Admission Materials
The main criteria used to evaluate applicants for graduate study in CS: grades, test scores, computer science background, letters of reference, and a statement of purpose. We encourage applicants to provide a resume.
Applying to our graduate program is a two-part process. First, it is necessary to apply to the Graduate School (GIAC) and secondly, to the CS Department. Some documents are only submitted to our department. Read carefully the information provided here and follow the Application Instructions to guarantee that your application is given the consideration it deserves.
The six types of documents to submit are:
- An application to the Graduate School (GIAC) via Apply Texas - Applicants need to submit this application in order to officially apply to UT Austin. Accuracy and consistency are important. Be sure to put your family name (surname) in the last name field. Computer Sciences is listed under Natural Sciences.
- An application to the CS Department - All applicants also must complete a CS application on our web site in order to be considered for our program. Our admissions committee will view the documents submitted to this application only. No paper materials are reviewed or returned.
- Transcripts - If you are currently enrolled or about to enter a program at a university, do list it on your Apply Texas and CS application even if you won't have earned any grades by the deadline. Only transcripts from senior colleges attended are needed.
- Test scores:
- GRE - required of all applicants.
- AGRE Computer Science Subject Test is optional, but highly recommended for all applicants. Scores from a Subject Text in Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics may be substituted. However, the CS test is strongly preferred over any other subject. Scoring 90% or higher will satisfy the CS background course requirements.
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required of all international students whose native country's primary language is not English. Only international students who hold (or will hold by the time of enrollment) a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the U.S. or another English-only speaking country qualify for this requirement to be waived. Information on this requirement, including a list of exempted countries, is at the Graduate School's site on Test Scores. (Applicants whose scores have expired may still apply. See Application Instructions for details.)
*Important: All tests must be taken prior to the deadline of the semester for which the applicant is being submitted. If you have not yet received the test results, you should submit all your other materials by the deadline and write your test dates(s) on both the Apply Texas and the CS Department application forms.
- A statement of purpose - Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate study and your academic and professional interests and goals. You may want to discuss events or experiences that have prepared you for graduate study in computer science and how your interests compliment our department's faculty and research. A statement of purpose averages 2 pages in length.
- Three letters of reference - The Admissions Committee prefers to see letters that emphasize research experience and academic achievements, particularly in computer science.
Optional materials that are accepted: Resume and up to three publications may be uploaded to the CS application. If you have received an aid award to be used during your graduate study such as NSF, Fulbright, etc., please include a scan of the letter that has the award details with your resume.
Helping the Environment
Submit only the paper materials requested by GIAC on their web site. GIAC DOES NOT need hard copies of your statement of purpose, resume, professional and contest award certificates, etc. They will not be reviewed or returned.
All materials to Computer Sciences must be electronically uploaded to the CS Department Application, and only those will be reviewed. Please join in our efforts to help the environment and only submit the materials requested as described.
