u/Connect-Aside-1238

ugh cope

Hi I'm top 10% applying CS, I have good stats mid ECs. I've always planned submitting by mid sept(so next week) but now I'm rly stressed bc all my friends who already submitted said they might be too late.... I lowk dont have any of my essays done either so idk why im posting this bc I cant submit rn.

I guess I'm hoping to find some comfort? Are there chances of all spots being filled up by mid-end of spetember?

Im a rising senior, indian, female, high income, in-state. Just outside top 5%, 1540 SAT.

My ECs are kinda mid ngl. I've made apps(2 are published), taught some CS classes at my library, did a 4 week fellowship thing, utcs camp, robotics. But no research, no real internship, no big awards either.

I know CS at UT is really hard to get direct admit into, especially without auto-admit. Is it even worth trying for CS or should I just apply SDS and try to transfer in later? Is SDS actually easier rn or is everyone doing that so it's just as hard now? Also is there any other major I could apply to?

I'm struggling with essays rn so if anyone has tips on how much the major you pick even matters vs just your whole app being strong, it would help me know where to spend my time!

Hi! I'm a rising senior on a dependent visa and I need help on deciding what (specifically OOS) schools might be a good match for me and worth applying to as an international student
Stats:

- 4.0 UW / 5.47 W GPA

- Rank: top 6%

- SAT: 1530 (790 Math) - retaking august

- Asian female, upper-middle class income

- International student, but Texas resident

Target major: Computer Science/ Engineering

What I'm looking for in a school:

- Strong CS program with good tech industry recruiting

- Mid-to-large size preferred

- Prefer staying in Texas(in-state fees) or somewhere with a real tech opportunities nearby

Current list: UT Austin (CS CNS reach, I know), Texas A&M (CS/CE), UTD (CS + Honors)

ECs (brief):

- Developed two original AI apps

- FTC Robotics(software team:Java, autonomous routines)

- selective residential CS summer camp

- CS club officer

- Student Council officer

- HOSA state competitor (top 10 place)

- CS mentor and Python instructor (volunteer)

- Technical Research Fellow at a national AI ethics org

Certifications: Swift , PCAP & PCEP Python, Java

I'm a rising hs senior and Texas resident hoping to pursue a CS/SWE career. I'm auto-admit and have solid stats, but my ECs are def on the lighter side -- so ik UTCS is a major reach for me.

I've been looking into Computational Engineering (COE) at UT Austin as an alternative and had a couple of questions for anyone familiar with the program:

1. Is COE significantly less competitive to get into than CS, even for auto-admit students where major placement still matters?

2. Can a COE degree realistically lead to a software engineering career, or does it skew more toward scientific/simulation roles?

Any insight from current students, alumni, or people who've gone through the process would be hugely appreciated!