2. Admission
A comprehensive college education depends on a robust exchange of ideas, exposure to differing cultures, preparing for the challenges of an increasingly diverse workforce, and acquiring competencies required of future leaders. The University handles a very large number of applications and must select from among this highly qualified pool only the number of students it can accommodate. In addition to an assessment of the academic strength of an applicant's record, admission decisions result from an individualized, holistic review of each applicant, taking into consideration the many ways the academically qualified individual might contribute to, and benefit from, the rich, diverse, and challenging educational environment of the University.
The procedures and criteria for admission given in this chapter are effective as of the date of publication but are subject to change by action of the Texas Legislature or the Board of Regents.
Undergraduate Admission
The Office of Admissions is responsible for the admission and readmission of undergraduate students to the University. Application procedures for freshman, transfer, former, international, and transient students are outlined later in this chapter.
Prospective students are encouraged to apply early for the enrollment period in which they are interested. Although no preference is given for early application, beginning the process early allows ample time for applicants to assure that their applications are complete by the deadline.
Because there are more qualified applicants than can be instructed by the faculty or accommodated in the facilities, it is often necessary to admit a limited number of applicants from among those who are qualified. Information about additional admission requirements for some undergraduate programs is given later in this chapter.
An applicant who has undertaken coursework at another collegiate institution (including freshman, transfer, reentry, and international applicants) may not disregard any part of his or her academic record. Such coursework must be reported on the appropriate section of the ApplyTexas application. Applicants who fail to report all college coursework or who otherwise falsify any part of their application or the documents required to complete the application process are subject to disciplinary action. Disciplinary action will include a one-year ban on enrollment and a permanent statement on the student's record about the failure or falsification. Action may include expulsion and loss of credit for work taken subsequently at the University, as well as appropriate action by the dean of students.
In compliance with the Federal Student Right-to-Know Act, information about graduation rates and crime statistics is available from the Office of Admissions.
Questions about undergraduate admission may be addressed to the Office of Admissions by telephone or by e-mail. The Office of Admissions may also be contacted by mail at The University of Texas at Austin, Office of Admissions, P O Box 8058, Austin TX 78713-8058.
Application deadlines. All application materials must be received in the Office of Admissions by the following deadlines.
| Summer Session | Fall Semester | Spring Semester | |
| New students: freshmen, international | February 1 | February 1 | October 1 |
| Transfer students | March 1 | March 1 | October 1 |
| Former students | May 1 | July 1 | December 1 |
| Transient students | May 1 | not applicable | not applicable |
Application processing fee. A nonrefundable fee of $60 is required with each application for undergraduate admission. International applicants (those who are not United States citizens or permanent residents) must submit a nonrefundable fee of $75.
To request an exemption from the application processing fee, an applicant must submit a copy of one of the following:
- A financial award letter (for undergraduate transfer applicants and Graduate School applicants)
- An approved test fee waiver from the ACT, SAT, GRE, or GMAT
- The applicant's parent's or guardian's income tax returns for the past two years or the applicant's own returns, if he or she was not claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer
- A financial aid transcript from an institution the applicant previously attended
- Documentation from a high school counselor showing financial need. For example, the counselor might submit a statement that indicates the applicant's free-lunch status.
Enrollment deposit. Any applicant admitted to the University as an undergraduate for the summer or fall must pay an enrollment deposit of $200 to indicate that he or she accepts the offer of admission. The deposit is applied to the payment of tuition and fees when the student enrolls. Students who demonstrate financial need may qualify for assistance to cover the amount of the deposit.
Freshman Admission
The Office of Admissions offers a variety of services and resources to assist prospective students with the freshman application process. Freshman applicants are encouraged to use all available resources, especially the resources of the University's five admissions centers, where admissions counselors provide detailed information about and assistance with the admissions process. Centers are located on the University campus in John Hargis Hall, in Dallas, in Harlingen, in Houston, and in San Antonio. Admissions counselors travel throughout the state, visiting high schools and participating in events designed to encourage prospective students to continue their education after high school.
