Most people know that the University of Texas at Austin is one of the top universities in the state of Texas, and some may even have their sights set on it for the Class of 2031. In the 2026 edition of U.S. News and World Report’s “Best National Universities” ranking, UT Austin comes in at #30. Perhaps most notable about this school’s admissions practices is that the top 5% of graduating seniors from Texas high schools automatically earn admission to the college. 

What Is the University of Texas at Austin?

UT Austin is located in, you guessed it, Austin, Texas. The school’s 2025-26 Common Data Set indicates that 44,314 undergraduates call campus home, which breaks down into 17,610 full-time men and 24,151 full-time women, as well as part-timers and gender-nonconforming students. 

UT Austin Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for the 5% rule (for many years, it was the 10% rule, and then the 6% rule), domestic Texas residents graduating from Texas high schools must graduate in the top 5 percent of their high school’s graduating class to receive automatic admission to UT Austin.

And as for out-of-state and international applicants, while there is no minimum GPA requirement, taking the most rigorous coursework available and excelling in such coursework with great grades and test scores is essential for putting a strong case for admission forward.

University of Texas SAT/ACT Score Requirements

UT Austin requires applicants to submit either the SAT or the ACT. However, the institution does not publish any test score data from accepted students or current undergraduates.

Does University of Texas Superscore Students’ SAT or ACT scores?

A superscore combines the highest section scores from each test sitting for admissions evaluation. UT Austin does not superscore, meaning that the school does not calculate the best total score from among multiple test administrations.

What High School Courses Does UT Austin Require?

The UT Austin undergraduate curriculum requires a rigorous selection of coursework in the following categories, as per the Office of Admissions:

• Language Arts (4 Credits Required)
• Mathematics (4 Credits Strongly Recommended, 3 Credits Required)
• Science (4 Credits Strongly Recommended, 2 Credits Required)
• Social Studies (4 Credits Strongly Recommended, 3 Credits Required)
• Foreign Language (2 Credits Required)
• Physical Education (1 Credit Required)
• Fine Arts (1 Credit Recommended)
• Electives (6 Credits Recommended)

We at Ivy Coach do not recommend that UT Austin-aspiring high school students limit their studies to just two years of social science or foreign language. At any highly selective college, including UT Austin, admissions officers prize students who excel in core subjects for all four years of high school (and in the case of foreign language study, five years since it’s expected students take the first level of foreign language in eighth grade).

What Extracurriculars Does UT Austin Look For in Applicants?

When it comes to extracurriculars, the last thing a prospective applicant should do is frame themselves as well-rounded. At UT Austin, admissions officers aim to create diverse classes filled with talented individuals. Students should present a specialized profile filled with individuality. In other words, it’s crucial to go into the admissions process with a singular hook in tow that demonstrates how you’ll take advantage of your time on campus.

UTexas Austin Application Requirements

UT Austin applicants must complete The Common Application and the 2026-2027 supplemental essay questions. They have the option to submit two teacher recommendations.

Let’s focus on each component and discuss how students should complete them to give them the best shot at admission.

Who to Ask For Letters of Recommendation

Applicants to UT Austin should ask two teachers, ideally two junior year teachers in core subjects, in addition to their school counselor for letters of recommendation.

Does UT Austin Require an Alumni Interview?

UT Austin does not conduct alumni interviews as part of the college application process.

What are UT Austin’s Supplemental Essay Topics?

Essays are one of the most important aspects of a competitive college application. UT Austin applicants have to complete the following essay questions:

1. Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major? (Required, 250-300 words)

2. Think of all the activities — both in and outside of school — that you have been involved with during high school. Which one are you most proud of and why?

(Guidance for students: This can include an extracurricular activity, a club/organization, volunteer activity, work, or a family responsibility.) (Required, 250-300 words)

3. Please share background on events or exceptional circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance.

If your response to this question is similar to one of the Common App Personal Essays, feel free to simply copy and paste the important parts of your essay here. (Optional, 250-300 words)

When are University of Texas’ Application Deadlines?

UT Austin’s two admissions rounds are Early Action and Regular Decision. Both rounds are non-binding. October 15th is the deadline for Early Action, whereas December 1st is the deadline for Regular Decision.

UT Austin Acceptance Rate and Statistics

UT Austin Class Year	Total Applications Received	Total Applications Accepted	Overall Acceptance Rate
Class of 2030	Not Yet Published	Not Yet Published	Not Yet Published
Class of 2029	90,690	20,154	22.2%
Class of 2028	72,885	19,417	26.64%
Class of 2027	66,109	19,253	29.12%
Class of 2026	59,767	18,770	31.41%
Class of 2025	66,043	18,989	28.75%
Class of 2024	57,241	19,291	33.70%
Class of 2023	53,525	17,029	31.82%
Class of 2022	50,575	19,482	38.52%
Class of 2021	51,033	18,620	36.49%
Class of 2020	47,511	19,182	40.37%
Class of 2019	43,592	17,006	39.01%
Class of 2018	38,785	15,381	39.66%

How Ivy Coach Helps Students Get Into the University of Texas at Austin

If you’re interested in Ivy Coach’s assistance in optimizing your child’s case for admission to UT Austin, fill out our complimentary consultation form, and we’ll be in touch to outline our college counseling services led by our team of former elite college admissions officers.