Hi I’m a junior at a large and highly competitive high school in Texas. I’m looking at applying to UT Austin next year, but I’m really worried I won’t get in because of the 7% rule. I am currently in the top 15%, I have an SAT score of 690 on reading and writing and a 610 on math, I am part of NHS and Science NHS along with many other clubs, I have taken a handful of AP courses and dual credit courses. I have also played volleyball since 6th grade, but I don’t plan on playing in college. I also played three sports in high school. I am planning to get my SAT score up to a 1400 by the time I apply. I am also African American and come from a poor socioeconomic background. What are my chances of getting in?
The only thing I can tell you, @hebronhigh5, is that for graduating seniors of this school year, you have to be in the top 6% of your high school class for auto-admit. I don’t know what it is for your graduating year of 2020. I have read a LOT about what kinds of kids have and have not been accepted in previous years and kids now. It is just not possible to know who UT accepts and who they reject.
My D is not in the top 6% at her HS but I still have some hope that she might get in to UT. But we won’t know for sure maybe until as late as February 2019. That doesn’t seem that bad, but my D applied in August! The waiting for the process to happen is really long. In the meantime, I would say go ahead and see what other schools you might like so you have options. You should look at some private schools as they can offer a lot of scholarship opportunities with your background. Good luck!
Class rank is everything at UT. You face a uphill battle being in the top 15% percent. Study hard for SAT’s and get your scores as high as possible. If in your shoes I fully expect to be capped.
High school junior here! What exactly is auto-admit?
For UT, you are automatically admitted to UT if you are in the top 6% of your class. Previously, it was the top 7%. This does not mean you will actually be admitted to your major, only to UT. For the other state universities, it is the top 10%.