What you need to know
Students who submit academic information—like their grade point average, class rank and standardized test scores—to the state’s new Direct Admissions portal will receive a list of where they qualify for automatic acceptance, according to a news release. Thirty-one of Texas’ 37 public universities participate in the program.
Students can begin using Direct Admissions at the end of their junior year of high school. Once a student receives their admissions list, they must still submit an application to verify their information and help schools determine if they qualify for scholarships.
If students do not qualify for direct admission at a specific university, they can still go through the traditional application process, according to the release. Students can submit a single application to Texas institutions through ApplyTexas.
State leaders said they aim to streamline the college application process, minimize how much money students spend on applications and reduce challenges that may deter students from pursuing higher education.
“We know that college admissions can be an exciting, but challenging process for students,” Interim Commissioner of Higher Education Sarah Keyton said in the release. “The impact of that is real, with some students hesitating to even apply. Direct Admissions has the potential to reduce time, boost confidence, and increase transparency, encouraging Texans who might not otherwise consider college to take the next step.”
More information
The state developed Direct Admissions with a $250,000 grant from the Lumina Foundation, a postsecondary education organization, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board announced in March.
“As a father, I understand how confusing and stressful the college application process can be for your family,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in an Oct. 11 statement. “With the launch of Direct Admissions, the college application process will be made easier for young students and their families to choose the best Texas college or university for them to lead successful lives in our state.”
Also of note
The University of Texas at San Antonio, which is participating in Direct Admissions, launched a similar program for San Antonio ISD students in January. SAISD juniors who are in the top 25% of their graduating class will be directly accepted to UTSA, Community Impact previously reported.
Other participating universities include:
- Angelo State University
- Lamar University
- Midwestern State University
- Prairie View A&M University
- Sam Houston State University
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- Sul Ross State University
- Tarleton State University
- Texas Southern University
- Texas State University
- Texas Tech University
- Texas Women’s University
- University of North Texas
- West Texas A&M University
- Several Texas A&M University institutions
- Several University of Texas institutions
- Several University of Houston institutions
