Chances for UT Dean Scholars (Biochem) or Chemical Engineering?

I’m a white male (unfortunately)
4.0 GPA and 12 AP classes (5’s except two 4’s so far).
1550 SAT (790 M, 760 CR).
Cross Country for 4 years with recruit-worthy times.
2 week engineering internship (research and practice in structural system designing).
Founder and president of a plant-based health club.
Week long medical conference at the health museum where I performed research with a team in prosthetics, 3D printed
organs, plant-based diet, etc.
Paid peer tutor
Practice yoga (embarrassed to put that but i think it goes with the health trend and makes me stand out?)
Typical honor societies and 200ish hours of community service
Possible national merit semifinalist (220 index)

Also, should my essay be about the health stuff or would it be okay to write about something not related to science (like running or handstands lol)?

Thanks for reading and hopefully responding!

Also, I doubt it’s important but for the subject tests I scored 800 math level 2, 780 chem, and 730 physics (I don’t think I’ll submit physics)

Hi there, I’m a current biochemistry student at UT. Based on your stats, I believe you are within range of admittance to both biochem and chemE. However, Dean’s has very few slots and I know people who got perfect test scores who didn’t get in, so make sure you have a strong honors application. To answer your question about the essay, your essay does not have to be health-related, just as long as you can tell your story with pristine writing. For your subject tests, they do strengthen your application, and most people submit only 2 so Math and Chem would be a good choice. Which major is your first choice and which is your second?

Thanks for the response! I want to double major, and I haven’t decided what order to put them in for my initial application. I’m not sure whether it would be more difficult to put biochem and then transfer into chemE or to put chemE and then transfer into dean scholars… (when I say transfer I mean apply for a double major, not actually switch majors)

Your best shot is to apply to Cockrell as a first-choice major, as it is notoriously difficult to transfer into (or I guess add a major from) Cockrell once you are a student. That being said, there are wayyyy less spots available in Dean’s Scholars for transfer applicants. Additionally, I’m pretty sure you have to be a student in Natural Sciences to apply to Dean’s, and can only be in your 3rd semester at UT, so even if you are to add Biochemistry as a major, the chances of you getting into Dean’s is slim solely due to their requirements. Keep in mind that both majors are jam-packed with degree requirements (especially ChemE), and it is pretty uncommon for an engineering major to double major with a CNS major, unless it’s ECE + CS. I would think about what you’re looking to be your end career goal post-college, and prioritize your studies in that field before adding another major. Best of luck!