Standardized Testing Policy FAQs

High school students who apply to The University of Texas at Austin for fall 2021 undergraduate admission will not be required to submit an ACT or SAT test score as part of their application. This change will allow the university to better serve potential students by ensuring that testing limitations related to COVID-19 do not affect a student’s ability to apply.

Below are frequently asked questions regarding this policy change. If you have additional questions, please reach out to admissions@austin.utexas.edu.

Why was this decision made?
This change will allow the university to better serve potential students by ensuring that testing limitations related to COVID-19 do not affect a student’s ability to apply. The university has been evaluating the impact on students of the cancellation of spring ACT and SAT test dates for some time. Tests have been canceled, and it is expected that future in-person testing opportunities will be limited as a result of mandated social distancing requirements. As such, the university has determined that suspending this requirement for fall 2021 is necessary. This temporary suspension means that for fall 2021 admission, a test score will not be required for students to apply to, and be fully considered for, admission to UT Austin.
How will this impact admissions as a whole for the university for this coming fall?
This is a student-centered decision. During this time of uncertainty for students and high schools, we are focused on working with students to support their next steps toward college. Suspending this requirement ensures that students have the information they need to complete their application for admission.

This modification eliminates a requirement that would have been difficult for many students to satisfy due to COVID-related factors. Applications will continue to be assessed through our holistic review process, which considers all information submitted as part of the application.
Does university admissions still suggest students take the exams if they can even though they're not mandatory?
Submitted standardized test scores will serve as one of many elements that are holistically assessed to determine a student’s ability to contribute to and benefit from the UT Austin educational experience. No single factor within the application determines admissibility. The Office of Admissions uses an individualized, holistic review process to consider each completed freshman application. Applications from students who qualify for automatic admission based on section 51.803 of the Texas Education Code are reviewed to determine admission to specific colleges, schools and majors. Applications from students who are not eligible for automatic admission are reviewed to determine admissibility and to make decisions about admission to specific colleges, schools and majors.

Students should provide information in their application that demonstrates their academic potential. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, such as through their essay prompt, high school transcripts, or items like letters of recommendations or standardized ACT or SAT scores.
What is the deadline for submitting scores if I want them considered as part of my admissions application?
For the November 1, 2020 priority deadline for Fall 2021 freshman admission, optional application items must be submitted no later than November 9, 2020. After November 9, 2020, applications go to review and any optional items submitted may not be considered. 

For the December 1, 2020 regular deadline for Fall 2021 freshman admission, optional application items must be submitted no later than December 9, 2020. After December 9, 2020, applications go to review and any optional items submitted may not be considered.
If I submit a test score, will this put my application at an advantage?
Submitted standardized test scores will serve as one of many elements that are holistically assessed to determine a student’s ability to contribute to and benefit from the UT Austin educational experience. The Office of Admissions uses an individualized, holistic review process to consider each completed freshman application. Applications from students who qualify for automatic admission based on section 51.803 of the Texas Education Code are reviewed to determine admission to specific colleges, schools and majors. Applications from students who are not eligible for automatic admission are reviewed to determine admissibility and to make decisions about admission to specific colleges, schools and majors.
How will my application be reviewed without a standardized test score?
The Office of Admissions uses an individualized, holistic review process to consider each completed freshman application. Applications from students who qualify for automatic admission based on section 51.803 of the Texas Education Code are reviewed to determine admission to specific colleges, schools and majors. Applications from students who are not eligible for automatic admission are reviewed to determine admissibility and to make decisions about admission to specific colleges, schools and majors.
How will this affect Calculus Readiness requirements for certain majors?
Additional tests may be required to ensure students receive adequate academic support services, especially in math-intensive majors. Students will be contacted if there are additional testing requirements. 
Does this affect my eligibility for scholarships?
Scholarships awarded by UT Austin will not be affected by your submission or non-submission of standardized test scores. Students are advised to review application requirements for scholarships not administered by UT Austin to determine if a standardized score is required.
Does this affect my eligibility for Honors Programs?
Submitted standardized test scores will serve as one of many elements that are holistically assessed to determine a student’s admission to Honors programs.The Office of Admissions uses an individualized, holistic review process to consider each completed freshman application. 
Are there other tests that I will need to take in place of the SAT/ACT if I am admitted?
Additional tests may be required to ensure students receive adequate academic support services, especially in math-intensive majors. Students will be contacted if there are additional testing requirements. 
What will be the standardized testing requirements for international applicants?
International students who apply to The University of Texas at Austin for fall 2021 undergraduate admission will not be required to submit an ACT or SAT test score as part of their application.

International applicants must submit either an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score report demonstrating an adequate knowledge of English. The TOEFL iBT is preferred over the IELTS. We cannot accept institutional TOEFL (ITP) scores. 
What is the deadline to apply for Fall 2021 freshmen admission?
The priority deadline to apply for Fall 2021 freshmen admission is November 1, 2020. The regular deadline to apply for Fall 2021 freshmen admission is December 1, 2020.
What will be the requirement for students applying in future terms?
Spring 2021 applications and Fall 2022 freshman applicants and beyond will be required to submit a standardized test score (either an ACT and/or SAT score) as part of the undergraduate admission application. Should there be continued disruption to testing accessibility, the Office of Admissions will evaluate further modifications at that time.
If you have any additional questions regarding this change, please reach out to the Office of Admissions at admissions@austin.utexas.edu.