University of Texas at Austin Class of 2023 Admissions

Colleges and Universities A-Z The University of Texas at Austin
2101

@collegerigged, out of an abundance of curiosity, what data points and standards are you using to determine which applicants are “qualified” vs. “unqualified” for admission to UT? You seem to be indicating, describing holistic admissions as “fishy”, that there is some uniform standard of qualification that is universally accepted that colleges are suddenly not adhering to. In reality, it reads as though you are applying your own standards of admission to anecdotal cases of students in your own acquaintance, or who post on public forums, without anyone having the benefit of knowing the full details of their admission application. Well, with the exception of the colleges that they applied to, that either did or didn’t admit them.

UT (like most other colleges) determines, based on many data points (not just the ones that you personally deem most important, or that are slanted in your favor, or that seem predictive to you) who is “qualified”. Then, UT determines who of those qualified applicants will actually get in, because there is not room for every single “qualified” applicant. Auto admits are qualified. The holistic review applicants that are granted admission are “qualified”. UT has both a high retention rate, and a fairly high graduation rate. Those two data points, for prospective students and their families, is indicative of UTs success in admitting students who succeed.

The college admission game is tough on ALL applicants. Outside of mom and dad saying “no”, it’s one of the earlier real life scenarios that teach young adults, in concrete terms, that we don’t always get what we want, even when we’ve been steady, true, worked hard, performed well, etc… Every great young person can’t get a “Yes!” from UT or any where else. There is simply not enough room. I suppose that it’s easier for some to try to ‘qualify’ a rejection or redirection by disparaging those who gained acceptance, suggesting that they practically stole something from those who didn’t. But, views like that don’t reflect the reality of college admission at all. There are always, no matter how good you are, how smart you are, how hard you worked, how talented you are, etc…, both triumphs and heartbreak. After college, it’s the professional world, where highly qualified applicants don’t always get the job either.

Note that my student is a junior in high school. As things stand now, he would gain auto admission to UT IF he decides to put UT on his list. He’s qualified, because the State of Texas has set the standard that he has met and exceeded. That’s not why I’m saying this, and not why I pop in to read this thread every few weeks. Several of my neighbors have seniors who have applied to UT, and I like to see when admission waves are happening. We do a little celebratory thing in our community as students get accepted to various colleges. There has already been some triumphs and heartbreaks in my circle. One, in particular, you may find interesting. She ended up in the top 10%, but she missed auto admit. She is an accomplished musician (two instruments and composition), and has an SAT score over 1500. She’s a student body president, she has many volunteer hours that align her love of sharing music with those in need. In short, she’s a wonderful young woman, who is talented and hard working. She was denied admission to UT, and her parents consider offers to other campuses to be an insult. Conspiracy? Not so much.

While I couldn’t say for certain, since I’m not an admission officer with UT, I can tell you that one data point in her application was absolutely cringeworthy, and it wasn’t her stats (and no, she’s not a felon either). Neither she nor her parents (both Texas Exes) think that it’s a big deal. Her parents are complaining loudly, and to anyone who will listen, that every unfair and biased thing under the sun caused their daughter to be robbed of her rightful acceptance to UT. They even went so far as to imply that UTs acceptance of minorities hurt her chances. She was also rejected from an elite university that has exceedingly low acceptance. Her parents are perplexed about that too, seeming truly shocked that there could possibly be other applicants as accomplished as their child. In all of their rantings, never once do they mention or consider the cringeworthy issue that likely (probably) impacted her prospect for admission. They focus on her “stats” as evidence of her deservedness, as if those who have been or will be admitted didn’t deserve it as much as their kid. It’s unfortunate, because the only thing she’s being robbed of is perspective and the opportunity to persevere without entitlement. But, it’s her parents that are robbing her, not the deserving (as evidenced by UTs acceptance) students who gained admission by UTs standards of qualification.

2102

@nomatter - That was probably the best post I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Thank you for taking the time to write it!

2103

Such a great post. But now I’m going to be dying of curiosity about the cringeworthy factor!

2104

@nomatter THANK YOU for writing your post. It captures a lot of what I’ve been thinking as I have reading some of the posts this board and others, and in conversations that I hear. It offers a really good perspective. This especially resonated for me: “…the only thing she’s being robbed of is perspective and the opportunity to persevere without entitlement. But, it’s her parents that are robbing her, not the deserving (as evidenced by UTs acceptance) students who gained admission by UTs standards of qualification.”

