Research

http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/memorial-news/article/Class-rank-matters-to-many-universities-3323382.php

 Eight Texas universities have revealed their systems in enrolling prospecting students. All eight universities stated that class rank plays an important roll for incoming applicants. In UT Austin, students are viewed more holistically, taking in to account extracurricular activities, test scores, and school profiles. In addition, UT Austin allows the top eight percent of schools guaranteed admissions. If incoming students do not give a class rank, then UT Austin will simply assign a rank to them. Rice University's Julia Browning stated, "Class rank speaks to a student's willingness to compete". Most universities claim that class rank makes admission easier and more efficient. Texas A&M mostly looks at "rigor of courses and class rank". Class rank is mandatory for applicants there, or else they will not be admitted.