4 Key Takeaways for Juniors From UT Austin's Admissions Changes

For the past three years, students applying to The University of Texas at Austin have had the option to avoid sending standardized test scores as part of their application. However, as is a growing trend among highly selective institutions, UT Austin has decided to reinstate its test score requirement starting with applications for the Fall 2025 semester. And that is just one of several changes that UT announced this week.

Other changes include:


1. A new early action deadline of October 15 that guarantees students will hear a decision by January 15. The regular decision deadline of December 1 remains the same.

2. More topic choice in the personal statement

3. Two instead of three short answer responses (the short answer about a student’s major will remain)

4. An emphasis on non-school recommendation letters instead of teachers. 

5. Introduction of a waitlist for non-auto admitted students


So, what do these changes mean for prospective students who have set their sites on becoming a Longhorn?


Here are 4 key takeaways for prospective UT Austin applicants:


1. Get Serious About Testing: Juniors should create a testing plan now if they don't already have one to make sure they take into account their intended deadline. Those planning to submit their applications by October 15 should finish testing in September. 

Students should allocate time to study and take practice tests. Aim for to achieve their strongest scores they can, especially in the sections that align with their academic interests and intended major since that is the section that admissions readers will most focus on. For example, if your teen plans to apply as a business major, admissions readers will focus more on the math section score. It’s important to note that since those who submitted test scores over the past three years are generally students who had high scores, the middle 50% range of test scores from admitted students has increased. Note: High math scores are a must to be competitive for impacted majors, such as Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Nursing, Biology, and Data Science.

For guidance on which test to take read our 5 Questions to Answer When Making a Testing Plan. If working with a test prep tutor might be helpful for your student, Check out our post on How to Choose a Test Prep Tutor.


2. Hone in on your Major: While it seems crazy to ask a 16 or 17-year-old to choose a college major, it’s important for them to do so if they want to be competitive in the UT admissions process. This is because UT reviews each application based on the students “fit” to the major they choose on the application. If you haven't already, figure out what your intended major will be and make sure you have at least 3 solid activities (volunteer position, clubs, independent project, summer job, internship, etc.) related to that major on your expanded resume. If your teen still needs some experience related to their intended major, now's the time to create a strong summer plan. Visit summermatch.me to let our AI Guru help find activities related to their interests. Parents, you can help by connecting your teen with professionals in their fields of interest for informational interviewing or shadowing opportunities!

3. Identify Non-Teacher Recommenders: UT Austin's encouragement to seek recommendations from non-high school sources presents a great opportunity to showcase your student’s interests and achievements related to their intended major. Here are some examples of people to consider asking, based on popular majors:


  • Business: A manager from a summer job or internship, a local business owner you've shadowed or assisted, a leader from a business-related club or organization or a Scout leader
  • Engineering: A supervisor from a research project or lab, a mentor from a robotics or coding club, a supervisor from a volunteer project, or an engineer they've interviewed or job-shadowed
  • Nursing: A volunteer coordinator from a hospital or clinic they've volunteered at, a supervisor from a healthcare-related summer program, or a healthcare professional they've shadowed
  • Education: A supervisor from a summer camp or after-school program they've worked at, a coordinator from a tutoring program they've volunteered with, the parent of children they babysit for, or a mentor teacher they've observed or assisted
  • Computer Science: A teacher or mentor from a coding bootcamp or workshop they've completed, a leader from a computer science-related club or organization, or a software developer they've shadowed
  • Psychology: A supervisor from a psychology research lab they've assisted with, a mentor from a mental health awareness club or organization, a psychologist they've interviewed or shadowed, or a parent of children they babysit for
  • Communication: A manager from a summer job or internship, the leader of a nonprofit organization they volunteer with, a mentor from a debate club or public speaking organization, or a communication professional (journalist, marketer, etc.) they've interviewed or shadowed


4. Plan your summer wisely. The new October 15 Early Action deadline will sneak up on your teen! If your student wants to take advantage of this new option, ensure they are ready by helping them plan time this spring or summer for test prep and testing, writing essays, and filling out the Common Application (which opens August 1) so they are ready to submit The week BEFORE October 15. We also advocate students submit at least a week in advance of the deadline to account for any site glitches or missing information so they have plenty of time to address anything needed.


It's an exciting time to be applying to UT Austin. By understanding these admissions changes, taking action on test prep, seeking recommendations that showcase your student's intended major, ensuring they have relevant activities, and planning ahead for the Oct. 15 Early Action deadline, your teen will be well positioned to put their best foot forward.


Share by: