^ no. Even at UT, course choices matter more than rank for selective majors. If you’re a valedictorian with only algebra2asking for engineering you’ll be passed over for kids who took calculus.
And, to reiterate, there is special treatment for admissions if you’re valedictorian as long as you’re 7%.
I agree the CA system with system-wide is better but the issue here is 'should you drop a class you enjoy in order to become valedictorian ’ . Since that kid is top 10apparently, even in Texas he could continue orchestra. And pretty much everywhere else it’d actually help keeping orchestra rather than focus on being ranked #1.
The problem is for kids who are not top 10%.