P.S. I’m also wondering so much about that cringeworthy factor!

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@Greymeer I think architectural/environmental are #1 too, I thought civil was as well. I will try to find and post.

2106

@nomatter Thanks for your point of view. I think us living in Texas are so very fortunate to have UT’s admission policies. Which other top ranked state U commits to admit 90% in state?

Like you, I come to this board as my DD19 may look at UT, and I want to get familiar with the majors and time line.

2107

Sorry, I didn’t mean to be cryptic. The cringeworthy part of her application was an essay prompt that was gimmicky and, off-topic, and one of the short answer responses. With a disturbing amount of parental direction in writing, she basically submitted an essay that was supposed to be on the topic of her upbringing and environment, and wrote about a national/current event topic. The essay itself was well-written, if only it had actually addressed the essay prompt. Many people (her peers and adults) advised her against submitting it, and to answer the prompt, but, she took the poor advice of her parents, and modified an essay that (well written as it was) she’d used before, and won some recognition for. The ‘gimmicky’ aspect of it was that she began the essay by acknowledging the prompt, but suggesting that it was less important than what needed to be written about-- what she wanted to write about. Ultimately, I imagine, she only demonstrated that she doesn’t follow directions.

Worse, in my opinion, was one of the short answer prompts. I can’t recall the exact prompt question, but it had something to do with giving students an opportunity to address their academics. Hers was basically a rant against a couple of teachers who gave her “Bs” in freshman and sophomore year. My son, other peers, and even I (one night while they were on Facetime, and my son called me to put in my two cents on the matter) advised her modify her response. I can’t imagine that UT was, in any way, asking for students to throw shade at teachers who dared not give them an “A”.

Knowing the kid (and her parents) personally, I’m nearly certain (unless she harbors a whole lot of secret resentment and anger) that she didn’t even write the short answer response. It basically regurgitates, verbatim, mom and dad’s sentiments that we’ve been hearing about, ad nauseum, for a couple of years. She comes off like an entitled grade grubber, when the young lady, herself, is absolutely nothing of the sort. Her parents, however…

2108

@nomatter - just wanted to comment on one point -You mention auto admits are qualified. And you stated the following about your son “He’s qualified, because the State of Texas has set the standard that he has met and exceeded.” But unfortunately he may still get rejected into his major of choice. I think that’s where a lot of frustrations come from. We know hard working students who did everything right, exceeding the standards set by the state, who have outstanding activities and test scores, and yet still did not get into their major of choice. They don’t want to switch majors so will most likely not go to UT. And yet they hear of others who did not make the “state mandated” criteria that DO get accepted. I am not implying those other kids aren’t deserving. There are so many kids out there that are deserving that didn’t make the top 6 percent for a multitude of reasons. And I understand that space is limited and not all qualified students can get in. I know essays are important too- although hard to believe so much weight would be put on a couple of essays over a student’s last four years performance. It just seems that this 6 percent standard is no longer working as anticipated - I guess Texas is just too big? And given that the standard has tightened significantly in the last couple of years - from 10 to 8 to 7 last year and now 6 percent. It just adds to a lot of confusion and erroneous expectations, students feel wronged when they thought they did everything, exceeding the tough standards set by the state, at the same time being very involved in their school and community, and still did not get in to this State university (to their major of choice) while watching others get in. It is a tough situation.

2109

@MomfromTX, disappointment is always hard. If my son decides to apply for UT he may, in fact, not be accepted into his major. That is a reality. We don’t always get exactly what we want, when we want it, or how we want it. Sometimes, we’re unlucky. Sometimes, we have to make our own luck, and adjust our view. Every student who wants an impacted major is not going to get that major. We know the constraints of the game before we dive in. Those students (just as mine might have to) can have a backup plan that they love, and a backup to their backup plan. UT isn’t the only school, isn’t the only school in Texas, and certainly isn’t the only school in the country. The demand for UT is exceedingly high, and growing every single year. UT doesn’t have room for every student that wants X major. Rejections and redirections do sting. I think more so when the students and their parents have done everything “right”. But, nobody has promised our children a life free of disappointment. My son is a student athlete, and he’s had many disappointments and frustrations amidst the many triumphs in his young lifetime. Sometimes, one of the better gifts that we can give our kids is perspective. I firmly believe that it’s not nearly the end of the world if he doesn’t get into college x, and it’s not the end of the world or his future if he gets in and doesn’t get to have his way with the major of his choosing. It would be sad, and it would sting, but he is strong enough, wily enough, and gritty enough to quickly dust himself off and find the plan that works for his needs and love it. And, he’d be better man for it. UT doesn’t owe him anything, other than admission, per the statutory requirements. There was never a promise of ‘major of his choosing’. He will, however, have a fair chance at competing for a spot in a major. If he should lose the game, Plan B.

