The application of the Top Ten Percent rule had its greatest effect on which institution?

The Top Ten Percent Rule significantly impacted the University of Texas at Austin more than any other institution in Texas. This rule, established in 1997, guarantees admission to Texas public universities for students who graduate in the top ten percent of their high school class. As a result, the University of Texas saw a marked increase in the diversity of its student body, as many high schools in Texas are quite segregated, leading to higher enrollment figures for underrepresented groups when students could gain admission based on their class rank rather than standardized test scores.

The University of Texas particularly benefited from this policy since it is one of the most sought-after schools in the state, and it was also aiming to increase its minority representation following earlier Supreme Court rulings that affected affirmative action policies. This rule brought a substantial number of qualified students from various high schools across Texas, reshaping the demographics of the university in ways that aligned with broader educational equity goals.

In contrast, other institutions, such as Texas A&M or the lower-tier state universities, did not experience as dramatic a shift in enrollment patterns due to the rule. The impact was especially pronounced at the University of Texas due to its size, reputation, and position within the Texas higher education system.