<p>While I appreciate what UT is trying to do by admitting the top 7 or 8% of Texas HS graduates, I think in the case of Vanessa they did her a disservice. The average ACT score to be admitted to UTA is a 28 with the middle 50% ranging from 25-31. I am deducing that a HS that would have a student with a 3.5 GPA, in the top 7% of her class and a 22 ACT likely does not have a very rigorous curriculum. If I were the king of Texas I think I would require Vanessa to take some college level courses at another Texas CC or university before guaranteeing her admission to her dream school. It would give her an opportunity to take some more rigorous courses without having to compete with students who had better opportunities while preserving her opportunity to go to UTA. </p>
<p>That being said, I am impressed with the program the Chem Professor has put together. I like the idea of identifiying students who may struggle early and working with them. I know of at least one university that has something call a YouCollege to meet the needs of students who may have qualified for admission but might not be truly prepared for college level work. It is hoped that they can raise them up rather than lowering their course standards or flunking students out. </p>