Hi all. I'm thinking about applying to the University of Houston. I was wondering if anyone could fill me in on their application process? Do they focus on certain elements more than others, like essays or EC involvement? Any information would be super helpful.
The University of Houston uses a holistic review process to review all applications, and it values several components of your application, including your academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays.
The first and foremost aspect they focus on is your academic performance. The university takes into account your cumulative high school GPA. So, ensure you've performed consistently well throughout high school. Also, keep in mind that the more rigorous your high school curriculum (AP, IB, Honors classes), the better it reflects on you. This shows that you're ready for the academic rigor at the university level.
Secondly, while the University does not state which area they emphasize more, extracurricular activities are important as they help provide context about who you are outside of the classroom. It can also enhance your application by showing your leadership skills, community involvement, or other qualities that align with the University's values.
In terms of essays, the University of Houston requires essays as a part of the ApplyTexas application, which they use. The essays give the admissions committee an insight into who you are as a person—how you think, what matters to you, how you spend your time. So, spend time crafting a compelling and authentic essay, as these essays provide an opportunity for the admissions committee to know you beyond just your grades and test scores.
Remember that these are just some portions of the application. There are other components, like letters of recommendation, that can also play a significant role in your application. Good luck with your application!
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