Getting into UT: Advice for a High School Freshman

M

MikeUT00

Guest
The other thread about transferring into Texas got me thinking ...

My nephew will be a high school freshman beginning next school year. Obviously he wants to go to Texas! It's hard to predict how things (admissions, top 10%, tuition, etc.) will be four years from now when he will be a graduating high school senior. It seems like preparing for college now begins as early as kids' respective freshman years. And, of course, everyone's indivual experience will differ.

That being said, what advice would y'all give to an entering high school freshman who is working towards going to Texas? What things should they start their freshman year, and what things should wait until later years? How have things changes since y'all were in school? For those of y'all who are fresh from high school, what advice did y'alls guidance councelors give y'all?
 
It is all about 1) your GPA (and if it places you in the top 10%) and 2) your SAT scores.

So.. 1) Do well in your classes and 2) take advanced math and english classes that prepare you for the SAT.

The rest will work itself out. It also doesn't hurt to aim higher than UT. Honestly, UT was my back up but I don't regret it one bit.
 
As a high school teacher who went through all of this and graduated at UT, I tell this to my students:

1) Freshman year is the second most important year in high school. Junior year is the most important. Grades do matter. Work hard and do your best to get into top 10%. If not, work hard to get close to that top 10% as possible.

2) Take some challenging classes. A 'B' in an honors class is looked upon better than an 'A' in level class. Trust me, I know.
smile.gif
I make my honors class challenging and almost college level because I know they will hate me now but thank me later when they go to college. It is so worth it.

3) Don't focus all of the time on grades. Get into extra-circular activities. Eventually, move into an officer position and lead one of the groups. Texas likes accepting leaders into their school and not just studying all the time. If possible, have a 10-15 hour week job so your nephew can have a stable income. Studies show, students are able to manage their time more appropriately if they work and study during the week.

4) Build relationships with teachers. They will be there when it comes time to write a recommendation. For me, I am floored as so many people have asked me to write a recommendation to Texas because of the relationship I share with them.

5) Have fun. Tell your nephew to prioritize but have fun on the weekends. Go to a party or two but study hard.

Hope this helps Mike.
 
I don't know what things are like today, but 5 years ago my brother was trying to get into UT. Keep in mind, we went to one of the most competitive high schools in the state at the time (Bellaire).

He graduated in the top 11% (not top 10%).
He scored a 1360 on the SAT.
He was captain of the varsity soccer team and did a whole bunch of extra curricular stuff.

... and... he got wait listed. He finally got in, but after a LONG stretch of worrying.

The irony: We are hispanic and the top 10% rule is supposed to help us, right? Let me tell you - as a minority - they got the system ALL wrong!

So, to my points above: 1) Top 10% and 2) SAT.
 
Little known fact that is never publicized.

UT, A&M & TT are PUBLIC universities.

Therefore, if you are a Texas HS graduate and have taken the SAT and met the minimum score, then you will automatically qualifiy for the summer probationary entry into any of these schools regardless of your class rank.
 
The fact that UT is a public university is hardly a secret.
But there is no guaranteed admission to UT-Austin except for top 10%.
 
As long as they are a graduating senior and have met the minimum entry requirements, then they will be accepted into the summer probation program.
 
not here. the students who are chosen from that program may have met certain standards, but there are no "minimum requirements". they grant the summer program to those who just fell short of admission.
In reply to:
Click to expand...
 
If Texas wants it, do it! Join the Honor Society and be involved, mine put my application ahead of other kids that weren't apart of one. But seriously in all honesty, drive home to your nephew that high school sucks and whatever troubles that will come up do not get distracted on the goal of getting into Texas. He fluffs off 1 semester and he could be done. 2008 is when the new admissions policy goes into effect.
 
Yep- rule #1 is work hard and get into the top 10%.That means GPA. Then get your SAT score up.

Extra curriculars are good too- the University wants to get well rounded individuals. They can really help you prepare for college because they teach you to manage your time effectively: I played in marching band for several years, and discovered I performed better academically during band season because I had to manage my time more closely. When the pressure was off in springtime, I got lazier!
 
There is some sort of program for students to enroll at UT San Antonio for example, and after one year, are allowed to transfer to UT Austin based on grades, etc. I don't know the details, but I know of at least 2 people who have done it.
 
vy til i die actually brings up a very important point

your GPA and grades won't matter (as it relates to admission) if you aren't careful. Since it's your nephew, give him some non-academic advice too.

I'm serious
 
The top 10% rule only helps you put your foot into the door. The requirements per department are a whole different story. I know for instance engineering, architecture, and business have pretty lofty requirements beyond just being top 10%...
 
Stuck_at_Work is right. The College of Engineering and Business school are pretty hard to get into, and Business is ridiculously hard. On the other hand, if coming from high school you apply to the College of Education or School of Social Work you have pretty good chances. Liberal Arts, Natural Sciences, and Communications are all pretty competitive.
 
I got offered the CAP program but turned it down to go to TT instead. I was within the Top 15% of a graduating class of 550. #1, it's all about the GPA, if you're within the Top 10%, you're granted admission to any state public university. Like Stuck at Work said, the Top 10% rule only gets you into the University, not your spefic major or college that you want. You can take freshman classes and then if your grades are good enough you can get into whichever school. SAT scores and extra ciricular are important if the doesn't fall within the Top 10% rule, otherwise they're just fluff.
 
Thanks for all of the responses ...

Things like GPA, SAT scores, etc ... I think it is understood that those are important aspects. Likewise for Top 10%. Beyond that though, I am more curious as to what extra stuff should be considered? What club/organization affiliations are best? What should be started during Freshman year, and what (if anything) should wait until later years? Are certain volunteer programs considered better and/or more credible that others? What are current high school councelors sayin' these days? Is anything they are sayin' inaccurate in any way?

Once again, thanks for all responses ...
 
You know what would be a good idea? Creating a Longhorns of Tomorrow club at his school. Seriously. It shows the initiative to create something new and cultivating it into his current suroundings. Whether it's 5 people or 50 people who join, I think Texas would be impressed because I would be.
 
Go to a very good high school (if possible), get the best grades possible. At the end of the Fall your senior year, if you are not in the top-10%, transfer to a school you will be.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Weekly Prediction Contest

* Predict HORNS-AGGIES *
Sat, Nov 30 • 6:30 PM on ABC

Recent Threads

Prediction Results Threads

2024 Schedules

Back
Top