Informatics

How US Universities Assess Applicants

US universities use a holistic admissions review. Beyond grades and standardized test scores, they weigh the strength of your overall profile to understand who you are as a student and a person.

• Profile Assessment: Applicants are generally expected to demonstrate strong quantitative ability, particularly in Mathematics. Advanced Calculus, Statistics, Computer Science or Physics can support academic preparation. Coding projects, applications, websites, hackathons, research, data-analysis projects and technology-based solutions may demonstrate technical curiosity and practical ability. Previous coding experience is helpful but is not compulsory at every university.
• Advanced Placement(AP) Guidance: AP availability depends on the student's school. Relevant APs can strengthen an application and may earn university credit, but are not compulsory unless the university or programme explicitly requires them.
  • AP Calculus AB/BC
  • AP Computer Science A
  • AP Physics
• Extracurricular activities: Estimated contribution: 15–25%. UT Austin considers leadership, achievements, service, employment, responsibilities and preparation for the selected major. The relative importance of activities may vary by college, with particularly competitive review for Business, Engineering, Computer Science and certain honours programs.
• Essays & recommendations: Personal essays and teacher/counselor recommendations give context to your achievements and help demonstrate fit with the program.