Hello Adaanists,

So, you’re looking at UT Arlington and thinking:

Totally fair question. Because while UTA isn’t hard to get into, and most people do get accepted, you don’t want to get rejected by your safety.

And you definitely don’t want to miss out on the full-tuition scholarships they offer just because you didn’t know the process.

Here’s the thing: UTA gives out tens of millions in aid every year, especially if you apply early, send test scores, and check a few key boxes.

I got a near full-tuition scholarship as an international student, and I’ll show you exactly how to do it, step by step.

The Daily Newsletter for Intellectually Curious Readers

Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

Join for free today!

😁 What UTA Is Really Looking For?

UT Arlington isn’t trying to be exclusive or elite. They are building a practical, diverse, career-focused community, and they want students who are:

• Academically good

• Ready to contribute and grow

• Interested in research, service, or leadership (even in small ways)

You just need to show up with a plan, be intentional, and hit their key merit aid triggers.

📚 Academic Strength

UTA doesn’t require perfect GPAs to get scholarships, but grades still matter, especially for merit awards.

For top merit aid, here’s what most awardees have:

• GPA 3.5 or higher (unweighted or close to it)
  

• Challenging classes, especially in STEM if you’re applying to Engineering, CS, or Nursing
  

• For Bangladeshi students: Now, if you’re applying from Bangladesh, just so you know - having a 5.0 GPA in both SSC and HSC is pretty common. A lot of strong applicants hit that mark. 
  
  If you’ve got it, awesome.
  
  If you’re a little below? No worries. Just bring a solid SAT score (like 1350+) to the table and you’re still in a great spot. 
  
  Trust me, I’ve seen it work.

The good news is, you don’t need to be flawless. Just consistent, solid, and able to show growth.

If your GPA is a little lower, a strong SAT or ACT score can absolutely balance it out.

📊 STATS+Scholarship Explained

How your numbers impact your scholarship and tuition status at UTA

UTA is officially test-optional for the 2025–2026 academic year, meaning you are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores to apply or qualify for the Maverick Academic Scholarship.

However, submitting scores is strongly encouraged, and they can significantly boost your chances of receiving more money.

📌 Important Note: The Maverick Academic Scholarship is test-optional, but the Presidential Scholarship and Presidential Honors Scholarship do require SAT or ACT scores.

Here’s how the stats really work:

🥉 Maverick Academic Scholarship

This is the scholarship most students qualify for - especially with a solid GPA and decent test scores.

Award: $1,000 to $8,000 per year, plus in-state tuition

No separate application required.

This is the baseline for eligibility. Meeting this puts you in the running for $1,000 to $8,000 per year plus in-state tuition classification, which alone saves about $14,000 annually.

💡 Even if you get the lowest tier (like $1,000), the in-state tuition waiver still applies. That is the real value. Every dollar counts.

📈 The higher your stats, the more aid you qualify for.

Here’s a breakdown:

📌 Note: These are not official tiers from UTA but are based on real offers reported by students and information provided on the scholarship website. Awards may vary depending on the applicant pool each year.

🥈Presidential Scholarship (UTA’s Second-Highest Award)

For high academic achievers, this award covers near full tuition.

Award: Near full tuition

Limited awards available

Test scores required

🏅Presidential Honors Scholarship (UTA’s Top Award)

For the very top students, this award offers full tuition and more.

This is extremely competitive and often paired with Honors College admission.

🧠 Key Takeaways

• Scores are optional, but submitting them helps. Even a 1280 SAT can unlock thousands and an in-state waiver.
  

• Deadlines matter more than you think. Apply by the February 14 priority deadline. Submitting late, even with perfect scores, may make you ineligible for scholarships.
  

• In-state classification is the secret weapon. Winning the Maverick Academic Scholarship gives you in-state tuition, even if you’re from out of state or abroad.

💼 Leadership & Involvement

UTA values students who show up, contribute, and take initiative.

But real talk?

It’s not like a private liberal arts college reading your every word. They probably aren’t digging deep into your résumé, and honestly, you might not even get asked for a separate activities list.

Still, you should submit it. Why?

• You’ve already done this for other colleges.

• There’s a chance someone will glance at it.
  

• It can support scholarship decisions if your profile is on the edge.

✍️ Essays: Optional? Yes. Skippable? Yes, but you shouldn’t.

Technically, UTA doesn’t require an essay for general admission. 

And to be honest, they probably don’t read most of them - unless you’re applying to the Honors College, Presidential Scholarships, or anything competitive.

But here’s the move: just paste in something you’ve already written for Common App or another college.

If someone does read it, a solid essay can quickly show that you’re thoughtful, self-aware, and aligned with UTA’s values.

Mention your goals, your growth, or what matters to you. It doesn’t have to be perfect - just honest and intentional.

💡 Underrated Tips That Could Give You an Edge

These are the moves that most students miss, but they can seriously boost your outcome:

✅ Ask for an application fee waiver. 

Email the admissions office and kindly request a waiver.

Many students get it just by asking, especially if you're international or applying early. Easy way to save $75.

✅ Apply early.

Submit by December or January to stay ahead, but most importantly, do not miss UTA’s official merit scholarship deadline: March 1, 2025 for Fall 2025 entry.

All scholarships are only available to students starting in Fall 2025.

If you apply for Spring admission, you are not eligible for Maverick or other merit-based scholarships.

✅ Join the Honors College.

More scholarships, better housing, smaller classes - you can apply after admission.

✅ Explore extra aid.

After admission, look into TPEG grants, departmental awards, and private scholarships.

✅ Use the Scholarship Hub.

UTA’s internal portal opens more funding options.

Set up your profile and apply early.

✅ Look for campus jobs.

International students are eligible too. Jobs in labs, tutoring, or admin can help with living expenses.