UT Austin’s New 5% Rule: How Your Student Can Still Stand Out in Admissions

For families aiming to see their child attend the University of Texas at Austin, the admissions landscape is shifting. Starting with the fall 2026 admissions cycle, UT Austin will lower its automatic admission threshold for Texas high school students from the top 6% to the top 5% of their graduating class. This adjustment, aimed at managing a record number of applications, reflects UT Austin's ongoing demand among high-achieving students across the state.

While this new rule makes automatic admission more challenging, it’s important to remember that UT Austin offers a holistic admissions process. Even students outside the top 5% have ample opportunity to stand out by focusing on key areas such as fit-to-major extracurriculars and strong SAT or ACT test scores. Here’s how your student can navigate these changes and strengthen their application.


What Auto Admit Means at UT Austin

The "auto admit" policy at UT Austin guarantees automatic admission to Texas high school students who graduate in the top percentile of their class—historically, the top 6%. Under the new policy starting with the fall 2026 admissions cycle, only students in the top 5% will be automatically admitted.


However, it’s important to understand that auto admit only guarantees a spot at UT Austin, not admission into specific majors. Many of UT’s most competitive programs, such as business, engineering, and computer science, have limited spaces and consider additional factors, such as extracurricular involvement, essays, and letters of recommendation, beyond class rank​. Students applying to these impacted majors must demonstrate why they are a good fit for the program, regardless of whether they qualify for automatic admission.


For students who do not meet the new 5% threshold, it’s crucial to focus on other parts of the application to make a strong case for admission through UT Austin’s holistic review process.

Focus on Fit-to-Major Extracurriculars

One of the most effective ways for students to stand out in their application is by aligning their extracurricular activities with their intended major. UT Austin’s holistic admissions process heavily weighs how a student’s extracurricular involvement demonstrates their passion and readiness for their chosen field of study.


Encourage your student to align their extracurriculars with their academic goals:


  • Tailor Activities to Your Major: Students should focus on activities that reflect their interest in their intended major. For example, those applying to the McCombs School of Business could engage in entrepreneurship projects, business-related internships, or leadership roles in finance clubs. Similarly, aspiring engineers should participate in STEM activities such as robotics, coding clubs, or science fairs.
  • Pursue Leadership Roles: Admissions committees look for depth and leadership in extracurriculars. Encourage your student to take on leadership roles in clubs or organizations related to their major. Demonstrating initiative and leadership can set your student apart from others with similar academic achievements.
  • Utilize Summer Breaks Wisely: Summers offer a valuable opportunity for students to pursue internships, summer programs, or independent projects related to their major. These experiences not only enrich their resume but also highlight their dedication to their field. For instance, a pre-med student might volunteer at a hospital, or a prospective architect might join a design camp.

The Importance of Strong SAT or ACT Scores

Although UT Austin no longer requires SAT or ACT scores for automatic admission, submitting strong scores can significantly enhance an application, especially for students outside the top 5%. High test scores provide additional evidence of academic strength and may boost a student's profile if their class rank is not enough for auto admission​

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Here are a few strategies for boosting standardized test scores:


  • Start Early: Test prep is most effective when started early, ideally by sophomore year, so students can build their skills gradually and have ample time to practice. This also allows them to take the SAT or ACT multiple times if necessary.
  • Use Local Resources: For students in the Austin area, consider utilizing local test prep services at ESM Prep College MatchPoint, which offer tailored strategies to improve test performance.
  • Retake for Better Scores: UT Austin considers the highest test score, so there’s no penalty for retaking the SAT or ACT. Many students find their scores improve with each attempt, and submitting a competitive score can enhance an application, particularly for competitive majors.


Embrace the Holistic Review Process

While the new 5% rule may present an additional challenge, UT Austin’s holistic admissions process gives every student the chance to shine. This means that extracurricular activities, essays, recommendation letters, and overall fit to major are just as important as class rank or test scores.


Here’s how to make the most of each part of the application:


  • Essays: The personal essays offer students a chance to explain their passion for their intended major and provide insight into who they are as a person. Encourage your student to craft authentic essays that reflect their unique experiences and interests, highlighting their potential to succeed in their chosen field.
  • Expanded Resume: UT Austin allows students to submit an expanded resume that provides a detailed account of their extracurricular involvement. Make sure your student organizes their resume to emphasize activities that demonstrate their fit for their intended major.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Well-chosen recommendation letters can make a significant impact. Encourage your student to ask individuals who can speak to their strengths and dedication in their field of study. For example, a business applicant might ask a supervisor from a relevant internship, while an engineering applicant could seek a recommendation from a robotics club mentor.


UT Austin’s new 5% rule may make automatic admission more competitive, but it’s far from the only path to success. By focusing on fit-to-major extracurriculars, excelling on standardized tests, and embracing the holistic application process, your student can present a compelling case for admission.


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