Austin College has been test-optional since 2017. We look beyond the numbers during the application review.

• Applicants will be asked to indicate on their application whether they are applying with or without test scores.
• While there are no additional requirements to be considered as a test-optional applicant, we recommend scheduling an interview with an admission counselor, submitting letters of recommendation, or submitting a graded English or History paper as optional ways to supplement your application.
• Test-Optional is available to all U.S. applicants who attend an accredited private or public high school, homeschool students, and students enrolled in accredited English language schools based internationally. Non-native English speakers enrolled in school internationally are required to submit SAT, ACT, TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Although not required to be considered for admission, the interview is recommended as it helps us to get to know you better. To schedule an interview, connect with your admission counselor or email admission@austincollege.edu.

Decision Plans

We understand that waiting is the worst, and you want to know if you are accepted as soon as possible.  That’s why we offer TWO Early Action application deadlines so that you can lock in your spot and get a jump-start on scholarship offerings. If you have missed the early action deadlines, don’t worry - we continue to review applicants and award general academic scholarships* through our regular decision deadline, and transfer applicants can apply at any time. 

*Applicants for additional institutional and fine art scholarships must submit their application for admission and all required supplemental application items by the February 1, Early Action II deadline. Scholarship applications must also be submitted by February 1.

Admission to Austin College is very competitive. The College receives four to five applications for each space in the freshman class!  In order to find our best-fit students, we use what is called a holistic review process.  That means that we consider more than just grades and test scores and try to get a sense of the whole person. If you are academically well-prepared and would like to be a part of this unique living and learning community, we urge you to apply.

To be competitive for admission to Austin College, you should be in good academic standing while taking classes which are challenging. Your transcript should include a nice distribution of courses in different subjects, in true liberal arts style. Successful Austin College students are up for a challenge, so be sure to take some courses that are academically demanding.  Keep in mind that a decent grade in a challenging class is more impressive than an easy A. (And yes, your senior year counts – remember to continue to take a full load of core courses your senior year of high school).

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We recognize that for some students, standardized test scores do not accurately measure your full potential for success at Austin College, and we are delighted to offer a test-optional admission track. This track is available to all U.S. applicants who attend an accredited private or public high school. Homeschool and International applicants must submit test scores.

For applicants who elect to submit test scores for admission consideration, Austin College accepts both the ACT or SAT and as policy we “super score”. That means we will take your highest subscores from different test dates and combine them to make a highest “super score”. We feel what is important is that we see your highest potential in each subsection, not just how you scored overall during one test session.

In considering your application for admission, we’ll be looking for glimpses of the whole person in order to determine whether you’re right for us and us for you. We expect your extracurricular activities, recommendations from counselors and teachers, admission essay, and interview with a member of our admission staff to tell us the rest of the story about who you are and what you value.
 

Be confident in your rights. Rest assured your admission status will not be jeopardized by peacefully and lawfully exercising your rights to protest.

Austin College’s Mission Statement embraces civic participation. We are a community that fosters lively intellectual and social interaction among persons of different origins, experiences, beliefs, accomplishments, and goals, and encourages free enquiry and open expression of ideas. Both current and prospective students are encouraged to stand up for their beliefs and to engage in a climate of civility and respect.

We understand that when natural disasters occur, you may need extra time, support, and assistance in completing your admission application. Please contact us to discuss ways we can assist you or offer flexibility through the application process.

If you encounter difficulty in submitting your application for admission, please contact our office at 1.800.KANGAROO.