Understanding UTEP SAT Score Requirements for Admission

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) offers a wide range of academic programs, from bachelor's to doctoral level, across both liberal arts and professional fields. Admission to UTEP is based on an individual's academic preparation. For prospective students, understanding the SAT score requirements is a crucial step in the application process.

General Admission Requirements

UTEP welcomes applications from graduates of accredited high schools or their equivalents who demonstrate the academic preparation necessary for baccalaureate degree programs. Admission decisions consider high school academic preparation, final high school rank, and scores from standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, GED, TOEFL, or PAA.

To apply to UTEP, prospective students are encouraged to fill out the application, accompanied by a $65 admission evaluation fee.

All admission documents must be submitted directly to the Admissions Office. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the schools attended, and official test scores should be sent directly from the appropriate testing agency. All transcripts in languages other than English or Spanish must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

SAT Score Requirements

The SAT or ACT must be taken by applicants whose secondary education was in English. For tests taken after April 1, 1995, an SAT total of 920 with a minimum of 460 on the Verbal is required.

For international students whose high school education was in English, an SAT total of 920 or higher, with a minimum of 400 on the Verbal, is required.

UTEP's school codes are 6829 for the SAT, 4223 for the ACT, and 6829 for the TOEFL.

SAT Score Range for Admitted Students

Half of the applicants admitted to The University of Texas--El Paso who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 860 and 1080. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges.

The 25th percentile SAT score is 880, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1080. In other words, a score of 880 places you below average, while a score of 1080 will move you up to above average.

UTEP's average SAT score is 925. To be a competitive applicant for The University of Texas at El Paso your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 820, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted.

Read also: UTEP's Logo Through the Years

To be safe, you should aim for a 880 SAT or a 17 ACT or higher.

SAT Essay/ACT Writing Section

UT El Paso considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration.

ACT Score Requirements

The average ACT score at UT El Paso is 20. The 25th percentile ACT score is 17, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 23.

For international students taking the ACT, a minimum score of 20 on the Composite with a minimum of 21 on the English section is required.

Alternatives to SAT/ACT

PAA (Prueba de Aptitud Academica)

The PAA (Prueba de Aptitud Academica) is an option for applicants whose secondary education was in Spanish and who are not proficient enough in English to pass the TOEFL; a total score of 1,000 is required. Applicants admitted on the basis of PAA scores enroll as Inter-American Science and Humanities Program majors in the College of Liberal Arts. Students admitted into this bilingual program are limited to regular university courses taught in Spanish and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses.

For international students whose primary language is Spanish and who are not proficient enough in English to pass the TOEFL, the PAA (Prueba de Aptitud Academica) should be taken; a total score of 1,000 is required. Applicants accepted with PAA scores are admitted into the bilingual Inter-American Science and Humanities Program. Students admitted into the program are limited to regular university courses taught in Spanish and to ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

TOEFL scores of 500 or higher or PAA scores of 1,000 or higher may be required of applicants whose education was in a language other than English.

For international students whose high school education was not in English, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) must be taken; a minimum score of 500 is required.

GED (High School Equivalency Examination)

Applicants who received a high school equivalency certificate are eligible for admission if they have an average standard score of 45 or higher on the GED. A minimum SAT score of 920 or a minimum ACT score of 20 is required of applicants whose high school class would have graduated within the past 5 years and who pass the English version of the GED. All applicants passing the Spanish version of the GED must submit scores of 1,000 or higher on the PAA.

Writing Sample

Students have the option of submitting a writing sample to UTEP. Writing samples are not required, but may help expedite the admissions process for students who are unable to submit standardized test scores or for students whose scores do not adequately reflect their academic potential. For information about submitting a writing sample, prospective students should contact the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.

Automatic Admission

Freshmen who rank in the top half of their class or who score a minimum of 920 on the SAT or a 20 composite on the ACT are automatically admitted to UTEP upon application and submission of the appropriate admission documents.

First-time, first-year students are admissible to UTEP if they graduated from a Texas high school in the top 25% of their graduating class and submit all required credentials.

