Harsha Dannapaneni
Group 2
STAR Activity
S: When I applied to the University of Texas at Austin, I was originally a biomedical engineering
major. I was taking very difficult technical classes that were hard to maintain a high GPA in; the
competition and fact that I wasn’t interested in the subject material lead me to want to transfer
into McCombs and approach my career from a different perspective. However, having to take
such difficult classes, I was worried that I wouldn’t make the high GPA that is required for the
internal transfer. My plan was to stop taking engineering classes, but that would leave the risk of
me falling behind in my degree plan if I were to be rejected from McCombs; however, if I
stayed, I ran the risk of getting a lower GPA and getting rejected from McCombs. I chose to take
engineering classes to be safe, and undertook the difficult challenge.
T: My goal was to receive a 4.0 so that I could apply with a perfect GPA into McCombs. This
would mean there was no room for error in the upcoming months as I prepare for the transfer
into the business school. My task was to ensure that I stay on track academically with a strong
mindset and a willingness to work hard towards my goal.
A: I prepared myself above the required amount for any test or quiz that was assigned. If I didn’t
understand a concept or a certain subject in lecture, I would go up to my professors and ask
questions so that I would become 100% clear on the material before even leaving the class.
Sometimes, if that was not enough, I would even attend office hours after class in order to
achieve the understanding that was required to be successful in the class. I went to every class
without exception, and made sure to take very detailed notes and even compared with my friends
over the weekend to make sure that I didn’t miss anything that was too important. I would also
attend all the TA sessions even if they were optional as they gave me the opportunity to practice
problems and apply my skills and knowledge under the supervision of the TA. This was a key
part in my success as the hands on help the TAs provided helped me learn the material better and
faster. I also took my studying much more seriously by placing certain times I designated for
myself as mandatory study times. Every day I would study a minimum of three to four hours