Scoring Big on the Forty Acres: Your 4-Year Game Plan for Becoming a Longhorn

Last year, UT Austin ranked 10th most popular college in survey of high school students. As a result, the school announced record application and enrollment for fall 2024. For students hoping to become Longhorns, work starts early. From freshman through junior year of high school, Longhorn hopefuls must stay focused, challenge themselves academically, pursue meaningful extracurriculars, and lay groundwork for compelling application.

At the beginning of the UT application, students are asked to select a first-choice major. That choice of a major is crucial since it becomes the lens through which an admissions reviewer evaluates each and every item in an application: transcript, test scores (if submitted), essays, short answers, resume, and letters of recommendation. It's important to note that while students may list a second major, that major is rarely considered for students who aren't in the top 6% of their graduating class.


Explore Your Interests in Majors at UT

With over 120 majors across 13 diverse colleges and schools, UT Austin has something for everyone. From business and engineering to natural sciences and liberal arts, your academic curiosities can come alive here. A great place to start researching majors is the UT site Wayfinder to get exposed to all the options. As you identify subjects that excite you, look for related extracurricular activities, organizations, and events in your community. Immerse yourself in your interests to uncover your most compatible major.

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Dreaming of donning the burnt orange as a UT Austin Longhorn? With competition fiercer than ever, your journey to the Forty Acres starts now. This isn't just a senior year sprint—it's a four-year marathon that demands early preparation and deep commitment. Here's your game plan to score big in the UT admissions process:


Scoring Big on the Forty Acres: Your 4-Year Game Plan for Becoming a Longhorn


Dreaming of donning the burnt orange as a UT Austin Longhorn? With competition fiercer than ever, your journey to the Forty Acres starts now. This isn't just a senior year sprint—it's a four-year marathon that demands early preparation and deep commitment. Here's your game plan to score big in the UT admissions process:


Freshman Year: Scout the Field

1. Start exploring UT's 170+ majors using the Wayfinder tool. Your choice of major is crucial—it's the playbook admissions will use to evaluate your entire application.

2. Join clubs and start projects related to your interests. Go deep, not wide—UT values depth over breadth.

3. Challenge yourself academically. Enroll in the most rigorous courses available, especially in subjects related to your potential majors.


Sophomore Year: Build Your Skill Set

1. Dive deeper into 2-3 extracurriculars aligned with your interests. Seek leadership roles—captain your academic team or lead a community service project.

2. Start gaining real-world experience. Look for internships, volunteer opportunities, or launch your own project related to your intended field.

3. Visit the UT campus if possible. Start following UT's social media accounts to stay connected with the Longhorn community.


Junior Year: Make Big Plays

1. Take on your most challenging course load yet, including AP, IB, or dual credit courses in your areas of interest.

2. Elevate your extracurricular involvement. Organize a major event, expand your club's reach, or tackle a significant project that showcases your skills and leadership.

3. Attend UT information sessions and college fairs. Start building relationships with admissions representatives.


Senior Year: Bring It Home

1. Maintain your academic momentum—UT will be looking at your senior year performance too.

2. Craft your application to highlight your four-year journey of deep engagement and growth in your chosen field.

3. Connect with current UT students or alumni in your intended major for insights that can inform your application and decision.


Remember, UT's holistic admissions process isn't just about academic excellence—it's about passion, leadership, and potential to contribute to the university community. By starting early and going deep in your areas of interest, you'll craft a compelling narrative that showcases your fit for UT Austin.


This four-year game plan isn't just about getting into UT—it's about developing yourself into the kind of student who will thrive on the Forty Acres. So lace up your cleats, hit the field early, and give it your all. Your future as a Longhorn is waiting. Hook 'em!

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