I’m a Texas resident hoping to transfer to UT Austin’s Cockrell College of Engineering next year. I know it’s extremely competitive, so what GPA should I aim for to stand out among other applicants? Would a 3.7-3.8 be taken seriously, or will anything below 4.0 hurt my chances? How important are essays and recommendation letters?
I would say that for Cockrell, you need at least a 3.8. The lowest GPA i’ve seen get accepted is a 3.71. Essays are definitely important, and can sometimes be the determining factor between two competitive applicants, so definitely try your best to write outstanding essays. The same goes for letters of recommendation, they help. Also, maybe try to get involved in some extracurricular activities at your current university/college. What major are you applying for?