<p>Doing well at ANY large public university requires a good deal of courage, competitiveness, agressiveness, patience, focus and strength to not succumb to the many inherent distractions of various sorts. That's not to say these aren't good qualities for students in any college, just that they're more important at large publics. If a student can manage working in this system, it will only strengthen his/her already substantial character. I believe parents know quite well what type of environment their kids will thrive in...there will be better choices for some. Personally, I have no doubt about my son's capabilities in this regard. As a matter of fact, I would be a bit concerned about him loosing some of his strengths at place where he might be coddled or in which there's a very controlled environment that he has less control of his own destiny.</p>
<p>Regarding large classes, well, that's everywhere. My son just returned from visiting MIT. He sat in on a freshman math class with over 200 students. That happens in the first couple of years in the very best of schools. Advanced classes sizes go way down in most disciplines at UT just like everywhere else.</p>
<p>Traffic??? pshaw! UT Austin consistently ranks at or near the top of multiple rankings for the most desirable "non-academic" opportunities. Do a little google'ing on this matter. UT is more than just a "good deal" for an education, although it is indeed that.</p>