University of Texas for an undecided major

College Search & Selection
1

so I’m trying to figure out whether University of Texas is a good fit for my kid, an out of state high stat girl. she has no real direction yet in terms of major or career. I know Texas makes you apply into a specific school and major. I know she wouldn’t be looking at McCombs (business) or Cockrell (Engineering), but she could potentially settle on a major in several of the other colleges (Education, Liberal Arts, Communication, Natural Sciences). would this be an issue for her, if she chooses and is placed in the wrong one as a freshman? and has to switch later? is Texas just not an ideal place for an undecided kid who needs to explore and find her way?

(and is it different at Texas than at other large public schools, like the UC’s, Maryland, Florida, Wisconsin, Ohio State…?)

1 Like
2

I love UT but it is so hard to get in these days and very expensive for OOS students. And yes, switching majors can be difficult. I wouldn’t recommend it.

4 Likes
3

thanks. not worried about the getting in part- obviously it’s no lock, but she has safeties and is looking for her matches and reaches.
with so many students there, aren’t many of them coming in undecided? or are most really set on a path by the time they enter as freshmen?

1 Like
4

I can’t speak to that. But she just needs to be aware that if she changes her mind, it might not be possible to switch. You have to keep a high GPA for a lot of majors.

I would call Texas a reach for any OOS student.

5 Likes
5

Agreed. For “review” applicants, that is, anyone other than Texas resident auto-admits, the acceptance rate is just under 10%.

2 Likes
6

we know it’s a reach OOS- it’s in her reach bucket.
just trying to decide if it’s worth the effort, given the possible restrictions for an undecided student.
I wonder how in-state Texas students who are undecided, for whom it’s not such a reach, feel about it?

1 Like
7

Both natural sciences and communications can be competitive admits. I do not think UT is an ideal choice for those truly undecided about any major.

2 Likes
8

I would not recommend a schools with competitive entry and at capacity majors for an undecided student. You are better off looking for schools that don’t admit by major and where students don’t declare until 2nd semester sophomore year.

If you are looking for reaches and aren’t interested in LACs, schools like Notre Dame, Cornell Arts and Sciences would be worth exploring.

1 Like