Texas high school students can see which state universities would accept them before completing a college application

Texas high school students can now use their transcripts to see which of the state’s public universities would accept them before filling out a college application, state leaders announced Friday.

The new tool, called Direct Admissions, is designed to streamline the college application process and eliminate some of the challenges that can make students hesitant to apply, college officials say.

“Direct admissions has the potential to reduce time commitment, increase trust and increase transparency, and encourage Texans who might not otherwise consider college to take the next step,” said Interim Commissioner Sarah Keyton Higher Education, in a press release.

Students can enter their class rank, grade point average and standardized test scores into the state’s college and career website, My Texas Future, to receive a list of participating universities where they would be accepted. Students will be able to access the information beginning at the end of their junior year of high school.

Once a student learns which schools would accept them through direct admission, they still need to apply to verify their academic information. If you do not meet the requirements for direct admission to a particular university, you can still apply via the traditional application process.

Thirty-one public universities in the state – the vast majority – are participating in the new tool, including flagships such as the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University, but also most regional public universities.

“With the introduction of Direct Admissions, the application process will be easier for young students and their families to select the best college or university in Texas so they can lead successful lives in our state,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement. “Together, we will continue to develop a college admissions process that is more efficient and effective for all Texas students and creates a brighter future for our great state.”

The state developed this new tool with a $250,000 grant from the Lumina Foundation as part of a competition called “The Great Admissions Redesign,” an initiative launched in the wake of massive admissions changes across the country, including the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to ban the use of race in admissions, the increase in untested admissions, and the projected decline in enrollment.

Last summer, the state launched My Texas Future, a website where prospective students can get advice about financial aid, explore careers and programs and plan their college education.

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