This guide provides thirteen tips about what you can control (like your essays and resume) and what you shouldn’t stress about. Avoid common pitfalls and build a smarter, more strategic application.
Read MoreUT-Austin admissions can feel like a black box—limited data, vague timelines, and unclear selection criteria leave many families confused. This guide tackles 23 common misconceptions, including myths about early action, in-state residency, test scores, and major selection.
Read MoreThis post reveals how once-helpful communities like Reddit’s A2C have become sources of stress, misinformation, and toxic competition.
Read MoreCheck out these tips and advice for the new essay prompts to Moody Communications Honors, The Canfield Business Honors Program, Turing Scholars, Liberal Arts Honors, Plan II Honors, and Natural Science Honors like Dean Scholars.
Read MoreI detail why STEM programs are increasingly competitive at UT-Austin and universities nationwide. I provide tips for Computer Science, Cockrell Engineering, and the College of Natural Sciences.
Read MorePractical 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.
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreThis article explains why essay examples often mislead rather than guide students. From unrealistic expectations caused by survivorship bias to missing critical application context, reading too many examples can heighten confusion and anxiety.
Read MoreLearn why using AI tools like ChatGPT often backfires, how students commonly misjudge their essays, and why genuine, thoughtful writing remains essential, even in an era dominated by artificial intelligence.
Read MoreThis article clarifies common misconceptions about UT's Early Action process, its recent history, and the limited impact on admission outcomes.
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreRarely does a UT-Austin admissions cycle proceed without a significant procedural error, miscommunication failure, or institutional misstep. Here are UT’s biggest blunders since 2013.
Read MoreTex Admissions freshman Fall 2024 outcomes include a Forty Acres Scholars recipient and admissions offers to Princeton, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Brown, Yale, Duke, Berkeley, and UCLA.
Read MoreI discuss UT-Austin’s announced changes regarding test optional, essay changes, an October 15 Early Action deadline, introduction of a wait list, and changes to recommendation letter suggestions.
Read MoreUT-Austin has released many of their Freshman Fall 2022 decisions. I discuss receiving your decision and the appeals process.
Read MoreI provide five examples of UT-Austin Transfer Essay A Statement of Purpose as “…your opportunity to address the admissions committee directly and to let us know more about you as an individual.”
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