The Numbers Behind the Admit Rate

For the most recent graduating class:

• The overall admit rate was 24%
• For students not in the top 5% of their Texas high school class, the admit rate dropped to just 11%

That 11% figure is especially important. It means that the vast majority of students outside the auto-admit window—many with excellent academic records—were not admitted. The students who were admitted outside the top 5% didn’t rely on GPA alone. They built strategic, major-aligned applications that stood out.

Auto-Admit Isn’t a Guarantee for Your Major

Texas law guarantees that students in the top 5% of their public high school class earn automatic admission to UT Austin—but only to the university. Admission to specific majors, especially the most competitive ones, is not guaranteed.

Programs in:

• Business (McCombs)
• Engineering (Cockrell)
• Computer Science
• Nursing
• Architecture

are highly selective and require a second layer of review—even for auto-admits. That’s why many top-ranked students still don’t get into their first-choice major.

What Sets Admitted Students Apart

Successful applicants—especially those outside the Top 5%—had more than strong academics. They had a plan. Here’s what separated them from the rest of the applicant pool:

✅ Academic Excellence:
Most admitted students had GPAs between 3.8–4.0 (unweighted) and test scores of 1400+ SAT or 32+ ACT, particularly in major-relevant sections.

✅ Major-Specific Fit:
Every part of the application—transcript, activities, resume, essays, and recommendations—was aligned to the student’s first-choice major. Students in McCombs had finance internships or led DECA clubs. Future engineers built robots or took CAD courses. Aspiring CS majors coded apps or competed in hackathons.

✅ 3–4 Aligned Activities:
Admitted students didn’t do everything. They focused on 3–4 activities tied to their major—summer programs, certifications, independent projects, or internships—that showed curiosity, initiative, and growth.

✅ Compelling Essays and Resume:
The best applications told a clear story. Students used their essays and UT’s unique Expanded Resume to connect the dots between who they are, what they’ve done, and what they want to study.



Why Starting in 9th or 10th Grade Makes a Big Difference

The most successful applicants didn’t start building their profile in junior year. They began early—choosing relevant courses, trying new experiences, and building skills in their intended field. For families, this means that the college process starts long before application season.

If your student is serious about UT—especially in a competitive major—they’ll need a multi-year strategy that includes:

• Rigorous, major-aligned coursework (like AP Calculus, Physics, or Biology)
• Summer programs or internships related to their field
• Strategic testing timelines to meet or exceed score benchmarks
• Thoughtful extracurricular involvement that reflects their values and direction

Strategy Beats Stats

A 24% admit rate may feel discouraging—and an 11% admit rate for non-auto-admits even more so. But UT Austin isn’t just looking for the most decorated students. It’s looking for students who are ready to succeed in their chosen major, starting day one.

With the right academic path, aligned experiences, and a cohesive application story, your student can rise to the top of a very competitive pool.