Accounting Masters vs. Austin

<p>Hello readers:</p>

<p>I am currently a Freshmen at a Dallas County Community College and an Accounting major. Born in the Metroplex where almost all of my family lives, I was raised in California for most of my life and just 'moved back home' for college in January at age 20. Dallas for me has always held a high position for me because of that birth place pride even though I have not lived here since I was five. Yet this is why I wanted to move back to start my adult life. While I am positive I will be attending UT Dallas for my bachelors, I do want to upon my masters degree. Of course, the accounting rankings at Austin are superb and the campus is allegedly a Mecca for college life. This causes yet another Austin vs. Dallas debacle for my graduate school choice.</p>

<p>In terms of academics, I have heard great things about both universities. However it is hard to fairly judge both of them equally when Austin is much older, more popular, and more hyped. Is it possible Dallas is just as good academically but just not as well known? This is the question I keep asking myself when I notice Dallas is not as highly ranked. How would you judge the academic quality at Dallas?</p>

<p>Even more of a confusing haze is choosing which one has the better lifestyle. Austin is suppose to be the clear winner in this, yet my criteria is different then most. I am a natural introvert. I don't have a crazy night life nor do I make new friends easily. But I do have an appreciation for socialization as well as being in an active environment if only as a form of scenery. My understanding of Dallas is in the last year or two, the campus life as livened up a lot, just not to the college town degree. Dallas sounds like a good balance of introvert friendly but also not being as boring as a retirement home. But I can't help but keep looking at Austin as this college paradise where everyone can have a good time. Maybe that is just Hollywood talking.</p>

<p>A big factor is my age. By the time I attend either school I will be 22, outside of the 18-21 traditional college range. Between having to put off college for two years, as well as two of them being at a community college, I can't help but feel I missed the college experience.</p>

<p>I also hate hook-ups and only do traditional dating.</p>

<p>I plan on staying in the UT Dallas apartments junior and senior year as both a form 'getting out' more as well as finally moving out of my fathers house. This will provide plenty of experience on the subject.</p>

<p>So, how would you compare the campuses for a social introvert who is outside the typical crazy extrovert college stereotype?</p>

<p>I realize Dallas can improve a lot in the next four years as well as my own opinions; but, having a clearer picture to ease curiosity is always helpful.</p>

<p>Thanks for reading.</p>