Rolling and Early Deadlines Are Fast Approaching: How UT Austin is Shifting Texas Admissions

August 1st is just around the corner and the Common App will officially be open and accepting applications! If you are a rising senior interested in the admissions benefits gained from applying early, that means it’s time to finalize your application materials—from essays to activities, test scores, portfolios, and more. 

Depending on the admissions plans offered by the schools on your list, you may be applying Early Action (EA), Early Decision (ED), or to schools with rolling admission. That means you need to be ready to submit your applications as soon as possible for rolling schools and as early as mid-October for EA/ED schools. 

While this is a critical window for all high school seniors, this is an especially important time for those applying to Texas colleges. Last year, UT Austin saw a 12% increase in in-state applicants and a 48% increase in out-of-state applicants. Not to mention, UT smashed its previous application numbers with more than 90,000 applications in a single cycle. Following this unprecedented growth, UT announced it would be adjusting its admissions criteria, reinstating standardized testing requirements and lowering their auto-admission threshold. Previously, Texas students graduating in the top 6% of their high school class were guaranteed automatic admission. Starting in fall 2025, this number will now be 5%, leaving competitive students just outside this auto-admit range vying for spots at other in-state schools.

Additional external factors may be influencing applicants’ decision-making as well. Recent decisions from the current administration have stirred up anxieties as people brace for the uncertainties that come with new tariff policies, a devaluation of the dollar, and federal government reorganization. As families plan for the financial cost of college, in-state tuition has become increasingly alluring. Last year, the Texas Promise Plus Program received a $300 million endowment for students attending UT System colleges, helping expand tuition coverage for families earning less than $100,000 and offering partial tuition support for families earning less than $125,000. 

As a result, we will likely see an increase in in-state applications again this year, creating a domino effect for in-state colleges. With UT Austin growing more competitive (#7 in Top Public Schools and #30 Nationally), Texas applicants will also be seriously applying to colleges they previously considered “matches” or “safeties.” In particular, applications to schools like Texas A&M and UT Dallas are likely to increase—but remember, A&M is capping their first-time college freshman enrollment to less than 12,000 students for the next 5+ years. Additionally, schools like UT Dallas offer uniquely competitive opportunities for National Merit Scholars, including free tuition, a study abroad stipend, a summer research stipend, and more. 

For an insider look and comparison of Texas’ top schools, check out this blog post. 

In light of these changes and Texas’ growing reputation as an academic powerhouse, we urge students to:

1. Maintain a balanced college list. B2A recommends students apply to at least 10 colleges: 2 long shots, 4 reaches, 2 matches, and 2 safeties. Do not discount the importance of submitting high quality applications to even your safety and match options. No school should be an afterthought, no matter how “easy” it may have seemed in previous years to get accepted.

2. Prioritize your rolling applications and devise a submission strategy for EA and ED colleges! Texas A&M is one of several rolling admissions colleges, meaning they will assess applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Even if your rolling admissions colleges are not your dream school, get your applications in ahead of the pack to put your mind at rest and increase your chances of admission, financial aid package, and early access to things like housing and class selection.

3. Determine if re-testing for the SAT or ACT will increase your chances. Even if your college is test-optional, now that we expect a continued influx of top applicants to a wider range of Texas universities, a higher test score can help you stand out.

4. Be strategic with your major choice. Computer Science, Engineering, and Business are still some of the most competitive majors. Consider applying to related majors that are less competitive at certain universities to increase your admissions odds.

If you need help realistically assessing your chances at specific colleges and polishing your applications for rolling admissions and early deadlines, Berkeley2 Academy is here to help! We are ready to provide the support, structure, and strategy you need to ensure you’re set up for admissions success. 

Contact us today to register and take the first step towards your college dreams!