Extracurriculars that Make the Difference for Students Applying to Major in Biology at UT Austin

The students we worked with who were admitted to the biology major in UT Austin’s College of Natural Sciences stood out by going beyond the classroom, actively engaging in research, science fairs, hospital volunteering, and independent biology projects. In a record-breaking admissions cycle with over 90,000 applications, those who secured a spot showcased not just strong academics but a clear commitment to the field through hands-on experiences. These activities not only strengthened their applications but also built the skills needed for success in the program. With competition at an all-time high, early strategic planning—starting in 9th or 10th grade—is more important than ever. The right combination of coursework, leadership, and biology-related experiences can make all the difference in standing out.

The UT Austin Holistic Admissions Review Process

The University of Texas at Austin takes a very thorough approach to reviewing student applications. Even though it's a big school, UT is committed to looking at every aspect of each applicant's materials. This is called holistic review, which means that they take into account everything from test scores to hobbies and achievements. By looking at applications this way, the admissions office gets a sense of who the student is as a whole person, not just as a set of numbers.

When students apply to UT, they're asked to choose a major they're interested in. This is an important decision because it shapes how the admissions team evaluates the application. The reviewer will look at all the pieces of the application, including grades, test scores (if they're submitted), essays, short answers, resume, and letters of recommendation, through the lens of the chosen major. By doing this, they can see how the applicant's experiences and achievements align with their interests and goals in attending UT.

At UT, the College of Natural Science is known as an "impacted" major, meaning that there are more competitive applicants than there are available spots. So, what does it take to be a competitive applicant?

• A student needs to have a standout transcript that showcases their ability to handle challenging coursework in the competitive environment at College of Natural Science. Submitting high ACT/SAT scores can also help an applicant stand out.

• Having a resume that highlights unique extracurricular experiences or independent projects that align with the major can also make an applicant more competitive.
  

Crafting a stand out application

When applying to College of Natural Science, students can use their application materials to showcase how they're a great match. Here are the three best ways to do that:

1. The expanded resume 
Since there's no required formatting or chronology for the expanded resume, students can and should organize their projects and activities with the most relevant items at the top. These should be the activities that match best with their major choice.

2. The short answer essay that asks you to share your interest in your first-choice major 
The first short answer essay provides a great opportunity to show evidence of fit to major. In this essay, students should clearly state what they want to study at UT and specifically explain how their desired major fits into their longer-term plans.

3. The letters of recommendation
When it comes to UT letters of recommendation, students should take the opportunity to create a case for their first-choice major. That means asking for recommendations from people who can speak to the student's skills, abilities, and passion as it relates to their major choice. 

The bottom line is that College of Natural Science is extremely competitive.

UT Admissions receives applications for College of Natural Science from many students who are academically qualified for admission and would likely do well in those majors—but there simply isn't enough room for all applicants who would be successful. That's why it's so important for a student to demonstrate academic fit and show the admissions committee why they're a stand-out applicant for that particular major.

How Can Extracurricular Activities Make An Impact On An Application?

Participating in extracurriculars doesn't just give students the opportunity to learn new skills like collaboration, creativity, and communication, but also helps aspiring business majors build important relationships that could lead to great career opportunities in the future. Ultimately, the College of Natural Science looks for well-rounded applicants who are passionate about learning, have leadership potential, and are committed to excellence both inside and outside of the classroom. By participating in extracurricular activities, students can demonstrate that they embody these qualities and are a great fit for the programs.

Extracurricular Activities that make a difference

1. Join a Club Related to Your Interest in Biology

If you are thinking about pursuing a major in biology or biological sciences at the University of Texas at Austin, you should consider joining a club that is connected to these areas of study. This way, you can actively display your enthusiasm and dedication to the subject, while also improving your abilities through practical involvement. Joining a biology club allows you to demonstrate your passion for the subject matter to admissions personnel, which could increase your chances of being admitted into the program. Furthermore, being part of an extracurricular activity focused on biology or biological sciences provides opportunities to gain practical experience and skills that can be applied in the future.

2. Shadow Professionals in a Variety of Areas Related to Biology

Exploring different areas of biology is an effective way for aspiring biology students to gain a better understanding of the field and become more well-rounded applicants for UT Austin's highly competitive biology program. Whether researching topics online or exploring through shadowing programs, obtaining firsthand exposure to the various subfields can give students invaluable insight into the rewarding career paths that biology majors take. Especially in light of UT Austin's emphasis on extracurricular activities related to biology, taking the time to learn more about individual disciplines can greatly strengthen a student's overall application.

