Chance Me for College of Liberal Arts

Colleges and Universities A-Z The University of Texas at Austin
1

I’m applying to UT Austin but don’t have much confidence I’ll get in, I’m still going to apply but want to know what others might think.

I am a Hispanic female (Mexican and Spaniard), I speak both English and Spanish fluently.
I will be the first person in my household to attend college.

I have a 3.908 GPA, ranked 112/638 (17%).
My SAT score (on a 1600 scale) was 1110, I recently took the exam again Oct. 1 and I’m now waiting for those results.
My ACT score was a 24 and I’m debating taking it again.

As for extracurriculars, I’ve played a varsity sport for the past two years and I am now the captain of the team.
I began a petition to bring an orchestra to my school (the program went from 6th grade to 8th and then stopped) and got that petition to become the start of my district’s first high school orchestra program. I am currently the president of the organization and have been from the beginning in August of 2015. I have ~360 community service hours.

I have had research experience with a professor at the local university and won first place in chemistry at my school science fair, sixth place at the district science fair, and earned the award for “Best use of SI” from the US Metric Society.

I am also a member of the National Honor Society and Beta.

I plan on applying to the College of Liberal Arts and majoring in English.

I’ve heard a lot that the essays can be the hit or miss portion of your application, so I’m relying on them to help, but I would still like to know whether or not I have a chance.

2

You still have time to retake the ACT in December. COLA is the right college for you, if you want into UT. As you know, your SAT/ACT scores are your weakest link. Focus on them and right the best essays ever!! If you have a good story, show good improvement, and drive, you have a chance. Stay positive but go strong after it now. It’s only, what, 7 more weeks left that matters for your colleges/UT. Good luck.

3

I agree with TXDad56. I will just add: get some help with the easays and test prep. Find people who will read your essays and give you constructive feedback. Try Kahn Academy free test prep lessons or ask teachers/counselors how you can get some tutoring. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t study for ACT/SAT - they are wrong. Work hard at essays and test prep, and good luck!!