College Applications: Admissions in Texas

Navigate the Texas college application process with confidence. From common applications to state-specific requirements, we'll guide you through every step.

ApplyTexas

State Application System

Dec 1

Priority Deadline

Top 10%

Auto-Admit Rule

3.0+

Recommended GPA

Texas Application Systems

ApplyTexas

Used by all public Texas universities and many private colleges

  • • Apply to multiple schools with one application
  • • Required essays for most universities
  • • $75 application fee per school
  • • Submit by December 1 for priority

Common Application

Used by private universities and some out-of-state options

  • • Personal essay required
  • • Letters of recommendation
  • • Extracurricular activities section
  • • School-specific supplements
Texas Top 10% Rule

Automatic Admission Guarantee

Students who graduate in the top 10% of their high school class are guaranteed admission to any public Texas university, though not necessarily to their preferred major.

Benefits:

  • • Guaranteed admission to UT, A&M, Tech, etc.
  • • Priority consideration for academic scholarships
  • • Earlier access to course registration
  • • Honors program eligibility

Important Notes:

  • • Must still apply through normal process
  • • Competitive majors may require higher standards
  • • Must meet minimum SAT/ACT requirements
  • • Complete required coursework
Essential Application Components

Academic Records

  • • Official high school transcript
  • • Class rank documentation
  • • College coursework (if applicable)
  • • International transcripts (if applicable)

Test Scores

  • • SAT or ACT scores (most schools)
  • • TOEFL/IELTS (international students)
  • • AP exam scores (for credit)
  • • Subject test scores (specific programs)

Personal Materials

  • • Personal statement/essays
  • • Letters of recommendation
  • • Resume/activity list
  • • Portfolio (specific majors)

Additional Requirements

  • • Application fee payment
  • • FAFSA for financial aid
  • • Housing application
  • • Immunization records
Application Timeline
Sept

Applications Open

ApplyTexas and Common App open. Begin working on essays and gathering documents.

Nov

Early Action Deadlines

Submit early action applications. Complete FAFSA priority deadline for many schools.

Dec

Priority Deadlines

December 1 priority deadline for most Texas public universities. Submit all materials.

Mar

Decision Notifications

Receive admission decisions. Compare financial aid packages and make final choice.

Tips for Application Success

Strong Essays

  • • Show, don't tell your experiences
  • • Address the prompt directly
  • • Use specific examples and details
  • • Have others proofread for errors
  • • Start early and revise multiple times

Application Strategy

  • • Apply to a mix of reach, match, and safety schools
  • • Consider both public and private options
  • • Research specific program requirements
  • • Meet all deadlines well in advance
  • • Follow up on missing materials
Application Timeline

Stay On Track

Follow a comprehensive month-by-month timeline to ensure you meet all critical deadlines and application requirements.

Monthly action items and deadlines
Application and financial aid due dates
Testing schedules and preparation
Decision notifications and enrollment
Texas Timeline Guide
Admission Requirements

Know What You Need

Understand specific admission requirements for Texas universities, from GPA standards to required coursework and testing.

Top 10% automatic admission rule
GPA and class rank requirements
Required high school coursework
Testing requirements by institution
Texas Requirements Guide

Continue Your Texas College Planning Journey

Master the applications - now prepare academically for success

Back: Financial Aid & Scholarships

Review funding opportunities and financial planning

View Financial Aid

Step 4: Academic Preparation

Prepare academically for college success

Academic Preparation