The University of Texas at Austin

Getting in is the hard part. The University of Texas at Austin admitted 26.6% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 1250–1510 on the SAT and 27–33 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what The University of Texas at Austin actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

From classrooms to studios and labs, what starts here doesn’t just set a high standard, it raises it, empowering generations to achieve more and lead with purpose.

The academic experience encourages hands-on research and problem-solving to address real-world challenges, preparing students to lead with purpose.

• Diverse Fields170 areas of study
• Advanced Degrees83 doctoral, 125 master's programs
• Leading DiscoveriesAI, Energy, Health, Materials Science, National Security, Quantum & Future Compu

Verified from utexas.edu and gradschool.utexas.edu and dellmedschool.utexas.edu and admissions.utexas.edu and utexas.edu and news.utexas.edu and utexas.edu.

• Next deadlineOctober 15, 2026 (EA)
• Regular decisionDecember 1, 2026
• TestingRequired (2026 cycle)
• Recommendations0 letters
• Personal essayNot required
• ApplicationCommon App

Verified from https://www.utexas.edu.

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

• Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt or one of your own design.

  Up to 650 words

• Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?

  Up to 300 words

• Think of all the activities — both in and outside of school — that you have been involved with during high school. Which one are you most proud of and why?

  Up to 300 words

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from https://www.utexas.edu.

The sticker price is about $31,247, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $19,857.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $75,121.

Verified from https://www.utexas.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

“Dive into hands-on research, collaborate on a project at the Oden Institute, then grab a meal with friends at J2, a Tuesday here.”

Stroll through campus on a walking tour, past historic buildings, and grab a meal at J2 or Kins Dining.

Is The University of Texas at Austin test-optional?

No. For the 2026 application cycle, The University of Texas at Austin requires SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants.

How hard is it to get into The University of Texas at Austin?

Very hard. The University of Texas at Austin admits 26.6% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1250 to 1510 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.

When is the The University of Texas at Austin application deadline?

The next deadline is October 15, 2026 (EA). Regular Decision closes December 1, 2026.

How much does The University of Texas at Austin cost?

The list price is about $31,247, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $19,857.

Is The University of Texas at Austin worth it?

Graduates earn a median of $75,121 ten years after enrolling, and 88% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.