You can apply to Austin College using Common App, ApplyTexas, or the Austin College Application. To learn specific requirements and materials needed for admission, click on the appropriate tab above. Once you have started your application, you can check your student hub for the latest application information.
Important Dates & Deadlines
Freshman Application Deadlines
Early Action I & II: Early Action is a non-binding priority consideration for admission and merit scholarship.
Regular Decision: Freshman applicants that submit applications after February 1 will be reviewed under the Regular Decision plan, and are subject to admission as space remains available in the class.
Early Action I
Submit by Nov 1
Notification – Dec 15
Early Action II
Submit by Feb 1*
Notification – Mar 1
Regular Decision
Submit by Mar 1
Notification – Apr 1
Transfer Application Deadlines
Transfer applicants are considered throughout the year. Notification of application status is typically made within two to six weeks of application completion dates.
Fall Transfer Applicants
Should apply no later than August 1
Spring Transfer Applicants
Should apply no later than January 15
’Roo Ready
Don't wait to know if you're "in."
Follow these easy steps by November 1 to be eligible:
Complete your application by submitting your transcript and any optional supplemental materials.
Once you have applied, you can track the status of items received in your Student Hub portal.
Students who follow these steps will receive their notification by November 15.
Accepting Admission
Freshmen students who are admitted under the Early Action or Regular Decision Plans confirm their intent to attend Austin College by paying the $350.00 enrollment deposit any time after being admitted, but no later than May 1, the National Candidate Reply Date*. The deposit is refundable until May 1.*
Transfer students who are admitted may pay the required $350.00 enrollment deposit at any time after acceptance, but no later than two weeks before the start of the term.
*Students admitted after May 1 are asked to inform the college regarding their enrollment plans within two weeks after notification of admission.
One Admission Essay (250-650 words on a topic of your choice)
High School Transcript
Optional Supplemental Application Materials:
An admission interview with a member of the admission staff. Call 1.800.KANGAROO (526.4276) or contact your specific admission representative to schedule an interview
School Report or Counselor Recommendation Letter
Teacher Evaluation or Teacher Recommendation Letter(s)
A graded English or History paper/essay
Standardized Test Scores: SAT (code #6016) or ACT (code #4058). You will be asked to indicate on the application whether you wish to apply test-optional or with test scores. If you have already submitted test scores, or they are included on your high school transcript, we will still honor your wish to be considered for admission without test score consideration.*
Those who apply after the Early Action II deadline should also submit a Midyear Report (once fall grades become available) or a transcript that includes fall term grades.
Why Apply to Austin College?
I chose to apply to AC after learning about all of the programs and resources it offers. I attended an Outback event, and as soon as I arrived, I felt at home—a place I would love to spend the next four years of my life. Yasmin Flores Aguirre '27 Houston, TX
As a student with many academic interests, I wanted a college that would offer me choices; not force me to make a singular choice. After visiting campus and meeting current students, I realized Austin College was the school for me. Karsyn Clouse '27 Denison TX
Although most materials for the application for admission may be submitted online at the Student Hub, you may mail necessary documents as well.
Austin College Office of Admission 900 North Grand Avenue, Suite 6N Sherman, Texas 75090-4400
Remember to view Dates & Deadlines. Don't procrastinate and miss a deadline to apply for admission!
Basic Requirements
What coursework is required to be considered for admission?
To be considered for freshman admission at Austin College, you must graduate (or expect to graduate) from an accredited secondary school or home school equivalent. Your high school coursework should include at least 15 high school academic units with this distribution:
English (4 units)
Mathematics (3 – 4 units, including geometry and algebra II)
Science (3 – 4 units, including 1 or 2 lab sciences)
Foreign language (2 – 4 units, at least 2 units of the same language)
Social studies (2 – 4 units)
Fine arts (1 – 2 units)
Keep in mind that a decent grade in a challenging class is more impressive than an easy A.
Are my ACT or SAT scores super scored?
Yes, we will take your highest sub scores 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 sub-section, not just how you scored overall during one test session.
98%
of May 2025 grads completed in four years.
We like to hear from students and to answer your questions! To check the status of your application, please contact the Office of Admission (1.800.KANGAROO) or contact your admission representative directly.
Austin 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 – factoring in academic course selection, trends in grades, involvement outside the classroom, and supplemental materials like a resume and letters of recommendation. We aim to get to know you, your interests, and your potential for success within our living and learning community.
To be competitive for admission to Austin College, you should be in good academic standing while taking classes which are challenging. 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).
kangaroo
We recognize that for some students, standardized test scores do not accurately measure your full potential for success at Austin College, and that is why we offer test-optional admission . Applying without submitting test scores is an option for all U.S. applicants. Non-native English speakers enrolled in school internationally are required to submit SAT, ACT, TOEFL or IELTS scores.
