Here's another data point for your kid that has the UT dream. Try a spring transfer. Most transfers are applying for Fall admission, and you're competing with incoming CAP kids as well. My youngest graduated high school last May at 6.2%, so no auto admit. She was CAP'd, but had no desire to do summer school last summer (UTSA and Arlington require summer school). However she did have 38 hours of dual credit, so in UT's mind already a college sophomore and eligible for transfer. She was accepted everywhere she applied, but took a scholarship in the Honors college at TX ST knowing that transferring was the plan. She worked hard over the summer writing essays and resumes. The old deadline was Oct. 1st, but is now Sept. 1st, so you've got to get this shit done over the summer. I can't prove that it increases your chances, but there's less competition for Spring transfer admissions. She was notified of her acceptance mid October before any grades have been posted in her first semester of college, and got an on campus housing contract at ADH. Odd, she wasn't accepted as high school applicant, but transferred to UT because of the work she did in high school. AP is a scam; steer your kid towards dual credit.