I go to one of the top 3 high schools in the Metroplex (Carroll, Coppell, or Highland Park), and really want to get into UT Austin. I have a 3.9 GPA, have taken 8 AP classes, got a 1450/1600 on the SAT and 32/36 on the ACT. I have been in marching band for 3 years, and been in leadership for one (going on two) years, been part of NHS and National Spanish Honors Society, and also got to perform at state in an ensemble. The problem is, I’m not even in the top 10% of my class because the cutoff is like a ridiculous 100.25, and I have about a 98.3, so even though my grades are good, I’m probably only in the top 20% or so. With good letters of recommendation and all that jazz, do I have much of a shot at all?
Your test scores are a little weak, but I’d still give you around a 45% chance.
Your test scores aren’t weak. You’re instate correct? If 3.9 is unweighted, you have a very good chance.
For non auto-admit, UT is pretty competitive.
Yeah I live over by Dallas but even with a 3.9 my class rank is still kind of ok, I would say I’m at about 115ish out of 705 since they don’t tell us our rank if we’re not in top 10%, so we kind of have to guess, but I know I’m within the top 20% at least. I’m retaking both tests to hopefully get a 1470/33, but even still, class rank is like a gigantic factor, no?
Seriously, your test scores are not weak. Rank is a major factor, but keep in mind that they do admit some (very few, but still some) people outside of the top quarter. Your admission will also be dependent on what program/college you applied to.
I got into COLA with a slightly lower SAT score and a lower ACT score. I’m also the last person in the top quarter of my class-you have a pretty seriously okay chance of getting in. What program are you trying to apply to?
Non-auto admit is very competitive, indeed, but it’s not impossible to get into for many students. Your stats are pretty solid.
I would say I’m aiming for a program in the liberal arts, but like I said, I’m pretty sure I’m within the top 25%. Should my SAT’s be higher to be a safer bet though?
I think you have a good chance since your going for the school of liberal arts. Going to a highly competitive HS will help your case. I wish you the best of luck.