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.
We have a unique approach at ESM Prep 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 ESM Prep College MatchPoint, we believe it should be organized, personal, and even fun, and we provide a framework that reduces the stress throughout the journey.
DOWNLOAD OUR GUIDE TO
College Planning for Juniors
Colleges consider junior year important for admissions because it's the last full year they see on a transcript and can evaluate academic preparedness and potential success. This guide for parents of rising juniors offers valuable insights to help you and your student make the most of this time. It covers all the essential areas to set your student up for success.
You might also be interested in these resources!
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.