Anyone have info on Plan II at UT

<p>We are looking for any and all information about the Plan II program at UT.
How difficult is it to get in?
What do you need to get admitted?
How helpful is it in finding a job?
Is it worth it?
Better to go to a small private college?
Anything!</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>Do you want the concise version or the novel?</p>

<p>Here's my concise version, feel free to PM me if you want to know anything in more detail. I am admitted, and pride myself on knowing as much as possible about the program, but of course have not experienced it except for visiting classes and discussing with current students.</p>

<p>The acceptance percentage is dropping, but has been about 1/3 in the past. I think it's going to be about 20-25% this year. They are decreasing class sizes and have an increase in applicants.</p>

<p>To get admitted...it's hard to say. Grades and scores are only 20% of the total, BUT most applicants are in the top 5% of their high schools and have 1400+. Essays are 40% of the score, so writing well is an absolute must. The resume and leadership are another 20, and then "how Plan II is the applicant" is 20%. I honestly have no clue what that really means. If you look on the Plan II site, you can find a detailed breakdown.</p>

<p>Finding a job...isn't usually the main goal of a Plan IIer. Those are McCombs kids. But Plan II kids usually end up in their top choice jobs, grad schools, or other programs (Peace Corps, Teach for America, etc.). The founder and CEO of Carmax, Austin Ligon, is a Plan II alum. The Plan II reception in Dallas was held in the home of some alumni on Beverly Drive in Highland Park...possibly one of the most exclusivee streets in town. You may need to explain what Plan II is, and a second major is going to be helpful, but it certainly won't hurt you.</p>

<p>I would say it definitely is worth it...$20k is a bargain for the education you are getting. But ask me in 4 years...</p>

<p>It really depends on what you are interested in. If you like an active social scence, major music scence, big time sports, and one of the coolest cities in the US, you will like Plan II and UT. You also have the resources of UT. However, not all of your classes are Plan II classes. A small LAC is going to be more intimate overall, but can't offer the depth and catholic curriculum offered by UT.</p>

<p>Hope this helps.</p>

<p>Loneranger covered it pretty well.</p>

<p>As far as finding a job, the short answer is that it depends. A lot of Plan II kids major in something else (like philosophy, English, economics, even engineering), but use the required Plan II courses to fill out electives and gen ed. I know that some consulting firms recruit Plan II kids pretty heavily (at least as much as BHP). Your question is a little vague in that you don't tell us about future goals, interests...etc, so it's tough to give a specific answer.</p>

<p>At UT, Plan II is pretty much the best you can do for a good overall education (if you want a job, BHP is a better bet). So, if you like the cost of UT, it should be good. </p>

<p>Small private colleges are different, with a different atmosphere. Sure, Plan II only comprises of a few people (about the size of a very small LAC), but not all your classes are Plan II. You will still get some big gen ed classes, and have a lot of interaction with non honors students. You won't find 3/4 of a small LAC going to every home football game, nor will you have as large an alumni network. However, you gain the benefits of a continually small setting, with smaller classes,..etc. The choice really depends on other factors (like price, your personality, your future goals,...etc).</p>

<p>Forgive my ignorance, but what is BHP and "McCombs Kids?"</p>

<p>Thanks for the info!</p>

<p>McCombs is the school of business. BHP is the Business Honors Program.</p>

<p>Business</a> Honors Program - McCombs School of Business - The University of Texas at Austin</p>

<p>Plan II is, by far, the most enriching academic experience UT has to offer. It's in the liberal arts college, but it really isn't a liberal arts major: required courses range from philosophy to physics. Classes are relatively intimate and taught by the best professors at UT; more importantly, students tend to be much more engaged and enthusiastic. The difference between Plan II classes and my other major (Government) courses is distinct. One of the best aspects about Plan II, though, is the Tutorial Course requirement. These are small (10-15 student) courses taught by big-name professors (often from the LBJ or Law schools), local lawyers or judges or area businessmen. They're very eclectic and informal, with the focus being more on learning then fighting for an A. </p>

<p>In regard to BHP, yes, it's a great program and a Plan II/BHP degree is in my opinion one of the best degrees you can get, but most kids I know who do both don't find BHP very satisfying. BHP is about getting a job at a top investment/consulting/accounting firm, Plan II is more about learning for the sake of learning.</p>

<p>Thanks for so much great information - it is appreciated. It sounds like a great way to get a top notch education in a big campus atmosphere.</p>

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In regard to BHP, yes, it's a great program and a Plan II/BHP degree is in my opinion one of the best degrees you can get, but most kids I know who do both don't find BHP very satisfying.

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<p>Of course. I don't think I ever said BHP was satisfying; I just said it had better job placement than Plan II (and any of the other honors programs at UT).</p>

<p>
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BHP is about getting a job at a top investment/consulting/accounting firm, Plan II is more about learning for the sake of learning.

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<p>Yet, many people, myself included, care much more about the former than the latter. Different strokes for different folks.</p>