PACE Questions?

Awesome! Thanks again.

@nightwing321‌ I am pretty sure they will see that you took classes at ACC but pretty much everyone takes pre-reqs at community college nowadays and it shouldn’t be a big deal as long as you get good grades

Also, do all fraternities accept PACE kids? If not which ones don’t?

@nightwing321 i’m sorry I don’t know anything about the greek life! But I have seen alot of PACE people rushing so I think most will allow you to

Thank you so much @adgroves‌ ! What a thoughtful and informative post!!!

@adgroves‌, thank you so so much! Your response was exactly what I was looking for when posting this thread. It’s very grounding to hear someone who is actually enrolled in the program talk about it (at least I know it’s real now :P). Im still kinda bummed about not being accepted outright, and also not looking forward to the announcement of my college plans at senior night, but you have alleviated a good many of my fears. Thanks again!

@adgroves, thank you so much for your input. Do you know of any students who are in PACE and are attempting to transfer over into CNS? Also, do PACE kids receive acceptance letters/banners? Can I truly tell people I’m a longhorn? Inane, but I’ve been wondering.

Thank you so much for the PACE info!! I know my daughter was a little hesitant about taking ACC classes instead of being a full time UT student. She was also accepted at University of Illinois. After reading your post, she’s definitely willing to give it a go!!

Thank you @adgroves for your first hand experience. This is quite helpful. Looking at the UT enrollment numbers for 2014…only 207 enrolled in the PACE program. I have a bunch of practical questions! Do you know others that are in your PACE freshman class? Do you live in an on campus UT dorm or off campus? Can you use the UT shuttle …and does it run to ACC Rio Grande? What is the typical class size at ACC? Are there several classes during the day at ACC? Again, thank you for your insight!

@adgroves‌
A question that has been on my mind for a long while, what would one do if she were rejected from her first-choice major at UT Austin? Does she have a back-up plan?
I’m really hesitant about doing PACE because I don’t know if I should risk getting rejected by UTAustin and then rejected again when I desperately apply to A&M again. In addition, I don’t know if I should risk my first-choice major. I don’t know if I want to graduate with a bachelor’s in CNS.
Moreover,I have committed myself to studying hard for a 4.0 no matter where I go but space seems to be a big issue for transfer students.

@nancyvh thank you! I’m glad to help!

@SlimShadyLady‌ don’t worry, I had the same qualms at first about announcing it to my friends and people at school. Just tell them that you’re going to UT, because technically, you are! you live on campus and are enrolled just like everyone else so you are definitely a Longhorn!

@lilyisaninja‌ I actually do have a friend who is trying for CNS. I don’t know too many other people trying for it though. You should have a good chance of getting in! and unfortunately, you guys will not be receiving banners :frowning: that’s one thing I really hated because it almost contradicted the fact that they were trying to convince us that we were normal students, yet we were treated differently with that! It’s okay though, it’s not a big deal. You will however be getting a class coin like everyone else if you decide to go to UT. And like I said before, yes, say that you’re a Longhorn! the more you say it, the more you start to believe it yourself. you will really feel it once you actually start school next year.

@futurebevomom‌ I’m so glad I could help! I felt the same way at first but she is in good hands and it’s a great way to go!

@wrigleymom Happy to help! So yes, i know quite a few of the other PACE students in my class. alot of the PACE students will be taking the same courses as each other because we are restricted to the core curriculum, so most of your ACC classes, and your UT class for the first semester will be filled with PACE people. I live in a dorm on campus, Jester East, but people are allowed to live off if they choose. being that you are in PACE however, i strongly recommend living on campus so that you will not be completely removed from the campus culture. Anyone can use the UT shuttle, but it is actually the number #18 bus that takes you to ACC. it picks up right in front of Jester and drops off right at ACC, so its super convenient and safe. plus, there will almost always be other PACE students riding with you to class at the same times. The typical class size at ACC is about 30-36 students so its intimate and your professors really know you, something you will truly appreciate! There are several classes throughout the day, some at 7am all the way to those at 7pm at night. I dont recommend super early or late though!

@punctiliouseye‌ Hm, this is tough. I would say you really have to weigh your options carefully. I had full admission to Mays at A&M with scholarships and the full package on the table. they were recruiting me hard and even my parents, who are Longhorns, wanted me to go to TAMU. but it wasn’t my fit. I was willing to take the risk of being rejected because I loved UT and I knew it was the school for me. It also comes with an aspect of belief in yourself and dedication. You say you are committed to making a 4.0 so I dont see a reason why you wouldnt get into your first choice major. it just depends on how bad you want it. i know this is generic but it really is the only way to answer

Hey @adgraves, thanks for doing this. Do we attend the UGS orientation? It’s quite ambiguous on the website. Also, how easy is it to get to ACC from jester east? Walkable? Bikeable?Approx time? Thanks!

@punctiliouseye‌ I don’t believe that admission to CNS is guaranteed any more than McCombs for PACE or CAP students, so you won’t graduate with that degree unless you consciously pursue it. UGS and Liberal Arts are the assured landing spaces.

@Mayosauce‌ yes you will attend UGS orientation and it is very close to jester east! About 15 minutes walking and i’m not sure about bike but its probably not long at all

@adgroves‌ what are some on campus activities and groups/clubs you suggest a PACE student to join who wants to transfer to McCombs sophomore year? Also, how does tuition work freshman year? Would I pay ACC tuition, or both ACC & UT tuition plus room & board and everything? And does UT have its own bus system for around town? How does the bus system work? Sorry for the bombardment of questions, I’m going to be a PACE student in the fall and I’m worried for some things but overall excited! And your post was exactly what I was looking for, thank you so much!

From what my admissions counselor told me, tuition for UT and ACC classes are separate. Ut has the university buses, and metrobus routes all over. University buses are free, metro buses require student id.

@adgroves‌ also, what does getting a 4.0 entail? Does it mean 100s? Or like 95+? I’m confused on that but I’m aiming for a 4.0 and I’ve heard getting a 4.0 is easier in college because you have more free time. Is it true, do you have free time? I’d like to work out every day but I’m not sure I’d have time to. Okay I’m I’m done haha thanks so much.

@colaudrey‌ oh okay, so I’d pay ACC tuition freshman year but pay for my one UT class per semester too? thanks!

that is what i was told. scholarships would be sent to UT if you have em. loans taken out for ACC for the first year, or just pay with what you have saved

There are lots of groups/clubs for UT Pace students to join. You will be bombarded with options during orientation and in the fall. The options are endless. The most important thing you can do is get super good grades your first year. McCombs is one of the most popular majors at UT. It is difficult for any student, PACE or otherwise, to transfer in. The tuition is charged per unit hour both at UT and ACC. ACC is much less than UT and so quite the bargain for your core classes. You also buy books at both ACC and UT. You will pay for the UT dorms just like any other UT student. The cost is the same. You will receive a UT student ID card that will give you access to the bus system for free. The bus goes to the ACC campus and back. Apply for parking as soon as it opens up if you are bringing a car.

It may be important to have a back up plan for a major in Liberal Arts. Perhaps Economics or something else that interests you. Many students change their mind once they get to UT. It is very common.
Yes, you can work out everyday. There is a UT Texercise Pass that is very reasonable and gives you access to Gregory Gym, classes, equipment, etc. About the extra time, it can be very distracting to live in the dorm. You have to decide to take the time you need for your studies. Getting into McCombs is very competitive. Study hard, it’s not impossible.
Congrats, you will enjoy becoming a Longhorn!