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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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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.
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For this year's high school seniors, early decision notifications stretch from early December through mid-February. These rounds shape the majority of incoming classes at many selective colleges, and they reveal much about where competition is tightening. This week-by-week guide highlights only Early Decision (ED1 and ED2) schools, including their exact notification phrasing and admit rates when available.
For the Fall 2026 admissions cycle, highly selective colleges and universities across the country are experiencing a surge in early applications once again. After a few years of post-pandemic fluctuation, this year’s data show a clear trend: students are applying earlier, in greater numbers, and with increasingly strategic intent. Schools reporting significant increases include Boston College (up 15%), Duke University (up 8%), Emory University (up 21%), Northwestern University (up 15%), New York University (up 10%), the University of Georgia (up 14% in Early Action), the University of Pennsylvania (up about 12%), and the University of Virginia (up 11% in Early Decision). The upward movement at these institutions continues a broader pattern of front-loaded admissions cycles, where students aim to maximize every possible edge.
More teens are working today than in the past twenty years, and for good reason. A part-time job in high school teaches lessons that go far beyond earning money. Working helps teenagers grow more responsible, confident, and independent. It also gives them real-world experiences that strengthen college applications and prepare them for life after graduation. Having a job can be one of the most powerful ways for students to show initiative and make an impact. When teens approach work with curiosity and purpose, they gain more than a paycheck. They learn who they are becoming.
The new year brings a familiar ritual for many families: summer planning. Parents open their calendars, teens start comparing programs, and suddenly the months that should feel open and full of possibility begin to feel crowded. The questions start early. What should I do this summer? Which program will look best? Will I fall behind if I don’t do enough? What begins as a practical exercise can quietly become something heavier—the pursuit of “exceptional.”
Winter break is when most families finally breathe. The college deadlines slow down, the group chats quiet, and—for a few weeks—there’s time to think. Yet for many parents, it’s also when the next round of pressure sneaks in: What should my teen do this summer? The inbox fills with glossy emails about “elite experiences” and “college-level rigor.” Each one promises transformation, often with a five-figure price tag. It’s easy to believe that if the opportunity is prestigious and expensive, it must be worth it. But here’s the truth: we meet students every year who spent $10,000 on a summer program that changed nothing. They come home with a certificate, a sweatshirt, and a nice photo—but no new insight, direction, or spark.
Every winter break, parents start scrolling. Summer programs, internships, “college-ready” camps—each one promising an edge. It’s a familiar ritual built on fear: that a slow summer means a lost opportunity. But much of what parents believe about summer and admissions is outdated. The truth is simpler and far less performative. The best summers build curiosity, independence, and direction, not panic.