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

With over 90,000 applications to UT Austin for Fall 2025—including a 48% surge in out-of-state interest—earning a spot at the Cockrell School of Engineering is more competitive than ever. While strong grades and test scores are essential, what truly sets successful applicants apart is their hands-on engagement with engineering beyond the classroom. From robotics teams and coding competitions to research projects and internships, strategic extracurricular involvement signals a genuine passion for the field. The strongest candidates don’t just meet the requirements—they demonstrate initiative, problem-solving skills, and leadership in engineering-related activities. With the right plan, students outside the top 5% can build a compelling application and secure their place in one of UT’s most selective programs.

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 Cockrell School of Engineering 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 Cockrell. 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 Cockrell, 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 Cockrell is extremely competitive.

UT Admissions receives applications for Cockrell 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 Cockrell School of Engineering 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 an Engineering or Robotics Club

Joining an engineering club or robotics team is a great way to develop aptitudes and skills that will help you stand out in the competitive engineering admission process at UT Austin. Besides giving students the opportunity to explore their interests and perfect their work, these clubs also provide students with design challenges, time management experience, and networking opportunities. Students can show off any aptitude they develop in these clubs when applying for UT Austin engineering admissions, giving them the extra edge they need to stand out from other applicants.

2. Shadow Engineers in a Variety of Areas

Exploring different types of engineering is an effective way for aspiring engineering students to gain a better understanding of the field and become more well-rounded applicants for UT Austin's highly competitive engineering 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 engineers take. Especially in light of UT Austin's emphasis on extracurricular activities related to engineering, 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 the Cockrell School of Engineering at UT Austin, you can demonstrate your dedication and interest in engineering through online courses. These courses provide you with opportunities to learn about diverse engineering concepts 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 engineering 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. An Internship in an Engineering Field

If you want to distinguish yourself as an engineering major at UT Austin, you might want to consider undertaking an engineering-related internship that complements your major. This is an excellent way to demonstrate your alignment with the program and your commitment to it. Participating in an internship can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, both professionally and experientially, and it can help you build valuable credentials for future roles. To maximize your chances of finding the right internship, conduct comprehensive research on potential opportunities that align with your engineering major. By doing so, you'll be better positioned to act quickly and seize any openings that come your way.

Engaging in an engineering-related internship can help you gain hands-on experience in the field, acquire practical skills that you might not have learned in your coursework, and build your professional network. It can also help you explore different career paths within the engineering discipline, giving you a broader understanding of the industry and the variety of roles available to you. Furthermore, the experience you gain from the internship can serve as a powerful differentiator when you apply for jobs or advanced degrees.

5. A Pre-college Summer Program

For high school students who are interested in applying to the Cockrell School of Engineering at UT Austin, participating in a summer precollege program can be highly advantageous. These programs, typically conducted on a college campus, enable students to delve into a range of engineering-related subjects and obtain valuable insights into the experience of studying engineering in college. Such exposure can assist students in making better-informed decisions about their academic and career objectives. Moreover, precollege program participation can demonstrate to the admissions committee that the student is highly motivated and dedicated to pursuing a career in engineering.

Precollege programs typically provide a hands-on learning experience that allows students to develop important skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Students may also have the chance to work on real-world projects and interact with professionals in the field of engineering. This can give them a better understanding of what a career in engineering might entail and help them make connections that could be valuable in the future.

By participating in a precollege program, students can show that they're willing to take the initiative to learn and explore their interests. They can also demonstrate their commitment to pursuing a career in engineering. Ultimately, participating in a precollege program can be a great way to enhance your qualifications and stand out in the competitive application process for the Cockrell School of Engineering at UT Austin.

6. Complete an Independent Project in an Engineering Topic that Interests You

As a high school student aspiring to become an engineer, taking on an independent project related to your field of study is a great way to showcase your intellectual curiosity and draw the attention of admissions officers. Independent projects can take many forms, from replicating a product design using 3D printing technology to attending engineering-related events and conferences or organizing a community outreach program.Completing an independent project demonstrates a passion for engineering and the desire to go above and beyond what is required. It can be a great way to differentiate yourself from other candidates and demonstrate your potential to excel in the field. By engaging in an independent project, you are showing that you have the initiative, creativity, and perseverance that it takes to be a successful engineer.

Undertaking an independent project requires a great deal of initiative, creativity, and critical thinking. You should choose a topic that is of interest to you, conduct research to understand the problem or challenge you want to address, and develop a plan for how you will tackle it. This process involves setting goals, creating a timeline, and determining the resources you will need to complete your project successfully. You will also need to consider potential obstacles and develop contingency plans to overcome them. The entire process can be time-consuming and challenging, but the rewards are well worth it.

When deciding on an independent project, consider your interests and passions within the field of engineering. 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 engineering applicants.

Engineering is a field that can be incredibly rewarding and satisfying when pursued with passion and dedication. With the right preparation and advisement, anyone interested in engineering can succeed in pursuing their dreams of a career in this amazing profession. Now that you have read through all the steps, it's time to put them into action. Transfer what you've learned into your own experiences, join clubs and complete internships; take every opportunity to gain knowledge and develop your skills while also having fun! UT Austin offers a world-class engineering program - so why not consider taking advantage of their rigorous academic program? You might just find yourself leading the new wave of engineers who will shape our future for the better.