<p>I looked in Trinity fact book, but didn't see anything about class sizes. I did find out that less than 3% of its students graduate in Chemistry and about the same in Engineering. Either that is a good thing, (lots of attention?) or terrible thing (not many classes, and not many professors?). I guess we'll have to check it out further.</p>
<p>
<p>Is it really a shame that they have the rivalry? As a person who grew up in Aggieland, I always got the feeling that they had a lot of fun with it.
Thanks, Dorian, I think you are right. The rivalry is fun. What I object to are people who combine that rivalry with something very much like hatred for the other school and its students.</p>
<p>I'm sure that does happen sometimes, DRJ4, which is a shame, but I think it's a good thing for the most part.</p>
<p>"Re the hours: What makes a student a transfer instead of a freshman is having ANY college credit at all! (This from the admissions office as well.) so my son has no choice but to apply as a transfer."</p>
<p>Lealdragon,
Okay, this is tricky, but that's not <em>exactly</em> correct. If the college hours were taken dual-credit, this does not apply. My son had over 40 hours of dual-credit classes when he applied to A&M. He applied as a freshman. Since the college hours were DUAL-credit, they appeared on his high school transcript (he was home schooled), and he was considered as a freshman applicant. We "claimed" them as high school credit hours. After his acceptance, he had his transcripts from the cc sent to A&M and they were evaluated for transfer credit since they were <em>also</em> college credit hours. This did not harm his freshman standing in any way. After those hours all transferred over, he was immediately considered a sophomore, which only really mattered when it came time to register for the spring, as he was able to register before the freshmen.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Is it really a shame that they have the rivalry?
As a person who grew up in Aggieland, I always got the feeling that they had a lot of fun with it.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I agree! It's just for fun...like a crosstown high school rivalry. Also, I remember when the bonfire tragedy happened at A&M and those students were killed, there was an outpouring of sympathy from UT staff & students.</p>
<p>One of my favorite memories was of a UT/A&M Thanksgiving game back in the 70's. My dh was in the Corps of Cadets at A&M. The game was in Austin and UT had their cannon in the end zone which they would set off whenever UT scored. Well, A&M was about to score in the far endzone and the cannon crew, like everyone else, had their attention fixed on the far end of the field. Well, out of nowhere game this group of Corps fish (freshmen), and when A&M scored, they set off the UT cannon. Then they ran for their lives! I heard later that those kids got in a lot of trouble but I'm sure they didn't mind because they were heroes at A&M. I'm sure there are similar stories of pranks that Longhorn fans have played on the Aggies. It's mostly all just good, clean fun!</p>
<p>Thanks for the clarification - it is timely! ;-)</p>
<p>What is the advantage of applying as a freshman, other than access to more scholarships? It seems to me that it would be more competitive applying as a freshman.</p>
<p>My son is also homeschooled, btw.</p>
<p>Also, at SAC, there is a limit of 27 hours that can be taken dual-credit. This is technically 12th grade, but I had to graduate him so that he could continue taking classes at SAC. So, he will now have additional hours that are not dual-credit.</p>
<p>Lealdragon,</p>
<p>There may or may not be an advantage to applying as a freshman vs a transfer student. In part, I think it depends on the major/college your son wants and how many openings there will be next year. For instance, as you and I have discussed before, I think he would have a better chance for admission to Plan II Honors as a freshman applicant than as a transfer student because last year's Plan II class was so big. I may be wrong but I doubt Plan II will take any transfer students next year, unless the attrition rate exceeds 20-25 students this year.</p>
<p>On the other hand, students do drop or flunk out and that opens up places for transfer students in those majors/colleges. Other than calling the departments directly, I don't know how to find out which majors/colleges will have openings for transfer students next year. But I do know that all departments will have openings for freshmen next year. That's why it seems to me that applying as a freshman might increase your son's chances for admission.</p>
<p>I had a choice between UT and A&M and I picked A&M.</p>
<p>UT is probably ranked a little higher than A&M but the problem with UT is that UT only has three really stand-out programs: Business, Engineering, and Geosciences. Their other programs were pretty much on the same level of what you'll find at any other large public university in the country. So to me for the most part, there's no real difference between A&M and UT academically, especially in Texas. You'll have the same job opportunities with the same degree from either school.</p>