Prospective students may also communicate with admissions counselors through the Web site Be a Longhorn. The site offers a counselor finder; event registration; secure access to personal information such as application status and admission decisions; and details about admission, academics, financial aid, housing, and more.
High School Preparation
High school students who intend to apply to the University should take a college preparatory curriculum.
As part of ongoing efforts to improve student academic performance, the State of Texas has established minimum standards for college readiness. [1] As a result, to be eligible to apply for freshman admission, a student must complete the recommended or advanced high school curriculum (or its equivalent) or meet minimum college readiness benchmarks. Given this requirement, freshman applicants to the University must earn at least twenty units of high school credit (grades 9–12) as described in the following table. The number in the "Units" column is the minimum number of units the student must take in that area. One year's work in a subject is one unit; a semester's work is a half unit.
More information about the high school curriculum requirements is given at Be a Longhorn.
| Area | Units | |
| A. | English | 4 |
| English I, English II, English III, and English IV English I for Speakers of Other Languages and English II for Speakers of Other Languages may be substituted for English I and II only by immigrant students with limited English proficiency. No student may substitute ESL courses for English III or IV. |
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| B. | Mathematics | 3 |
| Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry Strongly recommended: Prospective students interested in studying architecture, business, geosciences, natural sciences, engineering, or other technical fields are advised to prepare by taking math every year of high school, culminating with precalculus or beyond. |
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| C. | Science | 3 |
Students may choose from the following four areas. No more than one credit may be chosen from each of the four areas. Biology, chemistry, and physics are strongly recommended to fulfill the science requirement.
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| D. | Social Studies | 3½ |
| World History Studies (1), World Geography Studies (1), US History Studies since Reconstruction (1), and US Government (½) | ||
| E. | Economics | ½ |
| Economics with emphasis on the free enterprise system and its benefits | ||
| F. | Languages Other than English | 2 |
| Level I and Level II in the same language | ||
| G. | Health Education | ½ or 1 |
| Health I (½) or Advanced Health (½) or Health Science Technology (1) | ||
| H. | Fine Arts | 1 |
| I. | Physical Education | 1½ |
| J. | Technology Applications | 1 |
| One of the following: Computer Science I, Computer Science II, Desktop Publishing, Digital Graphics/Animation, Multimedia, Video Technology, Web Mastering, Business Computer Information Systems I or II, Business Computer Programming, Telecommunications and Networking, Business Image Management and Multimedia, Computer Applications, Technology Systems, Communication Graphics, or Computer Multimedia and Animation Technology | ||
| K. | Speech | ½ |
| Communication Applications, Speech Communication, Public Speaking, Debate, or Oral Interpretation |
Admission Deficiencies
To be considered for admission, an applicant who is unable to satisfy the curriculum requirements described above must submit proof that he or she was unable to complete the required units because of a situation that was outside the student's control.
An applicant who attends a high school at which the Recommended High School Program or the Distinguished Achievement Program curriculum does not apply must complete a curriculum that is equivalent in content and rigor to the Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Program curriculum or must satisfy the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks or must earn a score of at least 1500 out of 2400 on the SAT Reasoning Test.
A student who gains admission without meeting the high school unit requirements above may be required to complete additional preparatory work before enrolling.
Freshman Application Procedures
To be considered for admission as a freshman, the applicant must submit
- A completed ApplyTexas Application for Freshman Admission, including at least two required essays, and a senior course schedule. Either essays A and B or essays B and D are required. Applicants who wish to provide additional information about their special circumstances may submit essay C as well. Essay C may not be submitted in place of essay A, B, or D.
