<p>akachowchow, the first lesson of CC is, don’t do a chance me thread! We are not the admissions office. Some posters mean well and know what they are talking about. Others…not so much.</p>
<p>Here are a few things to think about:</p>
<p>1-UT knows Clements! Last year, UT admitted 125 Clements seniors, and 72 enrolled in the current 2011-12 freshman class! I just skimmed the report, but I think that puts Clements at #4 feeder school behind only Plano, Plano West and Westlake. See the chart beginning at p. 44. <a href=“http://www.utexas.edu/student/admissions/research/SB_175_Report_for_2011.pdf[/url]”>http://www.utexas.edu/student/admissions/research/SB_175_Report_for_2011.pdf</a></p>
<p>What this should help you understand is, even though you are disappointed your rank will be around 18%, UT knows the value of that 18% at such a competitive school. The best way for you to get a feel for how far that 18% will take you–or not–is by visiting your counselor. Obviously, your counseling team is doing a great job helping Clements “non top 8/9/10%” seniors get admitted. Find out what they think about your profile for UT generally and engineering specifically. Also, I am sure there is a ton of helpful information about UT admissions in their office, on their website, perhaps on Naviance if y’all participate, etc. </p>
<p>2-UT will review your app holistically to decide admission and major. They evaluate your app using a rubric that involves two main factors: Academic Achievement and Personal Achievement. See [What</a> We Consider | Be a Longhorn](<a href=“http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/freshmen/after-you-apply/factors]What”>http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/freshmen/after-you-apply/factors)</p>
<p>3-When you look at the factors, notice something: there’s not much you can do about Academic Achievement now! In addition to SAT retake, be sure your senior course schedule is appropriately rigorous and that your science/math courses overall are on track for engineering. If you will apply to Rice or any out of state privates, you will need to take SAT IIs–get counselor advice on which ones you should take. </p>
<p>By contrast, there is a lot you can still do on the Personal Achievement. Go for senior leadership roles, be sure to do something meaningful with your time this summer and if you’re really interested in engineering, get involved in one or two eng/science/math clubs, activities, research opportunities, etc. Essays and resume will be critical–read everything on the UT site about the expanded resume and how you can use it to make yourself stand out from the crowd. If you prepare a first draft now, it will help you understand how UT is going to review it for demonstration of your long-term commitment, leadership, service to community, work ethic, etc.</p>
<p>4-Obviously, be sure you can meet the calculus readiness requirement and all [Cockrell</a> School of Engineering | Be a Longhorn](<a href=“http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/freshmen/admission/majors/engineering]Cockrell”>http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/freshmen/admission/majors/engineering)</p>
<p>5-UT does not consider your family’s alumni status. (They are actually prohibited by law from using legacy as a factor!)</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>