For applicants who elect to submit test scores for consideration, Austin College accepts both the ACT or SAT and our policy is to “super score”. That means we will take your highest subscores from different test dates and combine them to create 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 also expect your extracurricular activities, recommendations from counselors and teachers, admission essay, and/or interview with a member of our admission staff to tell us the rest of the story about who you are and what you value.
Austin College has been test-optional since 2017. We look beyond the numbers as part of a holistic application review process.
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 submitting letters of recommendation or a résumé or scheduling an interview with an admission counselor as optional ways to supplement your application.
Applying test-optional is available to all domestic 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, an admission 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.
Early Notification: You will be the first cohort of students receiving offers of admission, some as early as November 15 and no later than March 1, which can offer a sense of relief and reduce stress for the remainder of your senior year.
Early Action is Non-Binding: Unlike an Early Decision plan offered at other colleges, by applying Early Action you are not committing to enroll by applying through this round. The college is simply committing to giving you an earlier anwer giving you more time to consider your college options.
College Planning: Receiving an early decision allows you to compare financial aid and scholarship offers from different schools, schedule visits to campus, and research programs of interest giving you more time to make an informed decision. And more time to enjoy all the milestones that come as a part of your senior year.
The most up to date platform to check on the status of your application, and complete outstanding tasks is your Student Hub.
You will also often be notified by email, and in limited cases by text when you may need to take action or there is an update regarding your application.
If you are enrolled in an Early College, Dual Enrollment, or Dual Credit program and will be earning an associate’s degree while also completing your high school diploma, you should apply and you will be reviewed as a freshman applicant.
If admitted, the admission office will be happy to do an unofficial transfer credit evaluation of the dual credit work you have completed, should that help as you make your college decision.
If you enroll, you will be required to submit the college transcripts for and dual credit work you have completed in order for that work to be considered for transfer credit.
Application decision notification will be both dependent on which round you decide to apply under (see our Important Dates and Deadlines page) and when your application is completed, meaning all applicaiton materials are submitted.
Our first decisions go out to new students on November 15. And, after that admission decisions are released roughly every two weeks.
Decisions are released on Thursdays at 4pm (CT) on your Student Hub, and freshman admission decisions are also mailed to home addresses.
Our institutional scholarships – Westminster, Bryant-Taylor, Art, Music, Theatre, & Alumni awards are competitive, and there are a set number of awards each year. Priority consideration will be given to those students who apply for admission and submit their scholarship applications by the February 1 priority deadline.
Additional scholarships may be awarded to students who apply after that date as long as funds are available.
Austin College only offers fall entry for freshman applicants. All enrolling freshman students have a very intentionally planned first year experience during their entire fall semester, which is why they must start their college experience in the Fall.
The College does offer Spring entry for Transfer students. However, it is not our policy to allow JanTerm starts.
Austin College is a primarily residential campus and almost all college courses are taught in person. The only exception to in-person instruction is a limited number of summer mini-courses offered incoming freshman students, and limited number of summer courses for returning students.
Pursuing a degree as a distance learner is not an option at this time.
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 should you find yourself impacted by natural disaster.
If you encounter difficulty in submitting your application for admission, please contact our office via email or call 1.800.KANGAROO.
One Admission Essay (250-500 words; a topic of your choice)
Official College Transcript(s), sent directly from each institution you attended
Applicants with less than a full-time semester of transferable credit at the time of application are required to submit their final High School Transcript or GED
Optional materials include:
Registrar’s Report or Advisor/Counselor Recommendation Letter
Academic Report or Professor Recommendation Letter
Transfer applicants with fewer than 15 transferable semester hours or a college GPA of 3.0 or lower are highly encouraged to submit one of these optional materials, or they may be requested after the initial review of your application.
Although most materials for the application for admission may be submitted online, you might need to mail necessary documents, too.
Austin College Office of Admission
900 North Grand Avenue, Suite 6N
Sherman, Texas 75090-4400
Remember to view Dates & Deadlines. Don’t procrastinate and miss a deadline to apply for admission!
Meet Transfer Student:
Reese Richmond '26
"Transferring from a much larger university, I was nervous about finding my place—but Austin College made that transition seamless. The support for transfer students was incredible from day one, especially during orientation. I quickly got involved with Zeta Chi Omega and the swim team, and those communities helped me feel at home. At Austin College, I’ve found my people, my passions, and an education that’s challenged and inspired me."
Austin 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 – factoring in academic course selection, trends in grades, involvement outside the classroom, and supplemental materials like a resume and letters of recommendation. We aim to get to know you, your interests, and your potential for success within our living and learning community.
