I was recently admitted priority to UT Austin, much to my delight and surprise. However I have many questions to ask.
In California public schools like Cal Poly, UC Berkeley, etc, it’s very difficult to get into the classes you want and that’s why many stay on to graduate in 5 or 6 years. Because of the large undergraduate class many people don’t manage to get into the classes required for their credits. I know UT is massive, and was wondering if anyone knew if this problem was similar - especially in McCombs.
Additionally, I am worried about being outnumbered geographically, lol! Obviously I’m entering a school where 90% of people are from the same state. I’ll be an outsider on that front. Wanting to rush a sorority and being from a typically more liberal minded state than Texas, will I have trouble fitting in? Do people care at all? I just don’t want to be a fish out of water.
Any personal insight would be much appreciated as I’m looking forward to possibly committing in the near future!
Also if anyone has comments about the different reputations of Austin sororities I would love to hear it. I’ve generally been under the impression that not having connections, and being out of state, puts me at a disadvantage - thoughts?
For Texas, UT is actually fairly liberal and open-minded. Austin is like a little blue bubble in the middle of a red state, so if you’re coming from California, you should be just fine. Texas A&M, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. That’s why they’re such a bitter rivalry!
For the business school, it’s cutthroat. If you didn’t get in as a freshman, they have a 33% acceptance rate if you come in from the outside. The average GPA is about 3.8 to get in. If you don’t get in, Texas State is only 30 miles away…just sayin’. If you’re already in, then you saved yourself a lot of suffering! Classes do fill up fast, so sign up as early as you can. Welcome to the liberal capital of Texas!
thanks so much, @coolguy40 ! I so appreciate that! When you say sign up fast - do you choose classes when you commit, or once you arrive? Is there a disadvantage to waiting for other offers before accepting the offer of admission (which was to McCombs, by the way). Yay! (:
That’s a relief! I was looking at the UT website today and the acceptance rate for McCombs is more like 25%. For the classes, it’s when you arrive. You should be fine to wait a little for other offers. California has a lot of great schools that are a whole lot cheaper than UT. You won’t hurt the admission department’s feelings
Freshman signup for classes at summer Orientation AFTER they have met with advisor. They’ll give you the date and time and the registration window opens for everyone to log in and register. There are several orientation sessions so first come first served.
Classes get picked at orientation. They open new sections at each orientation so they say there is no advantage to going to an earlier one but I think it might help a little to get your classes. But its still cutthroat to get the best professors and your preferred schedule. Even for sophomores and Juniors. As for sororities, start now gathering recommendations for any and all houses at UT. Go to Austin Panhellenic website here http://www.austinpanhellenic.org/join.html for info on how to get ready for rush. Ask friends, family, anyone that you know to write you a rec or letter of support. Out of state girls do get into houses but it does help to reach out to any one you know in houses and let them know your rushing. It helps to know girls that are in them…buy not required. Also, I will not comment on reputations because I think everyone has an opinion and so it really depends. You have to go through rush with an open mind…or you will be disappointed. Also, there are lots of other ways to connect with people at UT, via clubs, study groups, spirit groups, etc. Good luck!
My son is interested in going to UT Austin McCombs for business as well. His current GPA as a Junior is 4.0 and his ACT is 31. He’s planning on taking the ACT again to see if he can get a better score. We’re from Washington State. I would appreciate any advice about what he could do to improve his chances on getting accepted into the UT Austin business major as a freshman “direct admit”? Thanks in advance. AC
@dansmoaustin thank so much, this is very helpful! @beech I would look at a Chance Me thread, that will give you better direction as this is unrelated and I honestly have no idea how Austin usually works - Cali girl! Sorry!
If you’re already in, then you saved yourself a lot of suffering! Classes do fill up fast, so sign up as early as you can. Welcome to the liberal capital of Texas!
- Cali girl! Sorry!