UGS Admissions FAQ

Welcome to the School of Undergraduate Studies

You have been invited to be part of our very first class. Years from now, you will be proud to say that you were among the first students to have this special opportunity. We look forward to meeting you this summer at orientation.

So I just got admitted to Undergraduate Studies. What does that mean?

Undergraduate Studies is a new school at the University of Texas at Austin designed to help students find an academic major in which they will succeed. Starting out in UGS gives you time to think and make a really good plan for your four years at UT.

Why am I in Undergraduate Studies?

Most of our students chose UGS so that they could have time to explore the university and get the help they need choosing a major. Some of you chose other colleges in which there was very limited space. The university really wants you here, so we have designed UGS to serve as the ideal starting point. In the School of Undergraduate Studies, you can focus on doing well in the classes that will help you in whichever major you choose.

How can UGS help me find a major?

Our advisors are specially trained to work with you on this. They know all the options, and they can help you explore the opportunities at UT. This university offers you more than you could easily imagine.

Why should I get help choosing a major?

Over half the students who come to UT will change majors multiple times. There are consequences to changing your major: you might take courses that will be useless later on because they won’t count for the major you graduate in. You might delay graduation, and spend more time and money. Better to wait until you are ready to make a well-informed choice.

I already know what I want to do, so why would I need anyone’s help?

If you know what major you will pursue, our advisors can help you pick the right courses to get into that major. We also offer various programs that can make this large university seem small and personable. You will be hearing more about these at Orientation.

How do I contact an advisor?

Call 512-232-8400 to speak with an advisor. Or send us an email at ugs-advising@austin.utexas.edu. We look forward to hearing from you.

How do I register for classes?

Sign up for Orientation so that you will have access to priority registration. During Orientation, you will meet with an advisor to determine your first semester classes and then register online with the assistance of Orientation staff.

I am headed for a career in business. Can you help me get into the business school?

We can help you take the right courses to gain admittance to any of our colleges or schools. Our advisors are experts on every degree plan offered at UT. They can also help you find other paths to your chosen career. For some students there is a better way to a business career than an undergraduate degree in business.

How can I get into the college I want?

For some programs, it involves taking specific courses and earning good grades, getting a high GPA, and applying for admittance. For others, it just means visiting the department offering the major and filling out some paperwork. Our advisors in UGS can help you.

So, what’s next?