I don’t think that the Top 10% rule (6% for UT) is broken or outdated at all. I think that the pervasive perspective of the citizens of the great state of Texas is the issue. Texas is fortunate enough to have many quality universities, but only a few seem to meet the notch that indicates ‘prestige’. I understand desire and personal preference, and all that… I even understand the lure of prestige seeking, but this is life. Real life means that we make hard choices. Real life means that we adjust our expectations. Real life means that we change directions sometimes. I see the value in offering as level a playing field as can be had (today) by skimming the top students from each environment, and then holistically admitting everyone else. Is it perfect? Heaven’s no, not even close. But, it’s as fair a system as exists anywhere today, with our limited and historic inability to relinquish unfair/unlevel socioeconomic and political ills that affect college admissions. If we could change the way Texans see the majority of colleges outside of UT, TAMU, Rice, and maybe Baylor, to stop seeing them as “second tier” or “less than”, then UT wouldn’t have nearly the weight of disappointing prospective students with either admissions or major selection.

We’re fortunate here in Texas. We actually have a lot of options that will yield the desired outcomes. Sadly, we tend to ignore the vast majority of them, to our own detriment and disappointment.

2110

@nomatter
You mention this “As things stand now, he would gain auto admission to UT IF he decides to put UT on his list. He’s qualified, because the State of Texas has set the standard that he has met and exceeded.”
I think some of the frustrations experienced, at least from kids at my child’s school, is coming from seeing some of the kids who also exceeded the standard set by the state - who have worked hard to stay well within the top 6 percent, have great test scores and have worked hard to also be involved in their school and community, and yet still get rejected from their major of choice. And at the same time watch others not ranked as high get in. I am not saying that these other kids who did get in are not qualified. And I do believe there are many kids who did not make the top 6 percent for a multitude of reasons who are absolutely very qualified. Not all qualified students can get in - that is so true. But when a student worked super hard to make sure he or she exceeded the standards set by the state, who is also very active in his/her school and community and yet still got rejected to his/her major, while seeing others that do get in - that is still tough to see. (And yes life is tough and they will grow from it.) Most of these kids who still did achieve the 6 percent who did not get into their major are unfortunately having to look elsewhere- they do not want to switch majors. I think maybe the state auto admission rule gives erroneous expectations, especially when they tightened the standards just in the last few years from 10 to 8 to 7 last year and now 6 percent. I guess the state of Texas has gotten too big, or it may be time to revisit the auto admission rule once again.

2111

@nomatter I agree with you- lots of great options in Texas. We are Texas alumni so had a Longhorn bias but throughout this process have learned a lot of the exciting options out there.

No doubt - in life you have disappointments and have to make hard choices.

Sorry for the double posting. I’m new to this and my post seemed to disappear but obviously not as you responded!

Good luck to all!

2112

I’m coming from a bit of a different perspective and experience as my son is from OOS, but one thing that the process has taught us (and will teach us still as we continue with our younger child) is that there are a multitude of great options out there, all around the country. We learned about so many schools that we were never even aware of when we started the process, and which were revealed as we dug deeper. There are many places that our kids can be happy and thrive, and their experience will in large part be driven by what they put into it once they’re wherever they land. Given the competitiveness of the process these days, we tried to discourage any emphasis on a “dream school”, and encouraged him to consider many different options that might get him where he ultimately wants to be. If he attends, Texas would be a huge change for him geographically, size-wise, etc. but even that could be such an amazing growth opportunity for him to experience. I sincerely wish everyone good luck as you sort through your options and next steps, whether parents or students reading this, and hope that any disappointments you’re experiencing will be short-lived. We’ve been there too!

