Laying the Academic Foundation Early

UT Austin places a strong emphasis on academic rigor, meaning that students who take challenging courses—particularly in subjects aligned with their intended major—have an advantage. Many of the students we worked with began planning their course selections as early as 9th grade, ensuring they were on track to take AP, IB, or dual-credit courses in later years.

How Early Planning Helped Students Build Strong Academic Profiles

✅ STEM & Business Majors made sure they were prepared for AP Calculus, AP Statistics, and AP Physics by taking Algebra I and Geometry early.
✅ Pre-Med & Health Majors set themselves up for AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and Anatomy & Physiology by taking foundational science courses in 9th and 10th grade.
✅ Liberal Arts & Communication Majors strengthened their writing and analytical skills with Honors English, AP English Language, and foreign language courses.

By planning ahead, these students avoided last-minute scheduling conflicts and ensured they had the right mix of coursework to showcase their readiness for UT’s rigorous academic environment.

Exploring Interests Through Extracurricular Activities

Strong grades and test scores alone weren’t enough to gain admission—students also needed to demonstrate a deep commitment to their field of interest. The most competitive applicants didn’t just participate in extracurriculars; they took on leadership roles and engaged in meaningful projects related to their intended major.

Many of the students we worked with began exploring their interests in 9th and 10th grade, allowing them to build a strong, consistent resume over four years.

Examples of How Early Involvement Made a Difference:

• A student admitted to Cockrell School of Engineering joined a robotics club in 9th grade, later becoming president and leading the team to regional competitions.
• A future McCombs Business major started a small online business in 10th grade, then interned at a local startup in 11th grade.
• A student admitted to UT’s Biology program began volunteering at a hospital in 10th grade, which led to a summer research internship before senior year.

By starting early, these students had time to build deep engagement in their activities, take on leadership roles, and develop a compelling application story by senior year.

Standardized Test Preparation: A Thoughtful, Low-Stress Approach

With UT Austin requiring SAT or ACT scores this year, students who planned ahead had a significant advantage. Many of the students we worked with started preparing for standardized tests in the summer before junior year, giving them plenty of time to improve their scores without last-minute stress.

How Early Test Prep Helped Students Succeed:

• They took practice tests early to identify strengths and weaknesses.
• They worked with tutors or took test prep classes to refine strategies.
• They scheduled their first official SAT or ACT in the fall of junior year, allowing time for a second attempt if needed.

By spacing out their test preparation, students were able to focus on improving their scores gradually—without it interfering with coursework, extracurriculars, or college applications.

Using the Extra Time to Craft Strong Applications

Because these students started preparing for UT Austin in 9th and 10th grade, they weren’t scrambling to build a strong application at the last minute. Instead, they used their senior year to fine-tune their essays, polish their expanded resumes, and ensure their applications told a cohesive story.

For example, students who applied to competitive majors like Computer Science, Engineering, and Business wrote essays that reflected their multi-year involvement in coding, research, or entrepreneurship. Because they had a well-developed narrative built over four years, their applications naturally stood out.

Lessons for Future Applicants: Why Starting Early Matters

The students who earned admission to UT Austin this year didn’t wait until junior or senior year to start thinking about college—they started planning in 9th and 10th grade.

For students beginning their UT journey, here’s what they can do now:

✅ Plan coursework strategically—choose classes that align with your intended major and prepare for AP/IB courses in later years.
✅ Explore extracurriculars early—find activities that interest you and take on leadership roles as you gain experience.
✅ Start preparing for standardized tests early—give yourself time to improve without unnecessary stress.
✅ Build a compelling story—use your four years of high school to develop a strong narrative that connects your academics, activities, and personal growth.

Applying to UT Austin is about more than just getting good grades—it’s about building a thoughtful, well-rounded application that showcases your strengths over time. The students we worked with who started early didn’t just prepare for college; they built experiences, relationships, and skills that helped them stand out—and, ultimately, earn a spot at UT Austin.