Welcome Class of 2029!
If you have any questions about joining TIP Scholars, please feel free to email us!
Benefits of TIP
Prepare for New Student Orientation
Review information about New Student Orientation and how to prepare for your first meeting with TIP!
TIP Scholars Program Overview
The TIP Scholars program is an academic community for students admitted to the College of Natural Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin. This two-year program aims to provide the benefits of a small college atmosphere while challenging students to take advantage of the opportunities offered at a large research institution.
Since 1999, the TIP Scholars community has been providing an environment that supports a successful transition from high school to college. The TIP Scholars program creates this robust academic community with:
- Linked enrollment in typical first-year courses so Scholars get a jumpstart on connecting to lifelong friendships.
- Reserved and restricted seats in a balance of small and large core, entry-level classes to keep Scholars on track to graduate in 4 years.
- Highly effective peer mentors, course assistants, and peer academic advisors to help Scholars acclimate during their crucial first year.
- Invested academic advisors who will help Scholars navigate their degree plans and future directions.
- A centrally located office with a dedicated student space and resources to make TIP their home away from home.
TIP Scholars Timeline
TIP Scholars is a two-year program; aimed to support students in their transition into college.
For more details on the TIP advising timeline, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to join TIP?
Membership to the TIP Scholars community is by invitation only.
UT Admissions and the Provost’s Office review applications from first-time freshmen admitted to the College of Natural Sciences and nominate students who would be a good fit for our community of scholars. The nomination committee uses a holistic review considering high school evidence of academic achievement, commitment to learning and intellectual challenge, resilience and potential for leadership and effective collaboration, and an appreciation for engagement in a strong academic and social community.
What are the benefits of TIP?
All TIP Scholars Program participants have the opportunity to:
- Engage in community building with faculty and staff.
- Have regular contact with a peer mentor.
- Participate in supplemental course support.
- Enroll in reserved core courses.
- Benefit from proactive academic advising.
I just got invited to TIP. Do I need to accept the invitation?
Once you are invited to TIP, you are officially a part of the community and no additional action is required!
However, taking advantage of the exclusive invitation to make TIP Scholars your community is a personal decision. If you would like to decline the invitation and join a FIG (now called CNS Foundations), please email tipdesk@austin.utexas.edu.
What is the difference between TIP and a FIG?
Both TIP and FIGs (also referred to as CNS Foundations) are small cornerstone communities focused on building student connections within the College of Natural Sciences. However, TIP offers additional academic and community support to students throughout their first two years.
For more information on the different CNS Cornerstone Communities visit: https://cns.utexas.edu/student-experience/find-community/first-year-com…
What is expected of me as a TIP Scholar?
There are two main requirements for all students who choose to be a part of the TIP Scholars Program:
- Enroll in a Fall TIP seminar course (NSC 108) (included in the linked course cluster)
- Be an active member of your mentor team
- The core of the TIP Scholar community is your mentor team. Cultivating the community starts with cultivating your team. Being an engaged and responsible member of this team will seed your network at UT and make for an amazing first year experience.
Can I be a TIP Scholar and belong to another UT community?
Academics should be your top priority especially your first year at UT. For that reason, we typically ask Scholars to avoid belonging to multiple academic communities if expectations and resources overlap and are redundant. This is in order to make the most effective use of their time. There are some communities, however, that complement the TIP Scholars program and we encourage Scholars to participate if interested.
Examples of communities that would complement the TIP Scholars program
Examples of communities that would be redundant with the TIP Scholars program in their first year
- Women in Natural Sciences (WINS)
- Biology Scholars Program (BSP)
- Freshman Interest Groups (FIGs)
- Honors Programs (like Dean’s Scholars, Health Science Honors, etc.)
*TIP partners with the Freshman Research Initiative to reserve seats in a research-based signature course supplemented by a faculty-led small seminar with your mentor team members to process the university experience in a safe space.
What is TIP's partnership with FRI?
TIP partners with the Freshman Research Initiative (FRI) program to allow any TIP Scholar who wishes to participate in FRI to be automatically accepted into the program. To be admitted into FRI as a TIP Scholar, you will need to inform your academic advisor when you meet with them for the first time during New Student Orientation and they will add you to the program. No additional application or action is required!
If you have already applied to FRI before being invited to TIP, you will automatically be accepted once you register for the FRI seminar during Orientation. TIP does not have access to any applications submitted to FRI.
For any other questions about the FRI program, please email fri@austin.utexas.edu
Do I have to participate in FRI as a TIP Scholar?
No. Participating in the FRI program is NOT a requirement to be in the TIP Scholars program.
There are plenty of other research opportunities offered through the College of Natural Sciences. Discover other research opportunities here: https://cns.utexas.edu/research/undergraduate-research