<p>Several years ago I used to date a freshman girl at UT and one time when I visited her, I got lost on campus and I had to ask for directions. None of the students really acted like they gave much of a damn to help anyone; they were in their own little worlds. I didn't like that at all. Later on I talked to some people I knew who went to UT and they told me that it's easy to meet people there but hard to make good friends. It's pretty easy to get lost in the crowd so to speak.</p>
<p>It's not like that at A&M which is why I chose A&M. For one thing, if you get lost on campus at A&M you'll have people actually escort you to where you want to go. The people are really friendly and it's easier to make good friends. The school itself is really close-knit so you'll feel somehow connected to your fellow students whom you don't even know.</p>
<p>When I put all these qualities together, I realized that they were much more important than the small advantage UT has in the national rankings.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I know that A&M is the 'other' choice for science & engineering, but he definitely would not fit in at A&M. And, he's not sure at this point whether he'll be pursuing technology or liberal arts.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>How would you know that he would not fit in at A&M? A&M isn't just cowboy ag majors from the country, you know. It's a nationally known state school. In fact, unless he's really sociable, I think he will have an easier time making friends at A&M as compared to UT.</p>
<p>Personally I think your son needs to focus more on academics rather than where he "fits in." I've been in a lot of situations and environments where I didn't fit in but I made the best of it and adapted. He doesn't need to be in a diverse environment, he needs to learn how to diversify himself.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Any suggestions? Are there any other schools here in Texas that have even a remotely similar personality, as in, diversity, political activism, etc.?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Nope. Maybe SMU or TCU but I'd imagine that it would be cheaper to go to a public school out of state instead of those two.</p>
<p>Trinity is also a good choice but it's expensive as well.</p>
<p>As far as public schools go, UT and A&M are really the only two in the state that have the large, national university feel to them.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Someone suggested Texas U. (San Marcos) for its personality, but that seems like its standards are perhaps TOO low.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Its personality sucks. The kids there walk around campus wearing UT t-shirts so while he's there, he'll regret not going to UT probably. The standards are low, except I would say that their business school is on par with Tech's. If he is smart, and it sounds like it from your description, he doesn't need to be at Texas State. There's smart kids there but there's also a bunch of dumb ones.</p>
<p>
[quote]
We do want a top-notch school
[/quote]
</p>
<p>UT or suck it up and go to A&M. Honestly, I don't mean to be hard about it, but in life he's going to find situations where he doesn't feel like he fits in or he feels like an outsider. I think he needs to expose himself to it now so he'll have more confidence in himself later.</p>
<p>But if can go to UT and get in, then he should go there. I didn't like A&M until I got there and I learned to appreciate it.</p>
<p>What I'm trying to say is that it wouldn't be wise to pick a lower-tier school over A&M because you don't like the culture at A&M. A&M should be your second choice if UT is your first choice.</p>
<p>formidable, FYI, this thread is from over a year ago and lealdragon's son is at UT.</p>
<p>All of these things have been discussed numerous times, and it always comes back to the same thing. Each person's experiences are their own, as are their opinions. Both schools have their advantages and disadvantages. </p>
<p>It's great that you love A & M, tons of kids do. But conversely, there are tons of kids in Austin who think they've died and gone to heaven ;) To each his own...</p>
<p>If it was a year old then how come people were still replying to it? I found it because it was near the top of the board.</p>
<p>The point I was trying to make is that education needs to come first.</p>
<p>The previouse post to your first one was in September '06, so you were the responder, and opened up an old post. As I said before, the person who opened the thread, lealdragon, a mom, now has a child in college, no trying to decide where to go now ;)</p>
<p>My point is that I get tired of reading bashes of one school over the other, based upon personal experiences and biases. </p>
<p>You also made points about how unfriendly students in Austin are,
[quote]
Several years ago I used to date a freshman girl at UT and one time when I visited her, I got lost on campus and I had to ask for directions. None of the students really acted like they gave much of a damn to help anyone; they were in their own little worlds. I didn't like that at all. Later on I talked to some people I knew who went to UT and they told me that it's easy to meet people there but hard to make good friends. It's pretty easy to get lost in the crowd so to speak.
