reflected in your transcripts, honors/awards, class rank, and test scores. They also look at your achievements and personal qualities reflected in your extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations.

In addition, UT Austin admissions considers how competitive your selected major is. It takes into account any special circumstances that may provide context for your achievements. This can include details about your background—who you are and how you got to where you are today.

Will UT Austin consider my social media accounts?

As you research how to get into UT Austin, you’ve likely covered the basics, like the UT Austin acceptance rate and UT Austin average GPA. The question of social media might then cross your mind. Will UT Austin admissions consider your social media accounts when reviewing your UT Austin application? The short answer is “no.”

Although your social media accounts won’t be officially reviewed, keep in mind that anything you post online is public. In general, you shouldn’t post anything you wouldn’t want a future professor or employer to see. 

That said, UT Austin’s social platforms are a great place to learn more about what kind of school UT Austin is and what it has to offer.

Is UT Austin a good school for me?

Before you start thinking about how to get into UT Austin or worrying about the UT Austin acceptance rate, you need to decide if UT Austin is a good fit for you. Research the University of Texas at Austin and consider factors like size, cost,  financial aid, academic programs, and campus culture. This can help you make a decision based on your needs.

Take some time to explore UT Austin’s website. There, you can learn about academics, life in Austin, and student research opportunities. Attending one of UT Austin’s virtual sessions will also give you the chance to explore campus and learn more about what each academic school has to offer. 

Once you’ve decided UT Austin is the school for you, start preparing your materials well in advance of the RD UT Austin application deadline or UT Austin Early Action deadline.

This article will help you decide whether UT Austin Early Action is right for you. 

Additional tips to get into UT Austin

Here are our final tips for how to get into UT Austin. Bear them in mind as the UT Austin application deadline approaches!

Build good relationships

While recommendation letters are not required, giving UT Austin admissions an outside view on what kind of student you are can strengthen your UT Austin application. Whether you are applying by the UT Austin Early Action deadline or the RD UT Austin application deadline, give your recommenders enough time to write their letters.

Stay ahead of deadlines

Making a timeline for college applications will help you stay on track to submit your materials by the UT Austin application deadline. Plan who you’re going to ask for recommendations and give yourself time to draft, edit, and revise your UT Austin application essays. This is especially important if you plan to apply by the UT Austin Early Action deadline.

Make your application school-specific

There is no one way to make your application stand out to UT Austin admissions. However, making sure your UT Austin application aligns with UT Austin’s campus culture, values, and goals will give your reader an idea of what you’ll bring to UT Austin.

This guide was written by Stefanie Tedards. If you want to know how to get into UT Austin, we’ve got you covered. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes graduates from some of the country’s top schools. Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.