- An official high school transcript showing rank and class size and coursework through at least the junior year, or a transcript and a statement that the school does not rank its students
- An official test score report for the SAT Reasoning Test, including the student-written essay, or for both the ACT Assessment and the ACT Writing Test. Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency (see "Admission Tests" below)
- An application fee or request for fee exemption
A freshman applicant may not disregard any part of his or her academic record, including college credit earned as dual credit. Such coursework must be reported on the ApplyTexas application, and the applicant must submit official transcripts of the coursework.
Applications may be completed at the ApplyTexas Web site. Printed application forms are available at most Texas high schools.
Admission Tests
All applicants for admission as freshmen must submit scores on either the SAT Reasoning Test, including the student-written essay, or both the ACT Assessment and the ACT Writing Test. Official scores must be sent directly from the testing agency; a photocopy of test results and results listed on a high school transcript are not acceptable. Because official scores must arrive in the Office of Admissions by the deadline, applicants should take the tests no later than December of their senior year.
Applicants seeking admission to the Cockrell School of Engineering as freshmen must submit scores on the SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1 or Level 2. Scores must be received by the Office of Admissions by the application deadline. Most applicants to other fields are not required to take SAT Subject Tests for admission purposes, but they may be required or may prefer to take such tests for placement purposes. Most applicants must take the SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1 or Level 2 before they register, to determine their placement in mathematics courses.
Information and registration materials are usually available from the student's high school counselor. Information about SAT tests and the ACT is available online. Online test registration is available at these sites.
Freshman Application Review Process
Freshman admission decisions are dependent on the applicant's academic strength and an individualized, holistic review of all submitted applications. As required by state law, class rank is a deciding factor for some applicants.
Texas high school graduates ranked in the top 10 percent of their class. In accordance with Texas Education Code section 51.803, students are admissible to the University as first-time freshmen if they (1) graduated in the top 10 percent of their class from an accredited Texas high school or from a high school operated by the United States Department of Defense; (2) satisfied the curriculum or college readiness benchmarks established by HB 3826; [2] and (3) submit all the required credentials described above by the appropriate deadline. Details of the curriculum and college readiness benchmark requirements are given on Be a Longhorn. Applicants must have graduated from high school during one of the two school years preceding the academic year for which they seek admission and must not have attended an institution of higher education in the interim.
Admission under the top 10 percent law does not guarantee admission to the applicant's requested major.
Applicants who are admitted because they are in the top 10 percent of their high school class may be required to complete additional preparatory work before they enroll; they are required to remove any deficiencies in units of high school coursework before they graduate from the University.
Texas high school graduates not ranked in the top 10 percent of their class, homeschooled students, and all graduates of out-of-state high schools. To be considered for freshman admission, applicants who are not eligible for consideration under the provisions of Texas Education Code section 51.803 must normally have graduated from high school and have completed the prescribed unit requirements.
Applications received by the deadline are evaluated individually. No specific class rank, test score, or other qualification by itself—other than automatic admission based on Texas Education Code section 51.803—ensures admission. Admission decisions are based on an assessment of the following:
- Class rank
- Strength of academic background, including the number of courses taken in mathematics, science, and foreign language
- SAT Reasoning Test or ACT scores
- Record of achievements, honors, and awards
- Special accomplishments, work, and service both in and out of school
- Essays
- Special circumstances that put the applicant's academic achievements into context, including his or her socioeconomic status, experience in a single parent home, family responsibilities, experience overcoming adversity, cultural background, race and ethnicity, the language spoken in the applicant's home, and other information in the applicant's file
- Recommendations (although not required)
- Competitiveness of the major to which the student applies
Admission decisions are made on the basis of the information submitted as part of the student's application. Applicants who believe that supplemental items will help convey information about their qualifications are encouraged to submit such items with their applications. Supplemental items often included with applications are expanded résumés of accomplishments and extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and letters addressing an applicant's special circumstances.
As a state-assisted institution, the University reserves a majority of its spaces for Texas residents. Consequently, the admission of nonresidents is highly competitive.
