My son will be applying to UT Austin soon. Wondering with test optional is it a bearing factor or decisions or would be ok to apply without SAT scores ? UT is extremely competitive especially with OOS so did not want to leave it out if it has some weightage there. Thanks !
I am certainly not an expert, but everything I’ve ever heard indicates to send in test scores if they are above average for the school.
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Need to know the SAT score and the school/major he is applying to to help you. Generally if it’s at the admitted student median send it, but there is nuance there.
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SAT score is 1460 and major being planned as business - undecided. I dont think we fall in the median but since its optional does it make sense to not send at all ?
Also any idea how hard it is to switch majors within the business school ? Thanks !!
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UTAustin doesn’t break out SAT scores by in and out of state, nor by school. The average SAT score of Class of 2024 matriculants was 1335. So just based on that he would submit, but again we don’t know all the pertinent details (OOS and by school).
Has your S done virtual sessions at UT-Austin? Has he done sessions that explain how to do the UT Austin application? It is time consuming, and he must do research if he wants to submit a top notch application. OOS competition for UT-A is fierce, and targeting McCombs makes it extremely competitive…everything on the application should be considered required, even if it says optional. An extended resume is a must.
Everyone enters McCombs as business undecided. Your S should be doing the research about changing majors, but if in McCombs it seems straightforward to change majors, although I would expect some nuance there too…for example it might be hard to change to an accounting major after sophomore year.
https://my.mccombs.utexas.edu/My/BBA/Advising/Degree-Planning/Business-Majors
He should ask his HS GC about the test score and applying TO, and he should also be asking his various questions during UT sessions. Good luck to him.
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@Mwfan1921 thank you for the detailed reply !! He did attend UT session and McCombs session virtually. He is going to start his application for regular decision and it is going to be a long shot for sure as you stated lot of competition for OOS and McCombs.
Is it very hard to switch from eg: Moody school of communications to McCombs in sophomore year ?
I don’t know about switching between schools, I assume it’s difficult. I strongly encourage your S to get his application in by the priority deadline of Nov 1. Can he make that?
We are thinking more in line to apply by Dec 1st - Regular looking at the high GPAs and SAT scores of previous year. Would priority be a better option ? He certainly can make the Nov 1st deadline
Definitely should apply by Nov 1, as popular majors may fill up in that round.
Yes. Hard to switch. For McCombs, having some experience/exposure in the field helps.