To be competitive for admission to Austin College, you should be in good academic standing while taking classes which are challenging. 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).
kangaroo
We recognize that for some students, standardized test scores do not accurately measure your full potential for success at Austin College, and that is why we offer test-optional admission . Applying without submitting test scores is an option for all U.S. applicants. Non-native English speakers enrolled in school internationally are required to submit SAT, ACT, TOEFL or IELTS scores.
For applicants who elect to submit test scores for consideration, Austin College accepts both the ACT or SAT and our policy is to “super score”. That means we will take your highest subscores from different test dates and combine them to create 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 also expect your extracurricular activities, recommendations from counselors and teachers, admission essay, and/or interview with a member of our admission staff to tell us the rest of the story about who you are and what you value.
Although not required to be considered for admission, an admission 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.
The most up to date platform to check on the status of your application, and complete outstanding tasks is your Student Hub.
You will also often be notified by email, and in limited cases by text when you may need to take action or there is an update regarding your application.
Application decision notification will be both dependent on which round you decide to apply under (see our Important Dates and Deadlines page) and when your application is completed, meaning all applicaiton materials are submitted.
Our first decisions go out to new students on November 15. And, after that admission decisions are released roughly every two weeks.
Decisions are released on Thursdays at 4pm (CT) on your Student Hub, and freshman admission decisions are also mailed to home addresses.
Our institutional scholarships – Westminster, Bryant-Taylor, Art, Music, Theatre, & Alumni awards are competitive, and there are a set number of awards each year. Priority consideration will be given to those students who apply for admission and submit their scholarship applications by the February 1 priority deadline.
Additional scholarships may be awarded to students who apply after that date as long as funds are available.
Students are considered for transfer admission as soon as they have completed at least one semester of coursework at another college or university (not including dual-credit or dual enrollment coursework completed in high school).
When a student transfers is really up to that student, their educational experience to date, their educational goals, and may include other factors. We’re here to support you in your college transition and degree completion.
Austin College only offers fall entry for freshman applicants. All enrolling freshman students have a very intentionally planned first year experience during their entire fall semester, which is why they must start their college experience in the Fall.
The College does offer Spring entry for Transfer students. However, it is not our policy to allow JanTerm starts.
Austin College is a primarily residential campus and almost all college courses are taught in person. The only exception to in-person instruction is a limited number of summer mini-courses offered incoming freshman students, and limited number of summer courses for returning students.
Pursuing a degree as a distance learner is not an option at this time.
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 should you find yourself impacted by natural disaster.
If you encounter difficulty in submitting your application for admission, please contact our office via email or call 1.800.KANGAROO.
Official Standardized Test Scores for non-native English speakers (see additional information below) or an Expository writing paper for applicants who wish to be reviewed as Test-Optional and have completed two or more years at an accredited high school with U.S., British, Canadian, Australian, or International Baccalaureate curriculum.
Due to the extended visa appointment and processing times, the Office of Admission is unable to review any applications for Fall entry received from international students after March 1.
Applications for admission will not be reviewed until all of the requirements listed above have been satisfied.
All letters of recommendation and your secondary school transcript(s) must be translated into English. If an English translation is not available or if you are seeking transfer credit from a non-U.S. accredited college or university, you as the applicant must request an evaluation by an independent transcript evaluation service. Austin College requires certified evaluations of transcript translations. You may submit them via International Education Evaluations or another independent certified evaluation company. Please contact the Office of Admission for recommended evaluation services.
Like many colleges in the United States, Austin College follows a need-aware admission policy for international students. This means that your demonstrated financial need is considered along with the academic and extra-curricular components of your application as part of our holistic review process. Austin College reviews all applicants for merit scholarship awards, but is not able to offer need-based financial aid to international students at this time.
Advice From an International Student:
"Do not be afraid to reach out to people and start conversations and make connections with students and professors. The number of academic opportunities available in the US and especially at Austin College is noteworthy and you will never regret connecting with people. Spend time studying your first two years since those are the most important to get research opportunities and Honors status, which lead to prestigious Graduate programs across the country and the globe."
Austin 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 – factoring in academic course selection, trends in grades, involvement outside the classroom, and supplemental materials like a resume and letters of recommendation. We aim to get to know you, your interests, and your potential for success within our living and learning community.
To be competitive for admission to Austin College, you should be in good academic standing while taking classes which are challenging. 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).
kangaroo
We recognize that for some students, standardized test scores do not accurately measure your full potential for success at Austin College, and that is why we offer test-optional admission . Applying without submitting test scores is an option for all U.S. applicants. Non-native English speakers enrolled in school internationally are required to submit SAT, ACT, TOEFL or IELTS scores.
