About Gateway Scholars

The Gateway Program was started at The University of Texas at Austin in the fall of 1994 to maximize the academic success and social connections of new first generation and underrepresented students at UT Austin. Gateway Scholars has expanded to include UTransition, a learning community for first generation and underrepresented transfer students, the Achieving College Excellence (ACE) Program, a service for students who seek additional academic assistance, and the Welcome Program, a diversity education program for incoming first-year students, and Longhorn Connection.

What does Gateway offer?

• Smaller class sizes in many math and science courses
• Coursework in critical thinking and college life skills
• Professional academic advising
• Individual counseling
• Peer mentoring
• Class Registration assistance
• Tutoring
• Social, cultural, and recreational activities

How can I join Gateway?

Students are invited to participate in Gateway Scholars during their senior year of high school, after they have been officially admitted to the University. Students invited to participate must have a solid academic record in high school, and must be highly motivated to meet the rigorous demands of the University.

Through a selective process, the review committee identifies students who would benefit from Gateway’s limited enrollment classes, support services, group association, and opportunities for extra-curricular involvement. Some of the criteria used to evaluate a candidate include high school grade point average, high school rank, SAT/ACT scores, size of graduating high school class, and interest in joining a smaller learning community. Preference is given to students who are the first in their families to attend a four-year university.

For additional information concerning Gateway Scholars, please call (512) 471-1205.