[/quote]
how much nicer people are at A & M
[quote]
if you get lost on campus at A&M you'll have people actually escort you to where you want to go. The people are really friendly and it's easier to make good friends
[/quote]
and why Texas State isn't good
[quote]
Its personality sucks. The kids there walk around campus wearing UT t-shirts so while he's there, he'll regret not going to UT probably
[/quote]
</p>
<p>These are all things that have been discussed ad nausium on this site. My point is that some people like UT, others like A&M. and believe it or not, some people choose Texas State because it is where they feel the happiest :).</p>
<p>I must have looked at Page 50 thread thinking it was Page 1 or something, sorry. </p>
<p>
[quote]
My point is that I get tired of reading bashes of one school over the other, based upon personal experiences and biases.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Then maybe you should consider not reading this message board anymore because that's where most of the information is going to come from. I didn't like Tech due to personal experiences. I transferred to A&M which I liked due to personal experiences. What else do you want me to say regarding Tech and A&M? Am I supposed to just quote US News rankings? I don't think so.</p>
<p>Personal experiences are usually the best sources of information. If it wasn't for the personal experiences of others who went to UT, I probably would've went there instead of A&M and I would not have liked it.</p>
<p>
[quote]
These are all things that have been discussed ad nausium on this site.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>If you have a problem with that then quit coming on this message board.</p>
<p>
[quote]
My point is that some people like UT, others like A&M. and believe it or not, some people choose Texas State because it is where they feel the happiest
[/quote]
</p>
<p>No ****, so what does your point really have to offer to anyone?</p>
<p>If you pick Texas State over UT or A&M even though you have the grades to go to UT or A&M, something is totally wrong with you.</p>
<p>I'm not going to argue with you, which is, I guess, what you want. You have an extremely abrasive way of posting. And, for someone who has only been on this board for 44 posts, interpreting other's reasons for being contributors is ridiculous and galling. Do you wonder why you've been getting in arguments in every thread you've posted in?</p>
<p>Believe it or not, civility can take you far, both in business and social situations.</p>
<p>Now are you going to tell me to:
[quote]
Get a life. Put on something besides a wifebeater covered in barbeque sauce, turn off the computer, flip the deadbolt off of your door, and walk outside.
Get some air.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Classy.</p>
<p>I'm being abrasive? You are trying to tell me what I can say and not say on this message board. I don't care if you've seen what I've said "ad nauseum" on this board. If you don't like it, then don't come here.</p>
<p>
[quote]
for someone who has only been on this board for 44 posts
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I only have 44 posts on here because I have a life outside of this board. That doesn't make my personal experiences any less valid.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Believe it or not, civility can take you far, both in business and social situations.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>What does business and social situations have to do with talking to a total stranger I know nothing about on a college discussion board? Come on, you are comparing apples to oranges. Considering my current career and the challenges I went through to get to it, I don't think I have any problem with my interpersonal skills in real life. And since you've never spoken to me in real life, don't make assumptions about me based on what I say to you on here.</p>
<p>The point I was trying to make in the thread is that it would be pretty foolish to pick a school like Texas State, Sam Houston, or whatever over A&M just because one doesn't like the environment at A&M. A&M is a much better ranked school so that more than makes up for the environment. I can understand someone picking UT over A&M or vice versa due to the environment but not picking any other public school in Texas over those two.</p>
<p>
I'm not sure that you can make blanket statements like that.</p>
<p>Rice anyone?</p>
<p>It doesn't really compare, though. Nothing compares to Rice!</p>