What Starts Here Changes the World: An Inside Look at UT Austin

July 25, 2025

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What Starts Here Changes the World:
An Inside Look at UT Austin

Visited 9th June 2025

As the #1 Public University in the State of Texas, the University of Texas at Austin stands as a powerhouse in higher education, known for its comprehensive academic offerings, exceptional opportunities, groundbreaking research, and vibrant campus life. For prospective students, UT offers a world of possibilities.

What makes this university a top choice for students from across the globe and how selective is it.? Read my blog on UT Austin below to find out more.

Academics and Popular Majors
The academic breadth at UT Austin is staggering, with 15 colleges and schools offering over 170 fields of study and more than 12,400 courses. This immense selection ensures that students can pursue their passions.

UT Austin offers a remarkable number of nationally top-ranked programs.

#1 Programs: Accounting, Advertising, Architecture, and Interdisciplinary Applications of Mathematics-US News and World Report
Top 5 Programs: Petroleum Engineering (#2), Public Film School (#2), Paleontology (#3), Geology (#2), and Interdisciplinary Science (#4 among public universities).
Top 10 Programs: Business (#6), Education (#8), Computer Engineering (#8), Public Nursing School (#8), and Pharmacy (#6).

The prestigious Red McCombs School of Business is a highly sought-after program, but excellence abounds everywhere. UT Austin offers a wide range of choices, some majors are extremely competitive including Nursing, Business, Architecture, Engineering, and Computer Science.Transferring between majors is never guaranteed. The university has also recently added a new School of Public Policy.

A unique offering is the Plan II Honors Program, an interdisciplinary arts and sciences major that is highly regarded for its rigorous curriculum. The university also has a thriving Acting and Theater department, putting on 6-8 productions a year.

Campus and New Developments
UT Austin is a research powerhouse, with over $1 billion in research expenditure. This commitment to research and innovation provides students with unparalleled opportunities to strive and succeed. The Freshman Research Initiative, the largest undergraduate research program in the nation, allows first-year students to apply and get involved in real-world research projects right away.

The University offers study abroad programs in 73 different countries, including unique “Maymester” options and domestic programs like UT NYC and UT LA.

Student Body
UT Austin is committed to accessibility, with 56% of its students receiving some form of financial aid. This draws a talented and diverse student body that can call the “Forty Acres” home. The university’s size and prestige as a top public institution attract students creating a vibrant intellectual community of learners and future leaders.

Though UT campus is the center of student life, the student housing is privately owned. Students are advised to apply for on-campus housing as soon as they submit their university application to secure a spot. The city’s metro system, which is free for all UT students, makes mobility easy.

Activities on Campus
Life as a Longhorn is energetic. The university holds the title of the #1 Athletic Program in America, and game days electrifying. Students can purchase The Big Ticket, a season pass that grants access to all home games for every sport.

The Student Activities Center (WCP) is a central hub of activity, with three gyms, a rock-climbing wall, a golf simulator, and more. There are hundreds of student organizations, clubs, and events for every student, and students explore them with zest.

Application Guidelines
Here’s what you need to know.

Application Checklist (Required Materials): as of June 2025

$75 Application Fee or Fee Waiver
Admission Application (via Common App)
ACT and/or SAT Scores
Essay
Two Short Answer Questions
High School Transcripts
College Transcripts (if applicable)
Major-Specific Requirements

Optional Materials:

Expanded Resume
Letters of Recommendation (up to 2)

Key Dates for 2025:

August 1: Application Opens
October 15: Early Action Deadline
December 1: Regular Deadline
January 15: Early Action Decisions Released & FAFSA/TASFA State Priority Deadline
February 15: All Decisions Released

After submitting your application, you can track its status and see a personalized checklist through your MyStatus portal.

A Note on Admissions: UT Austin’s admissions process is holistic. A key element is “fit to major.” It is crucial to demonstrate a genuine interest and aptitude for your chosen field, especially for competitive programs and out-of-state applicants.