AP Scores : Physics-3 APUSH-4
Senior course load: AP Stats, AB Calc, AP Chem, AP Gov, AP Economics, English
Academic awards: Academic Achievement in Chemistry
Job/Work Experience: Cashier/Delivery driver for Chinese restaurant, planning on having another job
Volunteer/Community Service: 40 hours (planning on doing another 25), Volunteered at numerous elementary schools and carnivals
Extracurriculars: Student Council Recycling(1 year), Society of Future Engineers ( 1 year ), Science National Honor Society (2 years), NHS (2 years), Ultimate Frisbee (1 year), Out of school Basketball league (3 years), Guitar Lessons, Gym
Essays: Mediocre
Teacher Recommendations: planning on getting 2
Counselor Rec: planning on getting 1
jp1516. UT uses a X:Y matrix that calculates an Academic Index (AI) score and a Personal Achievement Index (PAI)). The AI score (X axis) is a predicted GPA for UT that goes from 4.1 to 2.8 and the PAI score (Y axis) goes from 1 to 6. For the PAI, from what I have been able to determine your two essays are scored 1 or 2 each for a total up to 4. Your EC and other personal circumstances are scored up to 2 points so the max PAI is 6. The AI is a formula and is different for the SAT and ACT. The ACT formula is: -1.661 + (EW x .045) + (HSR x .02) + (M x .06). You also add 0.1 if you take more than the recommended classes in two of English, Math and Science in high school. EW is the combined English/Writing score on the ACT. The HSR is High School Rank. You need your actual class rank. HSR = (1-CR/Class size) x 100. So UT evaluates you based on Math, Writing (not critical reading) and class rank for the AI.
Assuming your ACT EW composite score is the same as your English score, your actual HSR is 20% and you get the 0.1 bonus for taking more than the recommended classes your AI score based on the ACT would be 2.98. Not to be the bearer of bad news but my ACT AI score was 3.81 and I think my chances of getting into Cockrell are probably only 50/50.
@K20903 What can I do to improve my score? If not really possible how about just admission into the college like say College of Undergraduate Studies or College of Natural Sciences?
You could retake the SAT or ACT and improve your scores. I took some math lessons (3) with a prep service and improved my math score from 30 to 35. There were some problems on the test that I had just not seen before and the tutoring covered those. Going from 30 to 35 raised my AI by 0.3. My English was already a 33 so I didn’t focus on that. Your math is already a 31 so do a few lessons on it and then I would focus more on the English and essay score. Your high school rank is set at this point. If you take a test before the application cut off I think they will use the score if it helps. Applying to a different college might help. I assume you would then try to transfer into Cockrell after a year at UT. It is possible but I understand you have to have a really good GPA, like 3.8 or higher and have taken the math and science classes. I have thought about putting geosciences down as my second choice since it is a different college but you still take the calculus and science classes.
UT is my number one choice but I am also applying to A&M and OU along with some other good engineering schools. My dad told me to not choose to do something else if I can’t get into engineering at UT, if engineering is what I really want to do. Don’t let where you want to be for four or five years dictate what you want to do for the rest of your life. Probably good advice, but it’s coming from dad so how good could it be? LOL. I really want to go to UT so will have to decide here soon. Good luck with your application.
My advice is to improve your test scores. That should be your #1 priority. I got into McCombs with a similar GPA and class rank (top 15%), but my test scores were a bit better. I personally believe Cockrell admissions are a bit more competetive than McCombs.
Also, be sure to make a resume. UT lists this as optional, but creating a resume informs the admission officers that you are willing to take the extra steps to get in. GL man!
@frank274323 Yeah I’m planning to up my scores. Another question if you don’t mind but how about admission into the college in general say as an undeclared major or something in College of Natural Sciences? Thanks man really appreciate it.
Cockrell>McCombs>CNS in terms of admission difficulty in my opinion. CNS is easier to get in than McCombs and Cockrell, but still pretty competitive. Going in as undeclared will improve your chances.
@frank274323 So I assume that going in undeclared is probably the easiest way to get in correct? I have been thinking of undeclared because I am not 100% into Engineering so at least I can have a way of finding what I prefer.
@idkschool Yeah thats the only downfall, but I am willing to work hard if I choose this path and if I don’t get into Cockrell I will at least have a back up plan.