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We look beyond the numbers during the application review, which is why Austin College has been test-optional for over four years.  This isn’t something new to us, but in light of the COVID-19 pandemic we are encouraging you to apply Test-Optional so as not to risk your health and safety when taking the test.

• Submit a graded expository writing paper with final grade and teacher comments.
• We recommend an interview with an admission counselor.
• 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.

Admission to Austin College is very competitive. The College annually receives three to four applications for each space in the freshman class. If you are academically well-prepared and would like to be a part of this living and learning community, we urge you to apply.

To be considered for admission at Austin College, students should be in good academic standing, taking classes which are challenging. Your transcript should include a nice distribution of courses, in true liberal arts style.

Freshmen, remember to continue to take a full load of core courses your senior year of high school.

Keep in mind that a decent grade in a challenging class is more impressive than an easy A. For applicants that elect to submit test scores for admission consideration, Austin College accepts both the ACT or SAT and as policy we “super score”. (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 sub-section, not just how you scored overall during one test session.)

We recognize that for select students, standardized test scores do not accurately measure the student’s full potential for success at Austin College. Though each applicant undergoes a holistic review, one in which we look beyond the numbers into the whole person, we are delighted to offer a test optional admission track. The test optional admission track requires students to submit a graded expository writing paper with final grade and teacher comments. We also recommend that test optional applicants complete an interview with an admission counselor. 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.

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.

Austin College’s Mission Statement embraces opportunities for students to engage in a climate of civility and respect that encourages free inquiry and open expression of ideas. We are a community that fosters lively intellectual and social interaction among persons of different origins, experiences, beliefs, accomplishments, and goals.

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

We understand that 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.