2113

That’s so interesting. My daughter wrote a VERY out of the box Coalition essay. Way risky. But she didn’t submit it to UT because there was no way to make it relevant to the “tell us about the environment you were raised in” prompt. And we didn’t dare deviate from that. She was bummed because she was applying Plan II and wanted them to see this very creative essay that she sent to everyone else (as a “free choice” option on Coalition). But there just wasn’t a good way to do it. In the end, she got into Plan II (with her much less exciting “environment you were raised in” essay, although that was still interesting, since she wrote humorously about being the oldest of 5 homeschooled kids and how that taught her the art of debate and negotiation). And When she got her acceptance to Trinity University, the letter mentioned how much they liked her (risky clever creative) Coalition one… so hopefully none of the other reach schools she sent it to find it too much. (It’s not a personal narrative at all, but neither is it a report.)

Trying to “stand out” through essays is a tricky one. It sounds like this girl landed on the side of “thinks the rules don’t apply to them”, and that’s not a good look.

2114

@dogwood - very good advice. Our child originally only had eyes on Texas. We did the same- encouraged other options and explored a lot, thankfully. Lots of great options out there for kids to be happy and thrive.
Good luck to all!

2115

@nomatter @MomfromTX The pro auto-admit supporters that allowed their child admittance cannot see any other side and refuse to recognize the flaws of the system. You were addressing me but failed to address my point of UT filling their remaining slots after the auto admits with OOS students. No, that specific data will never be release but an overwhelming amount of testimonies and data collected from hundreds of high school counselors if graphed, I believe would confirm it. Our personal story is being offered CAP at UT but accepted into UF, UNC, Honors, both higher ranked schools. Numerous similar stories on the UF board right now from Florida residents getting denied from UF but with amazing offers OOS. It would take a lot to convince us all that our in state schools saw something cringeworthy that other higher ranked schools did not.

2116

@collegerigged - I didn’t read all your posts and was actually answering only to @nomatter - maybe my original post isn’t showing anymore - I couldn’t find it and tried to repost. I believe In-state kids should have priority (although I recognize there are benefits of having both out of state as well as international students) and I am shocked at some of the great in state kids that did not get in. But I also know not everyone sees things the same way.

I do think lots of great options out there and wish everyone the best.

2117

So you’re saying, @collegerigged, in a nutshell, that a student “qualified” at one university, was not admitted to another. There’s no shock or surprise there. That happens all the time, and has been the case since forever. Just wait unitl you are cast out into the professional world! You’re also projecting your narrow sight on admission onto others because some of us don’t agree with you? That’s disingenuous.

So, you were CAP’d at UT, but you have wonderful options at schools that you presumably found a “fit” and who agreed with you, and offered you admission. What’s the problem? Seems like a win/win to me. If UT was really your #1 then you had an equal opportunity, amongst your direct classmates and over the course of years of classroom performance, to compete for a spot in the top 6%. You could have pretty much guaranteed your admission by meeting that standard as set by the Texas Legislature. You had a fair shot. Then, you had an equally fair, but admittedly lower percentage shot at gaining admission through holistic review. You were most likely “qualified” by UT Standards. Sadly, UT cannot offer every qualified student a spot. I can absolutely promise you that those who gained direct admission do not think that you or anyone else deserved it more than they did. And, UT clearly felt the same. UF and UNC felt that you matched with them so much so that they offered you admission that will be to the exclusion of others. Rejoice (even as some kids will temporarily despair). There is a place for everyone. You were not owed admission to UT. You will thrive where you set down your roots. But, you don’t do yourself or anyone else any favors by trying to Monday Morning Quarterback decisions and data points that you only have a severely limited view into. Adopting an entitled attitude is also something that you’ll want to avoid, because it sets you up for a whole lot of real world heartbreak.

2118

@MomfromTX my comment about the flawed auto admit system with in state being rejected for their major was for you the rest was for nomatter.

2119

@all in state students DO have priority - 90% of the seats required to be filled by in-state. Go back and look at historical numbers and you will see that OOS does not fill an inordinate number of seats at UT.

2120

@nomatter - Great post. With re: to the cringeworthy element of the young lady’s application, would absolutely agree with you. There’s no saying that one thing was the reason to deny her admission but the first thing any college admission advisor will tell you is, answer the question (essay prompt). Why anyone would do otherwise makes no sense. Thanks again for the post. Wish everyone would read it.