How competitive is the Theater program at UT Austin?

I'm considering applying to the Theater program at UT Austin and I'm curious about the admission process and competitiveness. Does anyone know how selective this program is and what kind of GPA or test scores I should aim for? Also, are there any specific auditions or portfolios required? I've been involved in high school theater for a few years, but I'm trying to understand how my experiences might translate to a university like UT Austin.

The Theater program at the University of Texas at Austin is reputed to be quite competitive. Admission into the department of theater and dance is a two-step process: firstly, you have to be admitted to the University of Texas, and secondly, you have to complete the departmental application for the specific Theater program you're interested in.

When it comes to academic requirements, the University of Texas at Austin doesn't explicitly state a minimum GPA, but it's a competitive school and the reported average freshman admitted GPA is around 3.8. As part of the 2024-2025 application cycle, UT Austin has re-instituted its requirement for SAT or ACT scores. While they don't list a "minimum score," the middle 50% range for the recent admitted class's SAT scores was about 1230-1480. Remember these are averages, and not being within this range doesn't rule out your chances.

Portfolio or audition requirements vary based on which theatre program you're interested in. Make sure to look into the specific degree (whether it's a BA or BFA) and program to ensure you don't miss any required piece of the application process.

Your high school theatre experience will certainly be looked upon favorably as it shows a dedicated interest in the field. It would probably be beneficial to highlight not just your involvement, but also any key responsibilities, leadership roles, or significant achievements in your application.

Remember, UT Austin prides itself on its holistic review process, so they'll be considering your application in its entirety — your essays, leadership experience, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities — not just your grades and test scores. Every part of your application helps them see the full picture of who you are as a student and an individual.

You should connect with the Theater department directly to get the most accurate information on the portfolio or audition process, curriculum, recent acceptance rates, and any other questions you might have. It's always a good idea to get information straight from the source! Good luck with your application!