University of Texas at Austin: Acceptance Rate and Admission Statistics

The University of Texas at Austin is a public research university with an acceptance rate of 32%. UT Austin is the flagship institution of the University of Texas System. Considering applying to this selective school? Here are the UT Austin admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, UT Austin had an acceptance rate of 32%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 32 students were admitted, making UT Austin's admissions process competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

The University of Texas at Austin requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores as part of their applications. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 79% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of UT Austin's admitted students fall within the top 20% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to UT Austin scored between 620 and 720, while 25% scored below 620 and 25% scored above 720. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 610 and 760, while 25% scored below 610 and 25% scored above 760. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1480 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at UT Austin.

Requirements

The University of Texas at Austin does not require SAT Subject Tests, nor does it require the optional SAT essay exam. That said, it can be to your advantage to take the essay exam for your score can be used for class placement purposes. UT Austin does not superscore SAT results; your highest total (ERW and Math) SAT score will be considered.

ACT Scores and Requirements

UT Austin requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 54% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of UT Austin's admitted students fall within the top 15% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 27 and 33, while 25% scored above 33 and 25% scored below 27.

Requirements

UT Austin does not require the optional ACT writing exam, nor does the university require students to take any SAT Subject Tests if they take the ACT. Note that UT Austin does not superscore ACT results; your highest composite ACT score will be considered.

GPA and Class Rank

The University of Texas at Austin does not provide data about admitted students' high school GPAs. In 2019, 87% of admitted students who provided data indicated that they ranked in the top 10% of their high school class.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in graph is self-reported by applicants to the University of Texas at Austin. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

The University of Texas at Austin has a competitive admissions pool with a low acceptance rate and high average GPAs and SAT/ACT scores. However, UT Austin has a holistic admissions process involving other factors beyond your grades and test scores. A strong application essay can strengthen your application, as can participation in meaningful extracurricular activities and a rigorous course schedule. Be sure to improve your application by submitting an optional activities resumé and optional letters of recommendation. Students with particularly compelling stories or achievements can still receive serious consideration even if their grades and test scores are outside UT Austin's average range.

As the graph above shows, the higher your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, the better your chances of getting in. That said, realize that hidden beneath the blue and green on the graph is a lot of red—some students with excellent transcripts and strong standardized test results still get rejected from the University of Texas.

The rejection of a seemingly qualified student can be the result of many factors: lack of depth or accomplishment in extracurricular activities; failure to demonstrate leadership ability; a lack of challenging AP, IB or Honors courses; a sloppy admissions essay; and more. Also, out-of-state applicants will face a higher admissions bar than Texas students. The opposite is also true—a number of students were accepted with test scores and grades a bit below the norm.

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics, the UT Austin Office of Admissions.