FAQs for Admitted Students

Prior to enrolling, make sure you meet the Calculus Readiness requirement. Visit the Cockrell School’s Next Steps for Admitted Students and UT’s After-Admission Checklist to finalize your admission and prepare for enrollment.

It’s important to mention this at your engineering advising appointment during orientation. You may wish to apply for internal transfer after your first 28 in-residence credit hours. More information about this process will be provided during orientation.

You will meet one-on-one with an academic advisor when you attend orientation.

You can register for a campus visit. Because we want to maintain the integrity of our classes for our current students, the Cockrell School does not offer classroom visits, but we encourage you to attend one of our special programs for admitted students.

Residence halls are not divided by major at UT Austin. You have lots of housing choices! Students select their residence halls based on convenience and personal preferences.

We encourage all first-year students to live on campus, as it is convenient, comfortable and conducive to effective studying. Students who live on campus often get better grades.

Following are the estimated costs based on fall and spring enrollment for the 2020-21 academic year, for students enrolled in at least 12 credit hours in the Cockrell School and living on campus:

*Approximate amounts. On campus housing expenses vary based on location and occupancy choices. Includes $600 in Dine-In Dollars ($300 per semester) and $200 in Bevo Bucks.

Decisions for the Engineering Honors Program and scholarship offers begin going out to students in December and continue through March. The selections are merit-based and competitive. The good news is that you can apply for scholarships EVERY year. More than $7.5 million was awarded to both incoming and current engineering students in 2019-20.

Scholarships for incoming students are merit-based and competitive. However, we also offer many scholarships to current engineering students. Students apply each year by April 1 to be considered for scholarship awards the following year.

Class requirements are specific to your major and can be found on the department website where your major is administered. Your academic advisor will help you review your high school credits and select classes for your first year.

During orientation at your engineering advising appointment, you will discuss dual credit and/or claiming credit. Your advisor will help you make an informed decision about registering for future classes and viewing specific degree requirements for your major.

Your first- and second-year classes will be your largest, as your calculus, chemistry and/or physics classes may hold up to 400 students. However, all classes are taught by a faculty member who provides office hours. These courses also include smaller discussion sessions led by a teaching assistant (TA). Introductory engineering classes could include about 150 students.

As you advance in your major, your classes will become increasingly smaller. The University and the Cockrell School offer great programs to help you feel more at home during your first year. Consider joining a First-Year Interest Group (FIG) or another student organization.

Different majors have different laptop requirements specific to them. Find out the laptop requirements for your major by visiting your department’s website or by contacting your department’s undergraduate coordinator. UT Austin offers educational discounts on laptops and reduced prices on software through the Campus Computer Store.

Many of the engineering buildings have computer labs, in addition to the residence halls’ labs and numerous computer labs across campus. The University also offers free wireless access throughout campus.

The University offers a variety of opportunities to study abroad while earning credit toward your engineering degree. The Cockrell School’s International Engineering Education office will help you identify the program that best fits your goals, connect you with financial support if needed and provide guidance to prepare you to study abroad.

The amount of time to graduate can vary depending on your progress through coursework as well as your participation in opportunities like second majors, co-ops or minor and certificate programs. Cockrell School advisors and success programs are available to help you navigate your path to graduation.

The Engineering Career Assistance Center (ECAC) serves only engineering students. Their staff will help you develop your resume, connect with employers during campus visits and set up interviews. ECAC provides a wealth of career guidance during your collegiate career, from your first internship or co-op to negotiating a full-time salary offer.