This page is licensed under Creative Commons under Attribution 4.0 International. Anyone can share content from this page, with attribution and link to College MatchPoint requested.
November 5th Webinar at 6:00 pm CST
Case Studies from UT Admissions: Why Some Students Get Admitted and Others Don’t
What separates admitted UT Austin applicants from those who don't get in? Molly Gully (16 years in UT admissions) and Allyson Randall (hundreds of admitted UT students) will take you inside the admissions room with real case studies. You'll discover why UT no longer rewards a "checklist" approach, how fit to major drives every decision, and see examples of admitted students whose applications told cohesive, major-aligned stories that demonstrated clarity, curiosity, and readiness to contribute to their chosen field.
This webinar will give you practical strategies and concrete takeaways to help your teen stand out in one of the country's most competitive admissions processes, showing exactly what UT looks for beyond class rank and test scores.
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.
You might also be interested in these resources!
Every September, the new U.S. News college rankings arrive and families treat them like gospel. A school climbs five spots and parents cheer. A school slips seven and families start crossing it off the list. The trap is thinking those numbers reflect what your teen’s actual experience will be. They don’t.
When test-optional policies became widespread, many families assumed the SAT and ACT no longer mattered. “If it’s optional,” parents asked, “why put my child through the stress?” The reality is that scores still matter—a lot. At many colleges, students who submit test scores are admitted at much higher rates than those who don’t. The question isn’t whether tests matter. The question is whether your teen’s scores will strengthen or weaken their application.
Most families think of public universities as the affordable choice. For in-state students, that is usually true. But once you cross state lines, the story changes. Out-of-state public universities often charge $60,000 to $75,000 a year with little or no merit aid. In many cases, these bills are higher than private colleges that look more expensive on paper but reduce costs through scholarships. Families who do not run the numbers can be caught off guard, paying more for less selective public options than they would for selective private ones.
When families see a college’s admit rate, it looks simple. If a school reports an admit rate of 15%, you might assume your student has a one-in-six chance. At colleges that offer Early Decision (ED), the reality is much different. The overall admit rate blends two very different pools: students admitted through binding Early Decision and students admitted through Regular Decision. Because a large portion of the class is already taken in November, the students who apply in January are competing for far fewer seats. That’s why the number that matters most is the effective Regular Decision admit rate —the real odds once Early Decision students have already filled their spots.
Colleges are paying more attention to test scores again, and that makes them an important part of your application. The most helpful scores are in the top quartile, since they back up your grades, improve your chances of getting in, and can lead to scholarships. If you are thinking about majors like computer science, engineering, or business, high math scores matter even more. Admissions officers want to see that you are ready for tough college-level math. Aiming for the 75th percentile or higher is smart, but remember that essays, activities, and who you are as a person also play a big role.
When families talk about careers in business, finance and consulting usually take center stage. But retail is one of the largest and most dynamic industries in the world, shaping everything from what we wear to how we shop online. For students who love fashion, customer experience, or supply chain strategy, retail can lead to a fulfilling and profitable career. The challenge is that families often think only of big-name fashion schools in New York or luxury design houses in Europe. In reality, many excellent colleges across the country quietly prepare students for retail leadership. These hidden gems combine strong academics with industry access, giving graduates a clear path into buying, merchandising, e-commerce, and beyond. Here are ten colleges where students can study retail in a way that prepares them for long-term career success.