Applying to College in Texas? Read This First.
When people think of college in Texas, they often picture the powerhouses: UT Austin and Texas A&M. And while those schools are outstanding, the Lone Star State is home to more than 140 colleges and universities, many of which offer incredible academics, vibrant campus life, generous merit aid, and unique communities that may be a better fit for you than the “brand names.”
Whether you're a student looking for big school spirit, a private university vibe, or a focused academic experience, Texas has something to offer for both in-state and out-of-state students.
A Few Standouts You Should Not Overlook
Texas Christian University (TCU – Fort Worth): A mid-sized private university known for its tight-knit community, strong academics, and standout programs in business, health sciences, education, and the arts. Plus: Division I sports and lots of Horned Frog pride.
Southern Methodist University (SMU – Dallas): A prestigious private school with exceptional business and performing arts programs, plus a gorgeous campus and strong ties to Dallas industries.
Baylor University (Waco): A nationally recognized Christian research university offering strong programs in health sciences, business, and engineering. Known for its school spirit, values-based education, and Big 12 athletics,
Trinity University (San Antonio): One of the top liberal arts colleges in Texas, with small class sizes, great faculty mentorship, and strong pre-professional advising (business, law, medicine).
Texas State University (San Marcos): A large public university with a relaxed feel, solid programs in education, communication, and the sciences, and a prime location between Austin and San Antonio.
University of Houston: A large public research university on the rise. Strong in business, engineering, and health sciences, with deep ties to Houston’s job market.
Understanding Auto-Admit in Texas
One unique feature of Texas public college admissions is automatic admission for in-state students based on class rank. Here's how it works and what out-of-state students need to know.
For In-State Students:
University of Texas-Austin: Top 5% of Texas high school seniors (Class of 2025) receive automatic admission to the university, but not to their major of choice.
Texas A&M: Top 10% of Texas seniors are automatically admitted.
The University of Houston and Texas State also offer assured admission based on a sliding scale for class rank, GPA, and/or test scores.
Out-of-State Students:
Auto-admit policies do not apply for out-of-state students. Applications from out-of-state students will be reviewed holistically, with a greater emphasis on GPA, course rigor, essays, extracurricular activities, and, in many cases, major choice. This focus on major makes it especially important to strategize your major selection and tell a strong story in your application.
Applying Directly to Majors
Texas public universities often require you to apply directly to a major or college within the university, and that choice can affect your admissions odds.
UT Austin: Applicants list a first-choice and second-choice major. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the chosen program. Business, Engineering, and Computer Science are among the most competitive. UT-Austin closely examines majors and practices an 'admit-to-fit' review, where they expect courses, activities, and essays to support the chosen major.
Texas A&M: Applicants apply to a specific college (e.g., Engineering or Business). Admission to the university doesn’t guarantee that an applicant will secure their first-choice major. Majors are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
SMU: When an applicant applies as a first-year student, they will select their top two areas of interest. To be considered for the Cox School of Business, a business major must list it as their major on their application.
TCU: Majors are considered in the application review process. The admissions office will review the courses taken and extracurricular activities, evaluating how they support the chosen major. While students can easily change majors at TCU, they want to ensure that they have the necessary resources to support students in the selected majors.
Baylor: At Baylor University, students are typically admitted to the university as a whole rather than to a specific major, allowing flexibility to explore and switch fields. However, a few majors have additional admission requirements, so your intended major may still impact your admissions review.
Trinity University: Students are admitted to Trinity University as a whole, regardless of their intended major or field of study. Students apply for official admission to a specific major program in their sophomore year, although admission to the major is not guaranteed.
University of Houston: Somewhat more flexible, but competitive programs (Nursing, Engineering, Business) may be harder to get into due to additional requirements or impacted majors.
Pro tip: If you're applying to a selective major, write essays that demonstrate authentic interest and preparation, and consider listing a second-choice option when available to increase your chances of admission.
ApplyTexas vs. Common App: Which Application Should You Use?
Texas schools are split between the ApplyTexas platform and the Common App (used nationally). Some colleges also have their own application platforms. Most colleges don’t have a preference for which application you use, but be sure to check their website to confirm. For instance, Baylor states, “We prefer applicants apply through the Baylor Online App or Common App and do not prioritize one over the other. While we do accept applications via ApplyTexas, most applicants apply through the Baylor Online App or Common App.”
All colleges discussed in this blog use both the ApplyTexas and Common App. Here’s how to choose the right one:
ApplyTexas
A state-run app used by most public universities and many private universities in Texas. Great for in-state students applying to multiple Texas publics.
Common App
Used by over 1,000 colleges nationwide — ideal if you’re applying to a mix of Texas and out-of-state schools. However, the Common App only allows you to apply to 20 colleges, so if you have more than that for some reason, you will want to plan carefully which colleges you use the Common App for.
Texas schools on the Common App include:
University of Texas-Austin - also on ApplyTexas
Texas A&M - also on ApplyTexas
Southern Methodist University (SMU) - also on ApplyTexas
Texas Christian University (TCU) - also on ApplyTexas
Baylor University - also on ApplyTexas
Trinity University - also on ApplyTexas
University of Houston - also on ApplyTexas
Strategic tip: Use the Common App if you’re applying to out-of-state or private schools and want to reuse your application materials. Use ApplyTexas if you’re primarily applying to public colleges and universities in Texas.
Do You Need to Submit Test Scores?
Many Texas colleges have adopted test-optional policies; however, these policies are not uniform and can change from year to year. As of now, Baylor, SMU, TCU, Texas A&M, and Texas State University are test-optional, meaning students can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. The University of Houston is also test-optional; however, some scholarships or honors programs may still require test scores. UT Austin, however, currently requires test scores for freshman applicants. Be sure to check each school’s admissions website for the most current policies and requirements before applying.
Note to applicants: Policies can change from year to year, so it’s essential to check each college’s official website for the most up-to-date admission requirements and procedures.
Why Fit Matters More Than Fame
The right college for you isn't necessarily the one you've heard of the most — it's the place where you'll be supported, challenged, and inspired. Whether that’s a liberal arts college, a business-focused school, or a research university, Texas has incredible options for every kind of student.
Need Help Navigating Your Texas College List?
North Shore College Consulting specializes in helping students (both in-state and out-of-state) build smart, balanced college lists and navigate the unique Texas admissions landscape, from auto-admit to major selection to application platforms.