high school girl doesn't get to be valedictorian

[ComradesTrue]

Originally Posted by alum

I have heard that only the top 10% of TX high schoolers are admitted to UT Austin. So if you are in the 11th percentile at Great High School and you have stellar SATs and ECs, you still may be denied admission to give a spot to the 5th percentile kids from Bad High School with lousy SATs and ECs.

Close.

If you are in the top 10% you are guaranteed admission to a UT-system school of your choice. Currently, UT Austin is the choice of so many that a very, very high percentage of admissions must go to these individuals. (I don't believe they envisioned this when the rule was created). However, there are some spots left for stellar students that may happen to be from very competitive high schools.

The concept remains controversial for the reason that you mention. The counter argument is that it gives opportunity for the kids from inner city or rural schools who may not otherwise have the chance to get into UT.