ApplyTexas UT Austin Guide

Step 1: Register for ApplyTexas

1. Go to apply.texas.edu
2. Click "Create an Account"
3. Use your legal name (matches your high school transcript and passport)
4. Use a personal email (not your high school email; you'll need this after graduation)
5. Create a strong password and save it
6. Verify your email; log in

Step 2: Complete the biographical sections

• Personal Information: name, date of birth, citizenship, demographic information (optional)
• Address Information: current address, permanent address, parent address
• Counselor Information: high school counselor name and email; UT will request the school report from your counselor
• High School Information: high school name, CEEB code (find at "CEEB code lookup"), graduation date, GPA, class rank (if available)

Step 3: Complete the academic information

• Courses: list all high school courses by year (some applications request all four years; some only senior year)
• Honors and Awards: academic, leadership, and other recognition
• Activities: extracurricular activities, including duration, role, and time commitment
• Test Scores: SAT, ACT, AP, IB scores; can self-report initially but must send official scores from College Board/ACT

Step 4: Select your major

• UT allows up to two majors (first choice + second choice)
• Each major requires its own short answer essay
• Strategic consideration: first choice typically gets primary review; second choice serves as backup if first is denied
• For most applicants, first choice should be your genuine top choice; second choice should be related but more accessible (e.g., first choice: McCombs Business; second choice: Liberal Arts with intent to internal transfer)
• Some majors (Architecture, Fine Arts) require portfolios or auditions; ApplyTexas notes these requirements

Step 5: Write the essays

• ApplyTexas Topic A: personal statement, 650 words max
• Major-specific short answer: 250-300 words per major
• See the UT Austin essay prompts page for detailed essay guidance
• Recommended timeline: draft in summer, refine in fall, submit by November 1

Step 6: Pay the application fee

• UT Austin application fee: $90 for freshman or transfer
• Fee waiver available for SAT/ACT fee waiver recipients, FRPL recipients, or documented hardship
• Apply for waiver through the College Board or via your high school counselor
• Pay through ApplyTexas at the time of submission

Step 7: Send supporting materials

• Official high school transcript: sent by your high school counselor through Parchment, Naviance, or by mail
• Official test scores: sent directly from College Board (SAT) or ACT (ACT)
• Letters of recommendation: UT does not require letters but accepts up to 2 if submitted through the counselor or directly to UT
• Mid-year report: some applicants send mid-year transcripts in January-February to update grades

Step 8: Submit and confirm

1. Review the entire application for accuracy
2. Have a parent, counselor, or trusted reader review essays
3. Confirm fee payment
4. Submit by your target deadline (November 1 priority recommended)
5. Save confirmation email
6. Within 1-2 business days, you should receive a UT acknowledgment with MyStatus account details

What happens after submission

1. Week 1-2: UT confirms receipt; MyStatus account created
2. Week 2-4: UT requests any missing materials (transcripts, scores, additional documents)
3. Weeks 4-12: UT Office of Admissions reviews the file
4. Months 2-4: Decision released (November 1 applicants: February-March; December 1 applicants: March-April)
5. After admission: Complete UT Honors and Scholarship Application (HSA) in MyStatus for institutional scholarship consideration
6. Spring of senior year: Receive financial aid offer (FAFSA-dependent); evaluate vs other school offers
7. By May 1: Submit enrollment deposit to commit

Common ApplyTexas mistakes

• Inconsistent name across sections. Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your transcript and passport.
• Wrong CEEB code. Verify your high school code; mistakes cause delays.
• Missing the priority deadline. November 1 maximizes scholarship and Forty Acres consideration; missing it limits options.
• Forgetting to pay the fee. Submission requires fee or fee waiver verification.
• Skipping the major-specific essay. Each major requires its own short answer; missing one auto-disqualifies for that major.
• Generic Topic A essay. Your personal statement should reveal who you are, not list your credentials.
• Not sending transcripts and scores. Self-reported information must be verified by official documents from the source.
• Not checking MyStatus regularly. Additional materials requested via MyStatus must be submitted promptly.

For out-of-state applicants: parallel residency planning

While completing ApplyTexas, out-of-state families considering the residency pathway should run residency planning in parallel:

• Junior year spring: Begin researching Texas property options; consult with Texas REALTOR and CPA
• Senior year summer: Acquire Texas property if pursuing Rule #3 or #4 pathways
• Senior year fall: Establish Texas documentary set (driver's license, vehicle registration, voter registration)
• By UT enrollment: 12-month residency clock may have started or be ready to start
• Year 1 at UT: Maintain documentary set; petition for reclassification at 12-month anniversary
• See the 12-month timeline for detailed planning

Frequently asked questions