A highly selective college is one that has very competitive admission standards and a very low acceptance rate. These schools typically admit less than 25% of the students who apply. Out of over 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S., approximately 50 are considered highly selective.
Learn what makes a college highly selective, the holistic review process, and the primary and secondary factors for admissions into highly selective colleges.
The "Top 10 Percent Rule" is a Texas law passed and signed into law by Governor George W. Bush on May 20, 1997. The law guarantees Texas students who graduate in the top 10 percent of their high school class automatic admission to all state-funded universities.
In this course, you will gain an understanding of the Top 10 Percent Law, identify the benefits of automatic admissions under this law, and explore ways to prepare for post-high school success.
Executive function is a set of mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. We use these skills every day to learn, work, and manage daily life. Trouble with executive function can negatively impact your life at home, at school, and in social situations.
In this course, you will gain an understanding of the three main areas of executive function, identify the impact these skills have on your daily life, and assess your skill set.
Working memory is the ability to keep information in mind and then use it in some way later. We all use working memory to learn and follow directions. Flexible thinking is the ability to shift thinking or attention in response to a switch in rules or to new or unexpected situations.
In this course, you will gain a deeper understanding of working memory and flexible thinking, identify the strengths of developed skills and weaknesses of underdeveloped skills, and practice using strategies to build on those skills.
Inhibitory control is the ability to ignore distractions and resist temptation. It is one of our most used executive functions and can help in all areas of your life. It is especially important in socializing. Being in control of actions and reactions can help you fit in and make friends.
In this course, you will gain a deeper understanding of inhibitory control, identify the strengths of developed skills and weaknesses of underdeveloped skills, and practice using strategies to build on those skills.
UT Austin GEAR UP works with twelve independent school districts in the Greater Austin, San Antonio, and East Texas regions. We strive to increase post high school enrollment and persistence for the Classes of 2023, 2024, and 2025. Our work provides direct support to students, families, educators, administrators, and researchers.
Learn more about our exciting and impactful programs at the UT Austin GEAR UP website.
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