Sensible Advice for Freshmen and Sophomores Targeting UT-Austin

Practical advice for high school freshmen and sophomores on coursework, strategically approaching SAT/ACT exams, building a meaningful resume, choosing summer programs wisely, and making effective college visits.

Kevin MartinJuly 4, 2025Process

College Admissions Recommendation Letters are a Waste of Time

This article critically examines why recommendation letters rarely influence admissions outcomes and often create unnecessary stress for applicants. Understand when letters might matter and why most applicants shouldn’t stress about them.

Kevin MartinJune 30, 2025Process

Does UT-Austin Discriminate Against Asian and Asian-American applicants?

This post clarifies misconceptions by explaining UT's admissions process, distinguishing it from selective private universities known for controversial practices. Learn why Asian students remain strongly represented at UT and how discussing cultural identity can benefit your application, despite concerns arising from broader national admissions issues.

Kevin MartinJune 25, 2025Process

Is Homeschooling an Advantage for UT-Austin Admissions?

This article outlines key similarities and differences in the homeschool admissions process. Explore how accelerated curricula, community college courses, standardized tests, documentation requirements, and recommendation letters influence homeschool applicants.

Kevin MartinJune 20, 2025Process

Does applying Early Action to UT-Austin make a difference?

This article clarifies common misconceptions about UT's Early Action process, its recent history, and the limited impact on admission outcomes.

Kevin MartinJune 6, 2025Process

The Truth About UT-Austin Admissions: Holistic Review Demystified

This article unpacks UT’s Personal Achievement Index system and exposes the flaws of holistic review, including inconsistency, reviewer bias, and inequity. Learn why even the most qualified applicants face unpredictable results.

Kevin MartinJune 2, 2025Process

Why is UT-Austin so competitive?

Learn how UT-Austin's admissions have become dramatically more competitive over the past 25 years—from a 75% acceptance rate to just 17% today—and discover four key reasons driving the surge in applications and selectivity.

Kevin MartinMay 30, 2025Process

Internal Transfer and Changing Majors for Current UT-Austin Students

Consult this post for current UT-Austin students or enrolling first-time freshman about internally transferring and changing majors to Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Moody, and others.

Kevin MartinMarch 1, 2025Process, Transfer

"When might I receive my major decision? Does UT have rolling admissions for freshmen?" UT Austin Admissions Waves and Fall 2025 Deferrals

I cover when and how UT regular and honors admissions releases their decisions based on my best-educated guesses from previous years. I share about the previous “UT Austin Admissions Waves” and what to expect for your notification.

Kevin MartinOctober 1, 2024Process

UT-Austin Freshman Applicant Decision Releases and Appeals

UT-Austin has released many of their Freshman Fall 2022 decisions. I discuss receiving your decision and the appeals process.

Kevin MartinJanuary 23, 2024Process, Statistics, Appeals

Building a Reasonable and Debt-Minimizing College List

I’ve refrained from writing about the college list until now. Check out these common pitfalls and best practices for building a manageable college list.

Kevin MartinJanuary 24, 2023Process

Is UT-Austin Test-Optional?

Yes! UT-Austin remains ACT and SAT test-optional for Fall 2023 freshmen applicants.

Kevin MartinJanuary 20, 2023Process

Advice for UT-Austin McCombs School of Business Applicants

Follow these application tips and strategies to increase your chances of getting into UT’s McCombs School of Business

Kevin MartinApril 28, 2021Process, Statistics, Business

Are UT-Austin Out-of-State (OOS) applicants at a disadvantage?

Non-Texans are reporting that applying to UT as an out of state student is becoming more difficult. Is there truth to this observation?

Kevin MartinApril 27, 2021Process, Application

Top 6% and Automatic Admissions Doesn't Matter For Most Applicants

Ranking in the top 5% of your class guarantees admission to a handful of less selective non-STEM programs, such as Liberal Arts, Education, Social Work, and Communications. Automatic admission does not provide advantages for popular programs like Business, Engineering, Computer Science, or Natural Sciences.

Kevin MartinApril 21, 2021Process

UT-Austin Fall 2020 First-Time Freshman Client Outcomes and Admissions Statistics

UT-Austin Fall 2020 First-Time Freshman Admissions Statistics for Tex Admissions clients. Overview of the essay revision and consultation process and Tex Admissions analytics.

Kevin MartinJune 24, 2020Process, Results

Fall 2021 Apply Texas and UT-Austin Essay A and Short Answer Topics

Fall 2021 Apply Texas and UT-Austin Essay A and Short Answer topics remain the same for the next cycle of applicants: tell us your story, major, leadership, and diversity.

Kevin MartinMarch 10, 2020Essays, Process