Enrollment pressures at the University may not permit admission of all who qualify for certain academic programs. When this occurs, the Office of Admissions will, within applicable law, admit those students who are judged to be most able to contribute to and benefit from the University's rich, diverse, and academically challenging environment. Additional admission requirements for some undergraduate programs are given later in this chapter.
The director of admissions may admit to the University recipients of bona fide scholarships designated by the president.
Before applying for admission, homeschooled students should review the information available on Be a Longhorn, including details about the information that should be submitted with the student's application.
Under Texas law, graduates of unaccredited high schools may seek admission to the University.
Children of public servants killed or fatally injured in the line of duty. Children of public servants designated by statute are eligible for freshman admission if they meet University-established requirements for high school grade point average and standardized test scores. Details are given at Be a Longhorn. This policy is in accordance with section 51.803 of the Texas Education Code as amended by HB 3826.
Students who did not graduate from high school. Texas residents who did not graduate from high school and are at least twenty-one years old may seek admission through special consideration. In addition to all application material, the student must provide a copy of GED results. It is important for the student to provide as much information as possible in support of the application. Some important indicators of the student's academic competitiveness are SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Test scores, Advanced Placement courses, and grades in college-level courses the student took while in high school.
Admission Decisions
When making admission decisions, admissions representatives initially consider individual applicants for their first-choice major for the requested semester. Applicants not admitted to their first-choice major are then considered for their second-choice major. Applicants who do not qualify for admission to either their first- or their second-choice major because of space limitations are then considered for admission as undeclared majors in the College of Liberal Arts for the requested semester.
Admission to the Summer Freshman Class. Because space is limited during the fall semester, some Texas resident applicants to the fall semester may be admitted to the Summer Freshman Class. Summer Freshman Class students are regularly-admitted freshmen who begin their studies in a ten-week summer session for incoming freshmen. All students admitted to the Summer Freshman Class are admitted to the College of Natural Sciences or the College of Liberal Arts.
The Coordinated Admission Program. A Texas resident who meets the University's high school course requirements and completes an application for admission by the required deadline, but is not offered regular admission for the summer or fall, is eligible to participate in the Coordinated Admission Program (CAP). (Nonresidents are not eligible to participate in CAP.) CAP students spend their freshman year in residence at a participating University of Texas System component institution other than UT Austin. Students who are offered participation choose from a list of institutions open to them when they complete the CAP agreement.
To receive guaranteed admission to UT Austin following CAP participation, a CAP student must meet these requirements:
- Complete at least thirty hours of approved coursework with a grade point average of at least 3.20 in residence during the fall and spring semesters at the participating UT System component institution at which the student enrolls
- Complete at least one mathematics course beyond college algebra from the list of approved courses as part of the required thirty hours
- Complete requirements 1 and 2 by June 1 of the year in which the student participates in CAP
Although applicants offered CAP participation do not need to apply to the UT System component institution, they must meet the admission requirements of the institution they choose to attend.
Students who meet the CAP requirements are guaranteed admission to the University of Texas at Austin as regular students in the fall semester of the following year. Students are guaranteed admission into either the College of Liberal Arts or the College of Natural Sciences. CAP participants may request admission to restricted programs or to majors in other colleges or schools, but they are guaranteed admission only to liberal arts or natural sciences. (Because some of the University's colleges and schools have made their admission decisions for the fall by the time CAP participants complete their first-year requirements, some programs may not accept applications from CAP students.) Students who request admission to another program do not jeopardize their admission to liberal arts or natural sciences.
CAP participants who do not complete the program requirements may seek admission to the University for a subsequent semester by applying for transfer admission. Such applicants are evaluated as part of the competitive transfer applicant pool; all coursework, including that completed during CAP participation, is considered when transfer admission decisions are made.
Whenever admissions through CAP exceed 60 percent of total external undergraduate transfer admissions, a review of the CAP requirements for entry into UT Austin will be conducted, and new requirements will be established as appropriate.