Demystifying First & Second Choice Major Selection For UT Austin Applicants

Getting ready to apply to the University of Texas at Austin? You'll need to make some big decisions, and one of the biggest is choosing your major. UT Austin gives you the chance to pick both a first and second choice major on your application. But here's the catch - your first choice is the most important one. This is the major that the admissions team will focus on when they review your application. They'll look at your grades, your test scores (if you submit them), your essays, short answers, resume, and letters of recommendation, all in relation to this major. And while you can list a second major, it usually isn't considered unless you're in the top 6% of your graduating class.

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UT Austin is a big place with lots of choices. They offer 170 fields of study in 12 undergraduate colleges and schools, and 120 majors to choose from. It's awesome to have so many options, but it can also feel a bit scary. How are you supposed to know what you want to study for the next four years? And how do you pick a major knowing that it could affect whether you get in?


Don't worry, there's no magic answer, but understanding how major choice works can help. Let's break it down.


What Does First Choice And Second Choice Major Mean In Admission at The University of Texas at Austin?

When you apply to the University of Texas at Austin, you'll need to pick a "first-choice major" and a "second-choice major". 


Your "first-choice major" is the one you're most excited about. It should be something you love learning about and are good at. Don't worry too much about what job you might get with that major. It's more important to pick something you really enjoy studying. The admissions team at UT Austin pays a lot of attention to your first-choice major when they look at your application. That's why it's important to pick a first-choice major that really shows who you are and what you're interested in.


The "second-choice major" is like a backup. It comes into play if you meet the requirements for automatic admission but don't get accepted into your first-choice major. So even though it's your second choice, you should still pick a major that you're really interested in. You never know, you might end up studying it!


How Do I Decide on My First Choice And Second Choice Major for The University of Texas at Austin?


The first thing to do is to think about what you love to learn. Are you a science whiz? Do you love reading and writing? Are you passionate about helping others? Next, check out UT's online major tool, Wayfinder. This tool can help you figure out which majors might be a good fit for you.


Remember, your major should be something you're genuinely excited about. The admissions team wants to see that you're interested in your major and that you've already started exploring it. Maybe you've taken advanced classes in high school, participated in related extracurricular activities, or done some volunteer work in the field. Showing that you understand what your major is all about and that you're committed to it can really make you stand out.


Choosing a major is just one part of the UT Austin application. They also look at your high school classes, grades, test scores, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities. They want to see a full picture of who you are and what you can do.


Note: These services and programs are in no way related to the University of Texas. The University does not endorse the program or College MatchPoint’s services.



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