Class rank will be roughly top 15%.
Good course load (14 APs by end of senior year)
SAT: 2350
SAT Subject: Math2 -800 Chem-800
In State
From what I understand, computer science is in the CNS at UT. I am guessing that applying to CNS for CS will be easier than applying to Cockrell. Is this true? I realize that both of these majors are going to be really competitive to get into. I really want to attend UT AND major in CS/ECE but if there’s really no hope I guess I can apply for a different major.
Also got some Bs in STEM Classes. B in precalc junior year and b in AP Physics 1 sophomore year. Would the SAT subject tests help make up for this? I plan on taking the Physics test this fall before college apps.
CS is very tough. Do you have any CS activities? They are not going to care about grades. They are looking at rank and test scores. Your rank will be the issue, but your test scores will help.
You should apply to Texas A&M, Texas Tech and UTD as well.
My son just graduated with an ECE degree. The year he joined (4 years ago) adding CS as a double major was just a matter of filling in a form. Many ECE majors would declare CS as a double major take some classes and then drop CS which was bad for the CS department graduating rates. So they made entry to CS restrictive. Then space became an issue and CS became even more restrictive. Rank probably plays a big role in CS admissions. But related CS activities could count.
With the new engineering building opening in 2017 I think they will have more spots for engineering especially ECE. Your class rank is an issue but if you have activities related to your major (engineering design competitions, code wars, UIL events) then you have a chance. Highlight those activities in your essays and show that you really want to do the major you selected. UT does not look at subject tests for majors. I think rank matters most, then scores, related high school courses (math, physics) and major related activities. Your essays are very important and must highlight why you are a fit for your major. You have good scores and have a chance for ECE.
Texas A&M is another very good option. Their Electrical is ranked 8th (UT ranked 8th for electrical and computer). A&M also has several combinations - Electrical/Computer Engineering or Computer Engineering/Computer Science. One advantage of Texas A&M is that you will be able to add in Computer Science courses (or a CS minor) with an engineering degree (at UT only CS majors can take CS courses). A&M has the largest engineering job fair in the country. However UT job fairs are also very good (companies coming in to recruit). You have a chance of scholarships and Honors at Texas A&M.
All the best in your college application process.
I know someone with a worse rank and a slightly lower SAT score than you that got in. Their extracurriculars were normal, with like one leadership position. Their ethnicity might have helped them, but I think you should be fine. They also took those subject tests as well, but I heard UT doesn’t even consider them.
You have an excellent SAT score with the 800 in math. They do look at that. That being said, consider UT a reach school. Do find a safety school that you would be happy at - apply to one or more of the 3 above that have been mentioned.
Would applying for math or physics give me a much better chance of getting into UT? I realize that CS is more competitive than other programs in the CNS. Is this exclusive to CS? Are all CNS applications evaluated equally, with CS being the exception, or are other majors also evaluated separately?
Each CNS major is separate. Yes, a better shot but no guarantees.