OP here, a year after the original post. Since this post was revived, I wanted to add an update, S decided to go with the direct admit program (UT Austin) and is very happy there, and has no regrets over his choice of major. He actually managed a 4.0 first semester, so he may not have had any problems getting into his major at the General Engineering admit school, but was glad to not have the added stress. On a side note, the General Admit school (TAMU), has already amended their engineering admissions some to give kids more assurance that they can get into their choice of major if they meet a minimum GPA requirement.