Add to My Facebook Page Post to MySpace! Add Bookmark
Automatic Admissions

Top 10% rule

Top 10% Rule

You may qualify for automatic admission to many public universities in Texas through the Top 10% Rule. To meet the requirements, you must graduate in the top 10% of your class at a recognized public or private high school in Texas or a high school operated by the U.S. Department of Defense and be a Texas resident or eligible to pay resident tuition. This rule has been modified for The University of Texas at Austin please see UT Austin Admissions for the most recent admissions information.

You will also have to ensure that all required documents are received by the institution you are applying to by the application deadline and be sure to enroll in college no more than two years after graduating from high school.

That's a lot of requirements! But wait, there's still more to do. You also have to:

or

  • Earn
    • a score on the ACT that at least meets the ACT's College Readiness Benchmarks, or
    • a minimum score of 480 on the Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) test and a minimum score of 530 on the mathematics test (no combined score) if the SAT was administered on or after March 5, 2016.

Be sure to check with the school's admissions office and go to The Tests You'll Need for more information about test requirements.

If you're admitted to college through the Top 10% Rule, you may still be required to provide SAT or ACT scores, but these scores are not used for admissions purposes.

Top 25% Admissions 

Not in the Top 10% of your graduating class? Don't give up! You might still qualify for automatic admission. Some universities in Texas have automatic admission for students that graduate in the top quarter (25%) of their graduation class. You will probably need higher ACT or SAT scores to qualify. Go to Texas Institutions of Higher Education to find the schools you need to contact to learn more about automatic admissions and Top 25% requirements.

Additional Information and References

College Locator

Find Texas colleges in your area.

SEE MAP

Net Price Calculator (NPC)

Clicking this link will reroute you to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s website to access a listing of institutions that have a Net Price Calculator available.

Our system is compatible with the following internet browsers: Edge, Google Chrome, and Safari.

Need more information?
Still have questions?

We're here to help guide you through the financial aid process. Give us a call at 1-888-311-8881.

Copyright © 2024 Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. All Rights Reserved

Site Policies | Site Map | Contact

60x30


Apply Texas

I am ready to start my college journey, now what? ApplyTexas is a one-stop shop for applying to a public university or community college in Texas. Start now at applytexas.org. Help us understand how applicants can be better supported throughout the application process by taking this survey. You can find information about funding your education here: College for All Texans Funding Your Education.