What Is The Holistic Review Process At UT Austin?

It’s hard to believe that a school as large of the University of Texas at Austin actually reviews every part of every student’s application. But it does: UT is deeply committed to the holistic review of its applicants. Even for students who qualify for automatic admission, the holistic review will help determine admission to specific colleges, schools, and majors.




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What Does The Top 6% Auto Admit Policy Mean?

The "Top 6%" policy at the University of Texas at Austin is an automatic admission strategy designed to give high-performing students from all over Texas access to public higher education. Texas high school seniors who rank in the top 6% of their graduating class have a guaranteed spot at the University of Texas at Austin, assuming they also meet some other academic standards. This policy is part of a more extensive state-wide initiative, originally known as the "Top 10%" law. The goal is to promote diversity and provide equal opportunities for students from all different socio-economic backgrounds.


However, the University of Texas at Austin has had to adjust this cut-off from the initial 10% to the current 6% because of the large number of applications and the competitive nature of admissions. Also, while the "auto admit" rule guarantees entry into the university, it's important to note that it doesn't guarantee admission into specific majors or programs. Even if you're automatically admitted, some majors and programs have additional requirements that you must meet. This means that while you are assured of a spot at the university, you still have to meet specific standards to get into the program or major you want.


What Does Holistic Review Mean at UT Austin?


The University of Texas at Austin wants to create diverse classes full of students who are exceptional in their own way. They're looking for more than just students with strong transcripts. Instead, they want students who can do well in their classes and make the campus better. This is why they use a process called a "holistic review" to look at applications. It means they see applicants as whole people, not just a collection of grades and test scores.

According to the
UT website, holistic review includes the review of all of the following items, and no one item is a make-or-break point for the application:


  • Class rank
  • Strength of academic background
  • 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


In a holistic review, the Office of Admissions looks at everything. They don't just focus on grades and test scores, they also look at our essays, the activities you do outside of school, the recommendations you get, and how much you're interested in UT Austin. They look at everything to get a complete picture of who you are.


You might think the essay is the most critical part of your application, but in a holistic review, all parts are equally important. Your short answers, resume, and who you pick to recommend you should get just as much effort as your essay. Each element should show a different side of you, your accomplishments, and what you can bring to UT Austin.


When the University of Texas at Austin talks about a 'fit' for a major in their holistic process, they mean how well your interests, experiences, and future goals align with your chosen major. They want to see that you've picked a major because it's a field that genuinely interests you, not just because you think it's what they want to see. The major you select should align with your strengths and passions and, ideally, be something you can see yourself doing in the future.


You can highlight your past experiences and interests related to your chosen major to show you're a good fit. You may have done a project, take certain classes, or even had a job that ties into your major. These experiences show you're serious about this field and have already started to build a foundation. They also show that you understand what the major involves and are ready to handle the work. The goal is to convince the admissions committee that you are interested in the major and prepared and motivated to succeed.


It’s important to keep in mind that UT Austin really values leadership and involvement in your community. If you've been a leader in any activities or done something meaningful for your community, highlight that in your application. These things show that you can be a leader and make a difference at UT Austin and in the future. It will make you an attractive candidate and increase your chances of getting in.



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