More than 60 percent of the 2004 UT Austin freshman class was admitted under the law, says university President Larry Faulkner. Within a few years, he says, all freshman slots will be filled with top 10 percent graduates.
At TAMU, about 47 percent of the 2004 freshman class was admitted under the top 10 percent law, says Dr. Robert Gates, the university president.
Despite their misgivings, both presidents agree getting rid of the law is not a good solution.
“There are positive aspects to the top 10 percent law in our view,” Gates says. “It encourages students to perform well in high school and come to college better prepared. It encourages some students to think about coming to college who might not otherwise, especially encouraging students from all geographic areas of Texas.”
But capping admissions under the top 10 percent law would provide officials needed flexibility, Faulkner and Gates say.
During the 2003 legislative session, Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, and Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, filibustered a bill that would have provided such a limit.
Rep. Geanie Morrison, R-Victoria, has filed the bill this year, but the proposal has not been offered in the Senate.
— Associated Press
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