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3. An Online Class to Develop Skills & Knowledge

If you're a high school student aspiring to apply to major in biology in the College of Natural Sciences, you can demonstrate your dedication and interest in biology through online courses. These courses provide you with opportunities to learn about diverse concepts in biology and acquire skills and knowledge that will be useful in your future studies. Online courses offer a flexible and convenient way to learn, enabling you to work on the course at your own pace and fit it into your schedule. Moreover, online courses can be a cost-effective way to gain knowledge and enhance your qualifications, as there are many free and low-cost options available online that are accessible to a wide range of students.

Completing an online course can also show the admissions committee that you're proactive, motivated, and committed to pursuing a career in biology. You can also show that you're willing to take the initiative to learn and improve your skills. Ultimately, taking an online course can be a great way to enhance your qualifications and stand out in the competitive application process.

4. Volunteer with an Organization that Does Work in Medicine, Conservation, or Genetics

If you are hoping to pursue a degree in biology or biological sciences in the College of Natural Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin, your hands-on experience with volunteer work can help you stand out among applicants! Volunteering at an organization that focuses on medicine, environmental issues, or conservation is a great way to gain hands-on experiences in these fields. Not only will it allow you to learn more about the area of study and its related technologies, but it will also demonstrate a commitment to service, which many universities consider when reviewing applications.

Volunteering can also provide you with the opportunity to work alongside professionals and experts in the field. Through this interaction, you can gain practical knowledge and insights that are not typically covered in classroom lectures or textbooks. Additionally, volunteering allows you to explore different areas within the field, which can help you determine which specific aspect of biology or biological sciences you are most interested in pursuing.

5. A Pre-college Summer Program

High school students who aspire to study biology in the College of Natural Sciences can gain a significant advantage by participating in a summer precollege program. These programs take place on college campuses and offer students the chance to explore various biology-related subjects and get valuable insights into what it's like to study biologyin college. Such exposure can help students make better-informed decisions about their academic and career goals. Additionally, participation in precollege programs demonstrates to the admissions committee that the student is highly motivated and dedicated to pursuing a career in biology.

Precollege programs usually provide hands-on learning experiences that enable students to develop essential skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. They may work on actual projects and interact with professionals in the field of biology, gaining a deeper understanding of what a career related to biology involves. These experiences can help them build valuable connections and create a clearer path for their academic and career objectives.

By taking part in a precollege program, students can demonstrate their eagerness to learn and explore their interests, as well as their commitment to pursuing a career related to biology. Ultimately, participating in such a program can improve their qualifications and set them apart from other applicants in the competitive application process for the College of Natural Sciences at UT Austin.

6. Complete an Independent Project in a Topic in Biology that Interests You

If you're planning to major in biological sciences or biology at UT Austin, it's a wise decision to complete an independent project related to these fields. Conducting your own research project shows initiative and dedication, which can help you stand out as a strong applicant. An independent project provides a unique opportunity to showcase your knowledge and skills and demonstrate your passion for the subject.

Undertaking an independent project in biology can also improve your understanding of the field and deepen your interest in it. Researching and developing a project involves critical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills, which are essential in the field of biology. The experience of developing a project on your own can also provide valuable insights into how research is conducted in the field of biology, giving you an advantage when pursuing further education or employment in the future.

When deciding on an independent project, consider your interests and passions within the field of biology. Think about what problems or challenges you would like to solve, and what skills you would like to develop. You can draw inspiration from your coursework, extracurricular activities, or personal experiences. Be sure to set clear and achievable goals for yourself, and create a plan to ensure that you stay on track. By staying organized and focused, you can produce a high-quality project that demonstrates your intellectual curiosity and sets you apart from other applicants.

Overall, UT Austin places a great emphasis on the extracurriculars of students applying for biology or biological sciences majors. The vast array of clubs, volunteer opportunities, projects and job/internship prospects available provide the perfect foundation to help craft a unique yet comprehensive portfolio that not only demonstrates knowledge and skill within your intended field but can also set you apart from the competition. Taking the initiative to make use of these extracurricular activities could bring your application to life and open countless doors in the process. As long as you take an active part in your education beyond taking rigorous classes, you will be leaps and bounds ahead of the competition.