Moving into Texas as a senior in HS

State Forums
1

My husband has accepted a position in Houston, TX. We are currently living in Alabama where I have a son who is a junior in HS. My husband would be able to commute for a year and a half, but that would be taxing on our family. My questions are how is his class rank and residency viewed, and would it be detrimental for us to move him? He has gotten straight A’s so far in high school including honors and AP classes. He currently has a 4.4 on a 5 point scale. His converted GPA to a 6 point scale would be around 4.8. He hasn’t taken the ACT, but is studying. Practice ACT’s he is getting a 30 to 31. (I know those aren’t totally accurate, but he is a very good test taker.) He would most likely end up getting a full tuition scholarship to Auburn or Alabama if we stay.

If we do move this coming summer, and he spends his senior year in Texas, how does he receive a class rank? Would he be able to apply as a resident. He would not be a resident when applications are due, but by the time he attended he would have residency. I am just wondering if we are messing up his college chances by moving. He would love to attend UT Austin, and I would love to see that happen.

We are aware that Texas is much more competitive than Alabama. He did go to school in a HIGHLY competitive district in California through his freshman year. His HS in CA is ranked 250th in the nation, and he had no problem competing and getting straight A’s there. So I am not worried about him succeeding at UT Austin.

2

Class rank is the main factor in Texas public university admissions. Unfortunately, this can lead to cutthroat behavior in some high schools to get into the top 6% for UT Austin. Also, some high schools are said to evaluate transfer students’ records disadvantageously to reduce their rank to protect existing students’ rank.

3

That’s what I’m scared of.

4

I would contact the school and speak to the person that would be his guidance counselor. They can review his transcript and tell you how they weigh AP and honors classes.

I would make the move and not worry about the rank. Good luck and welcome to Texas!

5

For Texas schools, it is the rank after the 6th semester (end of jr year) that counts… nothing else. Since he wasn’t in school in Texas then he would likely not receive a ranking from any Texas high school.

I do not know how the Texas colleges would view his application and I would guess you would need to contact each university directly for best information.

Is it possible for him to remain in AL and graduate there?