Frequently Asked Questions

We are receiving hundreds of documents per day and review of transcripts can take up to 2-3 weeks. We base the date of the transcript on when it was received and not when it is done being reviewed. So long as there are no issues with the transcript, it will show as complete once it is finished being reviewed and will show as received on the date it arrived.

Do you accept any documents via email?

We are unable to accept any documents via email. Please review our website for information on how to submit your documents.

Does UT Austin conduct interviews for admissions?

No, UT Austin does not provide interviews for general admission.

Does UT Austin utilize demonstrated interest in the review process?

No, UT Austin does not utilize demonstrated interest in the holistic review process. Anything that you would like to be considered should be submitted with your application.

Do I need to submit a letter of recommendation?

Letters of recommendation are optional. You’ll be considered for admission whether you submit letters of recommendation or not. Note that some freshman honors programs do require a letter of recommendation to complete the honors application.

How do letters of recommendations work?

Letters of recommendation can help us to learn things about you that aren’t available from other application items. If you do submit them, they will be considered when we review your application. But they are optional, and you will be considered for admission whether you submit letters of recommendation or not.

You may submit up to two letters of recommendation with your admission application. They should come from someone who knows you well but is not a family member or relative. We encourage you to provide letters from sources outside of your high school. In your letters or recommendation, we’re looking for information that expands upon or isn’t available in other items you submit, such as your admission application, resume or essays— such things as:

Do I need to submit a resume?

The resume is optional for freshman admission and required for transfer admission. If you are applying as a freshman and you feel that the resume section of your online application did not allow you to provide a full picture of your involvement, you may want to submit a resume. Note that some freshman honors programs do require a resume to complete the honors application.

What format is required for my resume?

We do not have a preferred or recommended resume format or length. We encourage you to choose a format that most easily allows you to share more about your involvement. The length or format of your resume do not have any impact on the review of your application.

What should my resume include?

Your resume should include all of your involvement and achievements, not just those that did not fit within the resume section of your online application. You should include any work experience (paid or volunteer), extracurricular activities, accomplishments and awards. You may also choose to include family responsibilities.

How do I know which documents to submit?

Use the appropriate application checklist on our website. Once you submit your application, you’ll also be able to log in to MyStatus to view the appropriate deadlines for all application materials.

How do I submit additional documents?

If you apply using the Common App, most documents can be submitted along with your application. If you apply using ApplyTexas, most documents can be submitted in MyStatus. Note that we cannot accept documents via email.

Do students have to live on campus at UT Austin?

No, we do not require students to live on campus. However, we highly recommend it!

When can I apply for on campus housing?

You are eligible to apply for on campus housing as soon as your admission application is complete. You can access the housing application in MyStatus.

I am receiving a UT help desk error when I try applying for housing? What should I do?

Please double check that your admissions application is officially complete. To be complete, it means that all items have been officially received (not in review). Once your application is complete, a housing link will appear on the right hand of Mystatus and you will be able to apply.

How do I find non-UT scholarships?

Check out the resources on our scholarship page! You can also contact the Office of Admissions or Texas One Stop for assistance.

Freshman FAQ (Domestic and International)

Am I a freshman?

You can apply for freshman admission if you are:

When is the freshman deadline for summer/fall enrollment?

How do I apply for the Early Action deadline?

All students apply to UT Austin for our regular deadline. To meet the Early Action deadline, your application must be submitted by October 15. All remaining documents need to be submitted by October 23.

What is the difference between the Early Action and regular deadline?

Students who meet the Early Action deadline will receive a notification no later than January 15. Regular deadline applicants will receive a notification no later than February 15. The Early Action deadline does not provide an advantage in the review process nor is it binding.

When will I receive my admission decision?

Some decisions are made and delivered earlier than the published decision dates.

What applications does UT accept?

We encourage freshman and transfer applicants applying for summer or fall admission to apply using the Common App. If you are applying for spring admission you need to submit the ApplyTexas application.

Do I need to submit both applications?

No, only one application should be completed.

Does UT have a preference about which application I submit?

No, please complete the application that works best for you! Your choice will not impact your admission decision.

How should I pick my first-choice major?

We encourage you to choose a first-choice major that is aligned with your interests and strengths, not just what you hope to do as a career. We will consider you for this major during our holistic review.

Remember that your major won’t necessarily determine your career later on, so we recommend reviewing the entire list of options on MyMajors before you decide.

If I don’t get my first-choice major, will I be considered for my second-choice?

You may be considered for your second-choice major if you qualify for automatic admission and are not admitted to your first-choice major.

How do I apply for UT scholarships?

There is no separate scholarship application.

To be considered for scholarships, you should apply for admission and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for US citizens and permanent residents or the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) for non-US citizens who are Texas residents. All freshman applicants who do so are considered for aid through the Texas Advance Commitment.

Our Office of Financial Aid also administers some scholarships for applicants with unique qualifications. More information about consideration for these scholarships through our scholarship interest form will be available to applicants in MyStatus in mid-August.

Do I need to submit SAT and/or ACT tests?

For students applying for admission for Fall 2025, you do need to submit a standardized test score (an ACT and/or SAT score) as part of your undergraduate admission application.

How do I submit a test score?

You need to have your official scores sent from the testing agency. Your scores need to be on file by the appropriate deadline to be considered.

Are there fee waivers?

You may request a fee waiver by indicating your eligibility on your application. A separate fee waiver document or request is not required, but you may be required to submit documentation in support of the request. If you have already submitted your application for admission and did not request a fee waiver, you can submit the Request for Fee Waiver form in MyStatus using the Document Upload System. Note that fee waivers are not available for international applicants.

What happens after I apply?

This past year, we received over 66,000 applications for admission. We conduct an individualized holistic review of each applicant, and this takes some time to complete. We recognize that students would like to receive a decision on their application as soon as possible, and we appreciate your patience. Please know that our timeline is designed to ensure careful consideration of each applicant.

How do I check my application status?

MyStatus will always have the most up to date information for you.