Is it difficult to get into the Freshman Research Initiative?

<p>I'm really interested in conducting research and I know that UT's Freshman Research Initiative would really help me get experience with research, but I'm not sure what the chances I have of getting in. I have no stellar standardized test scores or prestigious awards/EC's. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. :)</p>

<p>The members of CC need yyour GPA/Class Rank and any other pertinent information that could help us make a decision… Also are you instate?</p>

<p>I’m not trying to be rude, but it is impossible to give you any answer based on what you have given us thus far.</p>

<p>For the record though, in any essay you write for UT that you mention yyour desire to do this reserach initiative thing will be a plus when they evaluate your application.</p>

<p>Sorry. I was just wondering if there were any statistics of the average student getting into FRI.</p>

<p>My class rank is around 6-7 of 360 and my GPA is 3.98~3.99 (WGPA is 4.2). I will not be in-state, however my family and I are moving to Texas so I’ll get resident consideration after the fall semester of this year.</p>

<p>Wow…I have no chance at all…I just read that FRI only accepts 500 freshmen per year…Do I have any chance?</p>

<p>The Freshman Research initiative accepts about a quarter of the incoming class of Natural Sciences students.</p>

<p>You can apply directly via early application: [Apply</a> to FRI | Freshman Research Initiative](<a href=“http://web3.cns.utexas.edu/fri/apply]Apply”>http://web3.cns.utexas.edu/fri/apply)
Or, you can join a ‘Research FiG’ which will automatically enroll you into FRI (This is during orientation.)</p>

<p>If you have any other questions about FRI, I’d be glad to help.</p>

<p>So I can easily join a Research FiG, right?</p>

<p>I have a question about FRI-- do you get to choose which of the research tracks you want to take, or are you assigned to one?</p>

<p>To apply for FRI, do I need to submit an application, have a teacher nominate me, and sign up during orientation, or I just need to do one of those?</p>

<p>Also, what’s a “reasearch FiG”?</p>

<p>I guess chance me for FRI:
In-state
Class Rank: top 2% (class size: 650)
SAT: (fail) 1950
SAT Subject: math 1, physics, chem all 700+
ACT: either 31 or 32 (forgot)
AP: Physics B 4, Chem 5. (Also took and passed history & English)
Some EC, no major awards though. I work at the science lab at my school.</p>

<p>UT wouldn’t accept a sea cow…</p>

<p>Alright, so there are several ways of getting into FRI. You need to do one of the following:

  1. Apply early application (online)
  2. Fill out a paper application at orientation.
  3. Get a science teacher to nominate you.
  4. Apply & get accepted to join a research FiG.</p>

<p>If you’re sure you’re interested in joining FRI, I would suggest applying early and then applying for a research FiG.</p>

<p>In regards to the research stream, since there are limited number of spots available at each stream, you rank your top 5 or so and then submit your preferences. You will then be assigned to stream. Since it’s required of you to take Research Methods (NSC 301c) before joining a stream, doing very well in the class will boost your chances of getting your first choice stream.</p>

<p>Furthermore, the more popular streams are more difficult to get into, while the less popular ones will be easier to get into. So it wholly depends on your interests, how you did in Research methods, and what everyone else around you wants. I went through FRI and I got my first choice, if that’s any help.</p>

<p>(Both Teacher Nomination and Early Application are due May 1)
For more information, visit the site: [Freshman</a> Research Initiative](<a href=“http://web3.cns.utexas.edu/fri/]Freshman”>http://web3.cns.utexas.edu/fri/)</p>

<p>Chiasmus, thanks a lot!</p>

<p>Also, how and when do you find out if you’re accepted into FRI?</p>

<p>If you apply to FRI through a FiG, you’ll know you’ve been accepted when you get FiG assignments and you’ve been placed into a research FiG. As for the other methods, I don’t know, but the application coordinator you can email: <a href=“mailto:gchoy@mail.utexas.edu”>gchoy@mail.utexas.edu</a></p>

<p>For FiG, I can just sign up for it and get in, right?</p>

<p>For FiGs, I believe you have to apply and rank your top choices for FiGs, and then they place you before your registration during orientation.</p>

<p>so I’m assuming it’s too late to apply for FIGs then? considering that there will probably be a priority list for them and all my top choices will be gone.</p>

<p>I thought we apply to them during orientation…?</p>

<p>there’s a place where you can “confirm interest” and submit an application for resFIGs in your online housing status but I’m not sure when they’ll tell you whether you made it in or not.</p>

<p>but as much as I would like to know this, let’s not forget the real purpose for this thread :)</p>

<p>Back to the FRI – how much work is the first course? Is it pretty intense to combine FRI with Plan II?</p>

<p>No, you can apply for early application for FRI until early May.
Academic FiGs you apply for during your particular summer orientation. </p>

<p>The workload of your first course in FRI depends on your professor. You may have quite different experiences depending on your professor, since they have wide latitude in their methods of teaching.</p>