Road to UT Austin: 5 Must-Dos for 9th-11th Graders This Fall

Last year, UT Austin ranked 10th most popular college in survey of high school students. As a result, the school announced record application and enrollment for fall 2023. For students hoping to become Longhorns, work starts early. From freshman through junior year of high school, Longhorn hopefuls must stay focused, challenge themselves academically, pursue meaningful extracurriculars, and lay groundwork for compelling application.

Whether you're just starting high school or a rising junior, it’s wise to start strategizing your path to admission now. UT Austin wants well-rounded, motivated students who dream big. Follow this game plan throughout high school to set yourself up for success on the Forty Acres.


At the beginning of the UT application, students are asked to select a first-choice major. That choice of a major is crucial since it becomes the lens through which an admissions reviewer evaluates each and every item in an application: transcript, test scores (if submitted), essays, short answers, resume, and letters of recommendation. It's important to note that while students may list a second major, that major is rarely considered for students who aren't in the top 6% of their graduating class.


Explore Your Interests in Majors at UT

With over 120 majors across 13 diverse colleges and schools, UT Austin has something for everyone. From business and engineering to natural sciences and liberal arts, your academic curiosities can come alive here. A great place to start researching majors is the UT site Wayfinder to get exposed to all the options. As you identify subjects that excite you, look for related extracurricular activities, organizations, and events in your community. Immerse yourself in your interests to uncover your most compatible major.

Join us on Sunday, November 4th for our webinar

Longhorns in the Making: Thriving in Your High School Journey to UT Austin


Does your student dream of being a Longhorn? Join us for an informational webinar guiding you through high school course selection, extracurricular activities, and other steps you can take now to position yourself for admission to the University of Texas at Austin. We'll provide an overview of UT Austin's admissions criteria, profile of a typical accepted student, and specific guidance on classes, test scores, extracurricular opportunities, and more that will strengthen your application. Whether you're just starting high school or a motivated junior, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and action steps to map your path to becoming a proud UT Austin student.


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Take Rigorous Courses in Your Areas of Interest

Once you pinpoint prospective majors, enroll in relevant classes and clubs at school. Seek out honors, AP, IB, and dual credit courses in your areas of interest to show colleges you’re challenging yourself. Earn stellar grades in classes related to your intended major. Join academic teams like Science Olympiad or DECA to complement your coursework with hands-on learning.


Gain Real-World Experience

Look for opportunities to apply what you’re learning in class to real-world contexts. Take on volunteer roles, internships, or summer programs where you can utilize concepts from courses you’re excited about. If your school doesn’t offer these options, get creative: start a blog, website, or YouTube channel sharing your passion area or launch your own project related to your major. Tangible experiences reinforce your interests and academic abilities.


Connect with Current Longhorns

Current UT students can provide insider perspectives on thriving at this prestigious university. Reach out to Longhorns studying in your prospective majors through high school and college networking events. Follow school clubs on social media and contact student leaders with questions. Connect on LinkedIn to gather advice from undergrads. Hearing firsthand experiences will build your understanding of life at UT Austin.


Visit the Iconic Forty Acres

Once you’ve explored majors and gotten a taste for UT life from afar, make plans to visit the Forty Acres in person! Take a virtual tour online first, then come to campus for an official visit. While here, take a full-fledged campus tour and explore the facilities for your prospective major. Cap it off by catching a Longhorns football game in Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium to watch the #3-ranked college team work their magic on the field. Hook ‘em!


By actively developing your interests and laying the academic foundation early, you’ll demonstrate readiness for the rigor of UT Austin. Admissions will see you have the drive and discipline needed to thrive as a Longhorn!


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