Provisional Admission

Residents of Texas who do not meet the requirements for Category I admission are eligible for provisional admission through the University’s START Program. During the first semester at UTEP, a START student must complete at least 9 semester hours with a minimum grade of C in each course selected from at least two of the following areas: English, Mathematics, Natural Science, Foreign Language, or Liberal Arts (Anthropology, Art, Communication, History, Music, Psychology, Sociology, or Theatre Arts). A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 must also be maintained.

Holistic Review

Freshmen and transfer applicants who do not meet the requirements for automatic admission, for admission into the START Program or whose individual circumstances are highly unusual with respect to their academic credentials will be reviewed on an individual basis. This review gives primary consideration to the applicant’s high school and college record, with regard to the types of courses taken and the grades earned in specific courses. Performance on standardized tests is also considered.

Applicants are encouraged to submit additional material for consideration in evaluating their potential for success at UTEP. Such material can document, for example, the applicant's work experiences and achievements, extracurricular and community activities, strengths and talents that might not be apparent from the academic record, and experiences in surmounting obstacles to their further pursuit of higher education.

All other supporting materials should be submitted to The University of Texas at El Paso Admissions Appeal Committee, Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment, Mike Loya Academic Services Building, Room 102, El Paso, Texas 79968. Materials submitted to other offices will not be considered.

Additional Factors Considered for Admission

While standardized test scores are important, UTEP also considers other factors in the admission process, including:

GPA: The average GPA at UT El Paso is 3.35. It's OK to be a B-average student, with some A's mixed in. The University of Texas at El Paso’s average GPA is 3.15.
High School Curriculum: The University strongly encourages students to take high school courses that will give them the academic preparation necessary to pursue a baccalaureate degree.
Extracurricular Activities: Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity.
Volunteer Work: Volunteer in your hometown. El Paso has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college.
Summer Activities: Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics.
Essays: Write a stellar essay that shows The University of Texas at El Paso something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application.
Letters of Recommendation: Get teacher recs that speak to your character.
Timely Application: Apply Before the Deadline.

Application Deadlines

Applications and required admission documents must be submitted by the following dates: Oct. Nov. Payment of late application fee does not ensure admission or the availability of classes.

The application deadline at The University of Texas--El Paso is Sept. 11.

International Students

The University welcomes applications from qualified international students whose academic backgrounds indicate a high probability for successful completion of the desired UTEP academic program. The high school preparation or its equivalent that would qualify the applicant for admission to recognized universities in the home country must be completed. The University must receive complete, official, or school-certified transcripts of high school and university work sent directly from each institution involved.

All international students who have not earned a baccalaureate degree from a college or university in the United States must submit entrance examination scores.

Documents Required: Application, accompanied by $65 admission evaluation fee; satisfactory SAT/ACT, TOEFL, or PAA scores; complete, official high school transcript; complete, official transcripts from EACH college or university attended; acceptable statement of financial support; immunization record.

Additional Programs

Early Admission Program

The University's Early Admission Program allows students who are enrolled in their last semester of high school and who meet the requirements for regular freshman admission (Category I) to enroll concurrently in university courses for which they have the appropriate background. Students interested in early admission must submit a letter of recommendation from their high school counselor or principal. Continued high school enrollment and high school graduation are conditions of the Early Admission Program.

Junior Scholars Program

The Junior Scholars Program is a cooperative effort between The University of Texas at El Paso and El Paso area public and private schools that allows qualified students to enroll in regular university courses while attending high school. Hours earned in this way will count as university credit and some courses may also be approved to apply toward high school graduation requirements.

Flexible Admission Program

The Flexible Admission Program is designed for first-time, non-traditional students who have had no exposure to a university environment and who do not intend to pursue a degree at the time of their admission. To qualify for the Flex Program, an individual must be at least 23 years of age, be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, and have had no previous college or university experience. Individuals admitted under this option are subject to the same tuition, fees, and regulations as degree-seeking students.

Academic Fresh Start

An applicant for undergraduate admission who is a Texas resident may elect to enter this institution pursuant to the Academic Fresh Start statute, Texas Education Code, 51.931. When the applicant informs the admissions office in writing of the election, the institution will not consider in the admissions decision any academic course credits or grades earned by the applicant 10 or more years prior to the starting date of the semester in which the applicant seeks to enroll.

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