Prior to the corona pandemic outbreak, test-optional universities or colleges could be counted on the tip of one’s fingers. But then, the pandemic came along throwing everyone off track and institutions had to find solutions to counterbalance Corona’s effects. And that they did, by adopting test-optional schemes to allow the continuation of academics online. Needless to say, the University of Texas in Austin also adopted this scheme of being text-optional. even though before the pandemic, test scores were mandatory requirements. As they didn’t want the unavailability of test scores to affect the ability of students to apply, they had no choice but to succumb to test-optional policies. Let’s start with Is the University Of Texas At Austin Test-Optional?
However…as of when this blog was written, The University of Texas and other institutions in Texas are still deciding whether to continue test-optional policies (UT Austin applicants for fall of 2023 are not required to submit test scores). Do take note!
Is admission difficult at the University of Texas in Austin?
It’s no secret that getting admitted into the University of Texas in Austin can be difficult but trust me it is quite difficult.
Below are the reasons why…
- Admission data shows that the average GPA of a University of Texas in Austin student is 3.8 against a 4.0 scale
- University of Texas In Austin ( UT Austin) was ranked #3 in Texas for the highest SAT requirements and ranked #5 for the highest ACT scores
- UT Austin’s acceptance rate is 32%, that is, out of a hundred only 32 are accepted.
- 78% of their applicants submit their sat scores
- 56% of their applicants submit ACT scores.
- Their average composite SAT score is 1355 on the 1600 SAT scale
Admission Requirements
Although submitting SAT/ACT scores is no longer mandatory in UT Austin for now, writing and submitting them might be your winning chess piece into entering UT Austin. It’s especially important if it’s too late to rectify your GPA , then, you could make use of SAT/ACT to bridge the gap and boost your chances.
Subsequently, we’ll be covering UT Austin’s exact requirements from their applicants
- SAT/ACT scores – the test scores are not required but recommended for 2023 fall applicants. Please consult the school to check whether it’s still test-optional or not!
- A high GPA of about 3.8 and above– falling short of this average GPA on a scale of 4.0 can be quite disadvantageous
- International applicants must submit either TOEFL or IELTS as proof of English language proficiency. While TOEFL IBT is preferred over IELTS, TOEFL ITP scores are not accepted
- High school class rank- snatch a position in the top quarter of your class, it helps!
- College preparatory programs- AP IB or dual enrollment is highly recommended but not required
- Application fee- UT Austin’s application fee is $75 and can be waived
- Recommendation letters – they go a long way, as they bring out your full academic and behavioral potential
Tips For Getting Admission
Getting into the University of Texas In Austin sure isn’t easy, but if you’re able to strictly adhere to these steps, UT Austin is going to be a no brainer for you
- According to section 51.803 9f the Texas education code, Texas institutions, it Austin inclusive, in State applicants are to automatically be accepted and instate applicants should make 75% of admitted students ( check Texas education code for further details)- All of this means, being an instate applicant alone is a huge plus.
- Endeavor to maintain a high school transcript (should be mostly As) and a high GPA – if you’re a junior or senior and it’s too late to rectify your GPA to about 3.8, this is where standardized test scores come in….
- SAT/ACT- although no longer required, is highly encouraged and a high score of about 1355 to 1490 (SAT) or 30/33 (ACT) and above will give you a winning edge especially if you’re experiencing a glitch with your GPA.
- Taking and acing an AP, IB or dual enrollment course is highly recommended but not required, as these preparatory courses show you’re ready and can take on college courses
- Proof of Extracurriculars- as the saying goes all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, providing proof of extracurriculars will spice up your application upping your chances
- Letters of recommendation- this helps a lot, as it Demonstrates and portrays your competencies in an angle different from your results
- A high TOEFL or IELTS score- for international applicants, TOEFL or IELTS score is still required!
Conclusion
If you’re applying with an SAT score of about 1355 or an ACT of about 30 with a 3.8 GPA… then, Congratulations! you can and will be able to compete effectively with other applicants and have a high chance of getting in.
Note… As discussed earlier, upping your admission chances depends not only on your SAT/ACT scores or GPA, but also on your extracurriculars, letters of recommendation, coursework difficulty (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), and personal statements or essays.
FAQs
What GPA do you need to get into The University of Texas at Austin?
A GPA of about 3.83 on a scale of 4.0 is often required to get into UT Austin. But that alone won’t do, accompany it with essays, standardized tests, college preparatory courses, and recommendation letters and you’ll reach your goal!
What is my chance of getting into The University of Texas at Austin?
As mentioned above, only about 32 out of a hundred are admitted every session. Check if the requirements for UT Austin stated above meet what you have in stock.
How hard is it to get into UT Austin and can I get accepted?
Yes, you have the chance of getting accepted if you’re able to graduate in the top quarter of your class, have a high GPA and a moderately high sat/act score
What will be the standardized testing requirements for international applicants?
International applicants who apply to UT Austin for fall 2023 are not required to submit SAT/ACT scores, though highly recommended, but are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores for English proficiency proof.
Does The University of Texas at Austin prefer SAT or ACT?
Either of the two is okay but statistically, 78% of applicants submit their SAT scores while 56% of applicants submit ACT scores when applying.