I really want to study engineering at UT Austin, but for various reasons, I’m being forced to graduate early (after three years of high school) and take a gap year. The college of engineering doesn’t accept Spring applicants, so I have two options- I can apply to UT Austin in the Spring semester as undeclared (or under another major) and then try to transfer into engineering for the Fall semester, or I can take a full gap year and apply for engineering in the Fall. Please help me!! Is it easier to get into engineering if you’re already a student at UT Austin or is it easier as a freshman? Would it look really bad for me to take a full gap year?
Some additional information- I’m in the top 2% of my class, so I have automatic admission into UT Austin. I have a 4.00 GPA (5.64 weighted out of 6.00) and a 1550 SAT (out of 1600).
I would say take the full gap year and apply as a freshman. With your stats, you have a good chance of being accepted into your major but not a guarantee. UT does fill 75% of their slots with high achieving (top 7%), Texas resident applicants which you are. I just think your odds are better doing that. Spend the year working, saving money and if at all possible in a engineering firm.