<p>Before I mention my academic profile, I'd like to take some time, introduce myself and provide some personal background.</p>
<p>Ever since I can remember, I've been a shy person. In high school, I wasn't the "bright kid" nor was I the typical dropout. I was what people described as "average", the term for nothing special or extraordinary. Being young, I applied for UT thinking that I'd have a good chance of getting in. At the same time, I knew deep down that I wouldn't. To my surprise....well not really, I was rejected. Now, my family isn't exactly the easy-going family. In fact, my parents, especially my dad has high expectations. Obviously when I didn't get into UT, he was highly disappointed and I honestly cried about it. The following months after the rejection were unbearable. He didn't see great potential in me, told me that I should reconsider my major and said to "marry a rich guy and get pregnant" as a last resort. I must say that really hurt and took a huge hit on my self-confidence. I remember those words up til this day.</p>
<p>Fast forward and now im at ACC with a 3.9 average with 32 credit hrs. I don't have any volunteer work or anything like it. I want to get into UT school of natural sciences to 1) prove my dad wrong 2) most importantly, prove to myself that I CAN do it.</p>
<p>So my question to you all is what can I do to better my chances of getting in? Any other advice is appreciated too!</p>
<p>I agree with you but its much easier said than done…I have the hardest time talking or even approaching him. There’s so much words left unsaid and so many secrets I keep. </p>
<p>Your last line “Please determine what you want, not what your father wants for you.” really stood out to me.</p>
<p>You can’t get in if you don’t apply. But I would encourage you to show great interest in UT. Go for a visit, be sure to visit a class, meet a professor, show interest in all things you love about UT. Sometimes it is hard trying to sell yourself off of a piece of paper so if you can go to the campus and do what you can to make an impression you will increase your chances.</p>
<p>Hey, Star!
Reading your post hit home for me! I’m in the same position, except thar both my folks are encouraging, at least right now they are. I haven’t applied yet as I’ve just started 12th grade, but I really and very desperately want to go to UT Austin. It’s my dream school and I wouldn’t go anywhere but there. I’m also an average student, and am constantly scared of rejection from the uni.
Also, I don’t reside in the US. I’ve never been there, as a matter of fact. But ever since I found out about UT Austin, I can’t think of anywhere else. I need tips, I need encouragement, and most of all I need support!!</p>
<p>I will definitely do that! When you say “do what you can to make an impression”, do you have anything specific in mind besides what you listed? Thank you for the advice, I appreciate it!</p>
<p>Well I want to encourage you to go for it! There’s been so much times in my life where I just wanted to give up and pick a school I know I would get into, but then I always question myself “what if”. </p>
<p>My advice is to apply early (something I wish I done) and do a lot of volunteering and maybe even join school organizations and clubs. Also, try hard in school. When you don’t know something, ask! That may sound simple, but it’s very important. Being such a shy person, I never really asked my teachers for help when I didn’t know how to get the answer to a problem and thus, I didn’t have such great grades.</p>
<p>Where do you live?</p>
<p>I do not know a lot about the specifics of UT, but I personally love the area. Being a huge live music fan and food junkie, everything I love is around there. The campus is beautiful but huge…and the people that go there (those that I met anyways) are really friendly. I love the diversity of people, foods, etc. UT has outstanding programs and is a great school from what I read!</p>
<p>Star, I would tell you to apply for spring admission, that’s what I will be doing too(also from acc). </p>
<p>Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Use it as motivation. Take that negative and use it to benefit yourself. Go out there and CATCH your dreams. </p>
<p>With your 3.9, I think you have a great shot at getting in. Keep your gpa high and don’t lose focus. Work on your essays and your resume. </p>
<p>@Star,
Yes, I’m definitely going for it. But about early applying, I’m not sure! The deadline for the fall semester is Dec 1, and unfortunately that’s the day my SAT is scheduled! We have to send our SAT scores along with the admission application, don’t we? And there’s no chance I can pre-pone it, I just don’t have time before Dec. My parents want me to skip an year, and not to continue with 12th right now. I MIGHT be moving to US early next year, and they want me to do 12th there! So I’m unsure. I’ll be done with my SATs this year, but I won’t be graduating from school till 2014! Do unis in US accept kids who haven’t graduated? I’m in a serious dilemma here! :/</p>
<p>About asking for help…i am a shy person and never usually do that. But it depends on the teachers aswell. Some of mine are just too mean that even if you are willing to ask for help, you’ll be discouraged by the remark or taunt you know you’re gonna get afterwards.
Also, I worked real hard in 11th grade. But my grades were just average, even when my exams were given of excellent quality. I’m extremely disappointed and de-motivated at this moment. :(</p>
<p>I’m from Pakistan, but I have been living in Saudi Arabia for the past 10 years.</p>
<p>I know right! I’m a huge music and food fan too! The music scene was the main thing that attracted me to UT. And the city itself is beautiful. I can’t wait to get there! I just wish I do!
I’ll surely keep you updated! You don’t know what joy it is to have found someone who’s dream is the same as mine! My friends always make fun of me for being over-ambitious, but I’d love to talk to you about this!
Thank to you so much!!</p>
<p>May I ask you a couple questions? What school are you applying to? What is your gpa? Also, what advice can you give me to build my resume? Best wishes to you, good luck!</p>
<p>I thought I posted a reply, but I guess it didn’t go through! Anyways I will write it again.</p>
<p>You asked a lot of questions that I do not have a definite answer to. If anything, contact UT and ask. :)</p>
<p>Usually most people send their SAT scores around the same time they send their application and most people do finish high school before they apply.</p>
<p>Out of state tuition is expensive and international tuition is even more. I think it would be best for you to move to the US but be sure to check residency guidelines/restrictions.</p>
<p>I understand what you wrote about teachers, trying really hard and getting average grades. I faced those problems many, many times!</p>
<p>I am so glad to have met someone much like myself! I am over-ambitious at times and I get really disappointed and depressed when I fail at things. I am so hard on myself! :(</p>
<p>I want to wish you the best! Hope to see you at UT! :)</p>
