University of Texas or A&M?

Question

Or any other college?

Currently, I am a junior in high school, 16th in my class, and I haven't given too much thought in where I'm going to go to school. I live in Texas, and I'm planning to stay in state unless I get a good scholorship to a kick-A school away.

But, I'm torn. I've been leaning towards UT, but recently have thought about A&M. I'm planning on studying engineering, and have heard that A&M has a good engineering program, but I'm more keen to being in a large city envirionment like Austin.

What are some of the main general things to look at in these colleges? Anyone have any suggestions on which one would potentially be better for me? Or another option?

Thanks. :]

Answer 1

Definitely UT, they have a great engineering program also, and Austin is awesome. College Station is only fun if your 21, otherwise there isn't anything to do. In Austin, everybody is laid back and super cool. And, UT football games kick the Aggies' asses!

Answer 2

Honestly with an engineering program, it also depends on which field of engineering you wish to break into.

With the top 10% rule in effect still, you wouldn't have to worry about getting in (Although I would highly recommend applying early since the universities in question this year BOTH have an entire freshman class full of top 10% folks - not a single one was any lower in class rank than that)

You also have to take into consideration the busy environment of a relaxed city college as opposed to one that's integrated into a larger community area.  I've had the unusual privilege (or curse if you will) to be on both campuses and ultimately found A&M to be more of an environment suited to industrialism - i.e. the campus is pretty but the surroundings are a headache to navigate. If you're not one to prefer an industrial feel, the relaxed campus of UT may be the way to go. (However the local freeways are worse than Houston's I-10 traffic at rush hour. x.o)

What you also have to look at is tuition cost per year with UT's engineering starting out at $4,465 (12+ hours) just for course hours while A&M's is $7,844 (~15 hours) and taking inflation into account - it's going to be more expensive for the core expense at A&M. Housing and Food services tend to offset the differences between the two universities.

I'd also recommend looking into the alumni networks and see what they gear to in terms of networking and placement into the workforce. For example, if you're looking at structural engineering, A&M is stronger in that category for services offered to students. However, artistic and business engineering strength lays at UT's core. You may also want to take a look at their internship programs and see who offers more for what you're geared to.

I'd also highly recommend doing your core courses (non-major work) at a local community college to keep your student debt down if you're worried about financial aid and such. Honestly both universities excel in that department regarding funding and would willingly help out a student of your caliber obtain financial aid - especially since you're aiming to be an engineer.

If you're going to ask personal preferences in terms of campus and people, I'd definitely stick with Austin on that one. (Especially if you're a social butterfly) =3

Answer 3

UT Austin actually has an even stronger engineering program than does A&M, so if you like Austin, you could be in luck. Another school in Texas that has a very strong engineering program is Rice. Those three rank in the top 25 engineering programs in the US, and are very well respected. You could apply to all three, see where you get in, see what aid they offer you, and then decide.

Since you're also willing to look at good engineering programs outside your state, others that are very well respected, and which personally I like very much, include Olin College of Engineering (Mass., and if you can get in, it's tuition free!), Harvey Mudd (CA), Rose Hulman Institute of Tech (IN), Cooper Union (NYC, very, very urban, but if you get in, it's free), and then of course my favorite of the famous names: MIT, Berkeley, Stanford, Cal Tech, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell. As a backup, a school I really very much like is Rensselaer Polytechnic. And as an interesting alternative, is Smith College. It's not famous as an engineering school, and it ranks below the others on my list, but it's considered strong. And it's the only women's college in the US with an engineering program, which gives it a very unique perspective.  

Answer 4

Try UT Arlington its of course a branch of the University of Texas but i guarantee its cheaper but you still get a great education and they have a big engineering program. Arlington isn't too big of a city but its not small either and Dallas and Ft.Worth are just a hop and a skip in either direction, so do your research and give it a try i love it. if you really cant decide do some campus visits and see which one you feel the most comfortable on because that is a major factor. GOOD LUCK!