By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-825471.mp3
Austin, TX – State lawmakers have begun debating changes that would partially dismantle the ten-percent college admissions rule. Currently students graduating in the top ten percent of their high school classes are guaranteed admission into the Texas' public universities of their choice. The University of Texas at Austin says that has lead to automatic admission for more than 80-percent of its college freshman and given the university little leeway in admitting other students. Among the leading bills to change that is one by State Representative Branch. It would allow universities to consider other admissions criteria after 40 percent of a freshman class is filled with top graduating seniors.
Branch :16
The top ten law is sending the message our top institutions don't value the time and effort students dedicate to developing their leader skills, extracurricular talents or contributing to their community. It only looks at how they ranked in their graduating class.
Those opposed to changing the ten percent rule often cite it as a measure that has increased minority enrollment in Texas universities.