My dream of becoming an engineer is sadly fading. I didnt perform too well on my tests.
ACT 21
SAT 1050
I feel so intimidated looking at others test scores in the forum. There are so many better candidates than me. The pressure is what gets me during the tests. I’m currently under review at Austin and A&M being in the top 7% actually saved my life qualifying me for automatic admission. So the big question here is should I give up my dream? Or can I possibly bounce back? Please no criticism I’m already upset at myself enough.
Did you make good grades in high school science and math? particularly Calculus and Physics?
If so, try some less selective Texas schools like Texas State, UT Tyler, UT El Paso, UT Arlington, TAMU Kingsville, Prairie View, etc.
My GPA is around a 3.87 I’m taking the highest level classes my school offers, I am taking a computer science class and physics class from UT would that help me out?
This may seem like an odd question, and nothing in your writing leads me to believe otherwise, but was English your first language?
Yes
Yes
It sounds like you’re a bright student, but the scores will keep you out of engineering admittance at both schools mentioned. Unless you have some crazy resume, you won’t get into engineering at UT or A&M due to the selectivity of their engineering programs and how far outside the middle 50%. You should weigh other options if you’d like to be a direct admit engineering student.
UTD has a great engineering program as does Texas Tech.
You’ll most likely get placed in liberal arts at both A&M and UT. I really don’t recommend taking a spot there if you don’t get into engineering. UT has a VERY strict internal transfer process. UT is the worst, but A&M comes in close second.
Don’t stress too much man, I have a friend in school who is only top 10%, scored 22 ACT and got accepted into A&M’s engineering.
It is true that engineers need to excel at math, but that could be learned in college, it is important to keep your confidence up, if you really like engineering, roll with it.
When I first found College Confidential, I was really depressed too because I thought I had great chances for colleges until I saw some rejections of students that’s better than me in almost every way, but whatever the result is, you are better than the guy that sat home and just gave up.
Bad test scores can happen for whatever reason, and you know your own academic aptitude better than we do. Being honest with yourself, would you say that you were lacking something or that you just had two bad test days?
If it’s the latter, you should simply take the test again and do better next time. I have seen jumps of hundreds of points between iterations for people who were more ready the second time around.
Well my theory is blown. :((
What were your math scores?
If folding under pressure is a common occurrence for you, engineering is definitely not for you. Job pressure is very common, from meeting budgets and deadlines to increasing quality and efficiency in a measurable way or in dealing with difficult people. Universities don’t teach these things, you have to be good at them based on your natural ability.
Thanks for the feedback everyone I really appreciate it.
What did you decide?
I’m still waiting for my letter. I got accepted to the engineering program at the university we have here. Would it be best for me to start there and then transfer to a bigger one?
If you don’t get accepted into the flagship engineering I would say yes. BTW I have also heard good things about the UTSA engineering program. You are obviously a good student since you are top 7%. No need to give up your dream even if you don’t get to it at your dream school. Keep in mind that while standardized tests can predict success they don’t determine a lack of success.