Understanding "Fit to Major" at UT Austin

When you apply to UT Austin, you don't just apply to the university—you also apply directly to a specific major. That's where the idea of "fit to major" comes in. Admissions officers aren't only asking, "Can this student succeed at UT?" They're also asking, "Does this student make sense for the major they've chosen?"

How to Show Fit to Major

✅ Start early in high school

If you already have an idea of your intended major, begin exploring it in meaningful ways:

  • Take strong, related coursework (AP/IB classes, electives, or dual enrollment).
  • Join clubs, activities, or competitions that connect to your field.
  • Look for internships, summer programs, or personal projects that show initiative.

✅ Use the Expanded Résumé

UT's expanded résumé is your opportunity to outline your accomplishments and explain how they relate to your intended major. Don't just list activities—highlight the impact and the skills gained. Admissions officers want to see growth and commitment over time.

✅ Connect it all in your essays

Your essays explain the why: why you're drawn to this field, what you've done to prepare, and how UT is the right place for your next step.

Examples of "Fit to Major"

Here's how students might demonstrate "fit" for some of UT's most popular programs:

  • Engineering
    • Coursework: Physics, AP Calculus, AP Computer Science
    • Activities: Robotics club, engineering competitions, coding projects, STEM camps
    • Résumé highlight: Designed a working prototype for a class project or completed CAD certification
  • Business (McCombs)
    • Coursework: AP Economics, Statistics, or business electives if available
    • Activities: DECA, FBLA, student council (finance role), fundraising leadership, jobs
    • Résumé highlight: Ran a small business, managed club budgets, or placed in business/entrepreneurship competitions
  • Computer Science
    • Coursework: AP Computer Science A, advanced math, and online coding courses.
    • Activities: Coding club, hackathons, and personal programming projects
    • Résumé highlight: Built an app or website, contributed to open-source code, or completed an internship at a tech company
  • Government
    • Coursework: AP U.S. Government, AP History, social science electives
    • Activities: Debate team, Model UN, student government, community advocacy
    • Résumé highlight: Organized a voter registration drive or interned with a local campaign
  • Biology
    • Coursework: AP Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy
    • Activities: Science Olympiad, HOSA, hospital volunteering, lab assistant work
    • Résumé highlight: Conducted independent research or shadowed a physician

UT majors such as Business, Engineering, and Computer Science are among the most competitive in the country. Showing a clear and consistent "fit to major" helps you stand out and assures UT that you'll thrive once admitted.