All (or almost all universities) file a Common Data Set annually. It will be on their website and you can usually find it by Googling the school name and “common data set.” UTs CDS is at the link below. Question C7 spells out what UT considers Very Important, Important, Considers and Does Not Consider for purposes of Freshman admission.
https://sps.austin.utexas.edu/sites/ut/IRRIS/_layouts/15/WopiFrame.aspx?sourcedoc=/sites/ut/IRRIS/CDS/IMA_PUB_CDS_2015_AY.pdf&action=default
C7 Relative importance of each of the following academic and nonacademic factors in first-time, first-year, degree-seeking (freshman) admission decisions.
Very Important
Academic Rigor of secondary school record
Class rank
Important
Standardized test scores
Application Essay
Extracurricular activities
Talent/Ability
Volunteer Work
Work Experience
Considered
Recommendations
Character/Personal Qualities
First Generation
State Residency
Racial/Ethnic Status
Level of Applicant’s Interest
Not Considered
Academic GPA
Interview
Alumni Relation
Geographical Residence
Religious Affiliation
I was surprised to see Academic GPA in the Not Considered list. My son’s school (Massachusetts) does not report class rank. Would the GPA be considered in such cases?
They’ll just use it to estimate where your son’s rank would be if they did rank.
Hmm, that could turn out to be a disadvantage for him. He’s in the #3 rated high school in MA and is extremely competitive. Every class has a very large number of high performing students and good grades are tough to achieve. That’s why the school doesn’t provide a ranking.
Yes, this is a factor for all kids from very competitive high schools even those that rank. Non residents (OOS and International) are allotted 10 percent of the spots in the freshman class so it is very competitive. Rigor of coursework is considered so that should help your son and kids from competitive high schools typically have high test scores and good ECs. But because of the limits placed on OOS student enrollment, UT is hard to consider as a safety for OOS students. If you look at last year’s threads, you can find OOS students to compare stats. There were 2- fall 2016 applicants and something like decisions class of 2020.
@gettingschooled Rigor of course helps in term of the .1 added to AI…but I’m guessing that’s it? There’s no other way a rigorous course can help gain admission except the .1 added.
We don’t have any way of knowing. My opinion is if the AI were the only place it mattered, the test scores and course rigor would both be in the same category above. (Rank is most important because of auto admission).
What matters to me in the list above is that GPA is not considered outside of how it affects your rank.