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September 9th Webinar at 6:00 pm CDT
UT Austin Activity Planning: How to Build a High School Record That Gets You In
At UT Austin, your activities are not a bonus. They are evidence. Every part of your application is read through the lens of your first-choice major, and what you do outside the classroom is one of the clearest ways to show you are ready to succeed in it starting on day one.
But most students are building their records the wrong way. Too many clubs, not enough depth. Titles without impact. Involvement without initiative. And they find out too late that UT admissions readers are not counting activities. They are reading for a story.
This session is built for families who want to get ahead of that. Whether your student is a rising sophomore with time to build intentionally or a rising senior making final decisions before applications open, you will leave with a clear picture of what UT actually looks for and a concrete plan for what to do next.
We will walk through how UT's fit-to-major approach shapes the way every activity on your student's record gets read, how to build a portfolio that demonstrates real initiative and impact in the right areas, and why the Expanded Resume is one of the most powerful and most underused tools in the entire UT application. We will also cover what self-directed projects, paid work, and family contributions signal to admissions readers, and how to track and document everything starting right now.
DOWNLOAD OUR GUIDE TO
Applying to the University of Texas at Austin
It's hard to believe that a school as large as 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. This guide covers all required essays, as well as provides detailed information on the expanded resume, letters of recommendation, and evaluating fit-to-major and honors programs.
We have a unique approach at College MatchPoint. It all begins and ends with our ultimate goal: for our students to thrive in their selected college.
The college application process can feel overwhelming, no matter how strong the student. But at College MatchPoint, we believe it should be organized, personal, and even fun, and we provide a framework that reduces the stress throughout the journey.
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For decades, the University of Texas at Austin has been the dream school for many Texas families. With its nationally ranked programs, strong alumni network, and unbeatable Austin location, it is no surprise UT remains one of the most sought-after public universities in the country. But in 2026, with over 100,000 applications submitted and rising selectivity across nearly every major, it is important to pause and ask: Is UT Austin still the right fit for your student?
Families often ask when they should begin preparing for UT Austin. The truth is, the most successful applicants in this year’s record-breaking admissions cycle didn’t wait until junior year to get serious. They started building strong habits, exploring academic interests, and growing into leadership during their early high school years. If your teen is in 9th or 10th grade and dreams of becoming a Longhorn, this fall is the right time to begin. Here are three high-impact areas to focus on now.
Your student took advanced classes, earned excellent grades, stayed active in school clubs, volunteered on weekends, and maybe even scored above a 1450 on the SAT. They hit every benchmark. Their college list was thoughtful. UT Austin was the top choice. And still, they were denied. This story is more common than many people realize. Each year, UT Austin turns away thousands of highly qualified applicants.
Choosing a college major often feels overwhelming because families ask the wrong question. Instead of asking what major guarantees success, students should ask better questions that lead to better decisions.
At The University of Texas at Austin, what you list as your second-choice major is not just a backup plan. It is a real part of your application strategy. In fact, for many students who are not automatically admitted through the top 5% rule, that second-choice major could be the difference between an offer and a denial. But it only works if you approach it with intention. UT does not view the second-choice major as a throwaway. It still gets reviewed through the same holistic process. If you choose it wisely and align your application materials accordingly, it can open another door into one of the most competitive public universities in the country.
Applying as an undeclared student sounds appealing. Many families believe it preserves flexibility while reducing admissions pressure. Unfortunately, that assumption is not always correct. Many universities admit students directly into colleges or majors. Popular programs in engineering, business, nursing, and the sciences often have limited capacity. Once those spaces are filled, transferring internally can be difficult or impossible.