For applicants who elect to submit test scores for consideration, Austin College accepts both the ACT or SAT and our policy is to “super score”. That means we will take your highest subscores from different test dates and combine them to create 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 also expect your extracurricular activities, recommendations from counselors and teachers, admission essay, and/or interview with a member of our admission staff to tell us the rest of the story about who you are and what you value.
Austin College has been test-optional since 2017. We look beyond the numbers as part of a holistic application review process.
Students enrolled in accredited English language schools based internationally may apply adopting our test-optional admission policy. Non-native English speakers enrolled in school internationally will be required to submit SAT, ACT, TOEFL or IELTS scores.
The most up to date platform to check on the status of your application, and complete outstanding tasks is your Student Hub.
You will also often be notified by email, and in limited cases by text when you may need to take action or there is an update regarding your application.
Application decision notification will be both dependent on which round you decide to apply under (see our Important Dates and Deadlines page) and when your application is completed, meaning all applicaiton materials are submitted.
Our first decisions go out to new students on November 15. And, after that admission decisions are released roughly every two weeks.
Decisions are released on Thursdays at 4pm (CT) on your Student Hub, and freshman admission decisions are also mailed to home addresses.
Austin College only offers fall entry for freshman applicants. All enrolling freshman students have a very intentionally planned first year experience during their entire fall semester, which is why they must start their college experience in the Fall.
The College does offer Spring entry for Transfer students. However, it is not our policy to allow JanTerm starts.
Austin College is a primarily residential campus and almost all college courses are taught in person. The only exception to in-person instruction is a limited number of summer mini-courses offered incoming freshman students, and limited number of summer courses for returning students.
Pursuing a degree as a distance learner is not an option at this time.
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 should you find yourself impacted by natural disaster.
If you encounter difficulty in submitting your application for admission, please contact our office via email or call 1.800.KANGAROO.
The Office of Military and Veteran Services at Austin College is dedicated to assisting veterans, active-duty service members, spouses, and their dependents reach their educational, professional, and vocational goals. We offer several specialized job placement and academic degree programs, with the goal of preparing students for rewarding careers and for full, engaged, and meaningful lives.
Your GI Bill benefits are too valuable to let them go to waste. Here at Austin College, they make getting the education all veterans deserve simple. Transitioning to civilian life is a big task and those VA benefits are there to help you do just that. Austin College is giving me the tools to succeed.
Chris Davis '25 U.S. Air Force Veteran
Applying for Veterans Educational Benefits
In order to receive education benefits under the New Post 9/11 or other Montgomery GI Bill® programs, students must complete an application. An application form can be completed and submitted online (see How to Apply for Benefits Online below) or by calling 1-888-GI BILL-1 (888.442.4551) to have the application mailed to you.
Once this application is processed the Veterans Administration Office notifies applicants whether they qualify for benefits or not.
A “Certificate of Eligibility” is sent to those students who qualify. This certificate tells the veteran students how many months of entitlement they will receive and when their benefits expire. Students must email or bring a physical copy of their Certificate of Eligibility to the school by the first week of classes for the term in order to receive the benefit.
Click: “Apply for education benefits” under the heading “How do I apply?”
Answer the questions listed and follow the resulting steps
Once you submit your application we recommend that you print a copy for your records; doing so may save you time and money!
Veteran Readiness and Employment
Students who feel they qualify for Vocational Readiness and Employment Services can go to the website to review eligibility guidelines. Veterans should apply online as indicated above or call 800.827.1000 to set up an appointment with a counselor.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.
In order to qualify for full subsistence, applicants who are undergraduate students must enroll in a minimum of three course credit units (12 semester hours) in a regular semester and two course credit units (eight semester hours) in a summer session.
The Yellow Ribbon Program allows private schools to enter into an agreement with the VA to fund the tuition and fee costs that exceed the yearly national cap for students enrolled in private institutions (after August 1, 2014).
Austin College es una universidad de oportunidades. De los profesores al presidente, todos trabajan para que uno tenga éxito. Austin College ofrece una experiencia íntima que te enseña a implementar lo que uno aprende en la clases al mundo real. A través de internships, oportunidades para estudiar en el extranjero, oportunidades de investigación, y mucho más, se que Austin College me ha equipado para un gran futuro. Josue Gonzalez '24, Sherman, TX
Una educación universitaria es una inversión para toda la vida. Las ganancias acumuladas de un empleado con una licenciatura son $1.19 millones durante toda su carrera, que es el doble del típico graduado de preparatoria.
98%
de los graduados de mayo
2025 completaron sus estudios en 4 años
100%
de los estudiantes de primer año reciben ayuda financiera
$34,225
fue el promedio de ayuda fincanciera durante el año 2024-2025
