Admission Results This Year at UT Austin: Record 90,000 Applications For The Class of 2025

With 90,000+ applications for Fall 2025—a 24% increase, including a 48% surge in out-of-state applicants—early strategic planning is more crucial than ever. Success, especially in competitive majors like Business, Engineering, and Computer Science, requires a thoughtful approach starting in 9th or 10th grade. Students should align coursework, activities, and leadership roles with their intended major to build a compelling application.


The good news? Every year, students outside the top 5% earn admission by crafting compelling applications. With the right plan, you can showcase your strengths, stand out, and thrive in UT’s most competitive applicant pool yet. 


Feeling Overwhelmed by UT Austin Admissions?
Schedule an Application Assessment with Our UT Expert!


When you schedule an Application Assessment with our UT Austin admissions expert, you’re getting more than just advice—you’re gaining a team that understands the journey your family is on. At ESM Prep College MatchPoint, we don’t just know UT admissions—we live and breathe it. Our nationally recognized experts will assess your student’s application strategy, ensuring every element—from academics to fit to major—stands out in UT’s competitive process.


Let’s create a plan that gives your student the best chance of becoming a Longhorn. Schedule your assessment today!


Today's successful UT Austin applicants can't rely on senior-year scrambling or last-minute resume building. The university's holistic review process, which evaluates every aspect of an application through the lens of first-choice major fit, demands a thoughtful, long-term approach that ideally begins in 9th grade.


Why Early Planning Makes the Difference

The most compelling applications demonstrate authentic, sustained engagement with a student's intended field of study. Consider these key advantages of early planning:

  • Academic Excellence: Students can strategically select and excel in the most challenging courses aligned with their intended major, demonstrating true academic readiness.
  • Depth Over Breadth: Rather than accumulating surface-level activities, students can develop genuine expertise and leadership in their areas of interest.
  • Authentic Exploration: Early involvement allows students to confirm their academic interests through real experience rather than speculation.
  • Meaningful Relationships: Long-term engagement leads to stronger recommendations from teachers and mentors who have witnessed genuine growth.


Building Your Strategic Timeline

Freshman Year (Grade 9):

  • Select rigorous courses, particularly in major-related subjects
  • Begin exploring extracurriculars aligned with academic interests
  • Start researching summer opportunities for skill development


Sophomore Year (Grade 10):

  • Take on initial leadership roles in key activities
  • Consider standardized test preparation timeline
  • Research summer programs that align with intended major
  • Begin investigating specific UT programs and requirements


Junior Year (Grade 11):

  • Lead significant initiatives in your area of interest
  • Excel in advanced coursework
  • Complete standardized testing
  • Develop relationships with potential recommenders

Special Considerations for Selective Majors

With increased competition, preparation for selective majors requires early planning:


Business (McCombs):

  • Demonstrate quantitative excellence
  • Show entrepreneurial initiative
  • Build business leadership experience


Engineering (Cockrell):

  • Excel in advanced math/science
  • Engage in hands-on projects
  • Participate in competitions


Computer Science:

  • Master advanced mathematics
  • Develop independent coding projects
  • Show computational thinking skills


The Path Forward

This record-breaking application cycle reinforces that success at UT Austin requires more than just strong grades or test scores. Students need a comprehensive strategy that:

  1. Aligns academic choices with major interests
  2. Builds meaningful leadership and engagement
  3. Demonstrates sustained commitment to their chosen field
  4. Creates authentic opportunities for growth and discovery


Early planning isn't just about improving admissions chances - it's about reducing stress and creating space for genuine exploration and development. By starting early, staying focused, and building meaningful involvement in major-related activities, students can develop the kind of compelling profile that stands out even in UT's most competitive applicant pool yet.


Remember: The goal is not to create a perfect applicant, but to nurture authentic passion and expertise in your chosen field. With thoughtful planning and sustained engagement, you can navigate this increasingly competitive landscape with confidence and purpose.

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