Sophomore - Chances for UT Austin

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hello, first time poster here. UT Austin is pretty much my stretch school, because at this point in my educational career it isn't looking all that great. I currently average around 3.4 GPA, and come from a high-ranking high school, so my class rank isn't the best. I just learned that I will be failing a foreign language class that will count as an elective credit (I've already got the two language credits that are required for me to graduate.) due to some reasons I'd rather not discuss here, but it is what it is. The grade on a 100 point scale will most likely turn out to be in the high 60's, most likely a 68 or 69. </p>

<p>I hope to enter UT Austin to study Computer Science, and as an AFROTC cadet, although these goals may change in the future, as I still have time to decide(although not much).</p>

<p>Some points that might help: I am currently a JROTC cadet, and am pretty set on going into the program in college. I am currently in a PSAT course that will run until next school year and hopefully give me the bump I need for National Merit Scholar(I was picked from a pool of above-average students that could show improvement for the Junior year qualification for National Merit), if not then Commended Scholar. I am scheduled for two AP classes next year that I feel fairly confident that I will get at least high B grades in, and intend to take more AP classes Senior year(and bring up my honors/level averages as well, which stooped this year).</p>

<p>How do my chances look?</p>

2

<p>As a sophomore, it’s really, REALLY hard to give any accurate chances - normally, I would simply recommend coming back second semester junior year, but I’ll try and offer whatever help I can reasonably give. </p>

<p>Language credits are unique in that weight they have on your admission to a university depends on the major you’re going to. For someone aiming for international relations, you’d better believe they matter, but for a engineering/science-based major, they’re not as important and thus won’t have as much of an effect (they will have SOME effect though). Nevertheless, getting a D in any class is a huge smack to not only your GPA but also to your application holistically. My advice would be to…</p>

<ol>
<li>Retake the class (if required), if not, ACE the next level (if taking).</li>
<li>Have a valid excuse for your D and make sure it’s mentioned somewhere in your application.</li>
<li>Raise your GPA as much as possible to make up for it.</li>
</ol>

<p>Also, in regards to your GPA, is that weighted or unweighted? Giving both weighted and unweighted (as well as the respective scales your schools use) helps to make accurate chance threads. For all I know, that could be a 3.4 out of 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, etc.</p>

<p>ACE YOUR AP CLASSES AND TAKE AS MANY POSSIBLE SENIOR YEAR!!!
If you do this, you’ll show UT that you’re not only willing to take up the challenge of university life, but you’re also mature enough to admit (implicitly) that although you had made a mistake early on in your underclass years, you were able to overcome it - integrity, responsibility, and maturity (as stated before). There are very few cases where you can maul two mutated, giant radioactive eagles with a single pebble - DON’T LET IT PASS YOU BY!!</p>

<p>Additionally, as you’re aiming for a computer science degree, it would behoove you to not include computer science classes in your transcript. AP Computer Science would be a good one to add, but the point I’m trying to make here is that you need to prove to UT that you’re interested in computer science/programming.</p>

<p>I’m not sure you’re aware of this (as you didn’t mention it), but having good test scores is another key component of your application. Take the ACT/SAT and do well on it!</p>

<p>If you have any other questions, feel free to post them here and I’ll try to do my best to answer them!</p>

<p>Hope I helped!</p>