<p>I am a Texas resident and have been accepted as undecided at both Tulane and UT Austin (Probably will end up as an Economics major, hoping to go to Law school afterwards). Paying the same amount of money as both schools roughly (35k scholarship with Tulane would just about equal my instate fees for UT Austin). </p>
<p>Looking for the school that will guide me better for a graduate education/degree (more specifically Law school but also other professional programs as well -- ties in with the age old private vs public school question?), that has great and well rounded academics, a strong career center/internship opportunities, and a great alumni network and job network. I have visited the Tulane campus twice this past year and I really really adore it very much and I have seen the UT Austin campus numerous times and I like the urban vibe there as well. </p>
<p>There are some personal doubts and myths that need to be answered and debunked and I need your help. The class size at UT Austin is what is overwhelming me and throwing me off a tad bit (from what I have heard -- mainly from my parents but I think and hope they are really exaggerating). Also is it true that the professor accessibility is near impossible at UT Austin and that professor's in fact don't really "care" to put in the time to help the students? </p>
<p>Can anyone help me with this dilemma? Any help is really appreciated since the deadline to commit is a week away! </p>
<p>Average class sizes are shown in the school’s Common Data Set document, section I (“Instructional Faculty and Class Size”). You can download the CDS file from the UT web site. ([Common</a> Data Set | Office of Information Management & Analysis](<a href=“http://www.utexas.edu/academic/ima/cds]Common”>http://www.utexas.edu/academic/ima/cds)). </p>
<p>The S:F ratio at UT Austin is about 18:1. That does not necessarily mean that your typical classes will only have 18 students. According to the CDS, out of 3,901courses, 570 have 50-99 students; 384 have 100 or more students. So about 24% have 50 or more. The percentage may be higher among introductory or very popular classes.</p>
<p>You might pose your questions on the Tulane and U of T forums. The Tulane forum, at least, is very responsive and you should be able to get impressions of the pre-law program, advising center, etc.</p>
<p>One thing to consider cost-wise is yearly rate of increase. Tulane’s average COA increase is 2% per my understanding. I don’t know about U of T but I would think with the sad financial condition of state funding, it may be a lot higher for public universities.</p>
<p>@MWestMom: I believe UT’s tuition goes up 10% a year from my understanding? So I guess thats something to consider as well</p>
<p>@Destiny: I am not too worried about size… after all I went to a HUGE high school and I am pretty comfortable with a more than normal student body. I also felt comfortable walking around the campus as well it wasn’t too bad. My parents are just overly exaggerating I think.</p>
<p>Any other feedback is appreciated! To add a note I am considering campus and city safety as well, from what I saw they are about on par? Fairly safe at each?</p>
<p>I would go with Tulane but before that I will have a very indepth chat with their fiancial aid department to make sure that my chance of receiving the same scholarship package in the subsequent years are good.</p>
<p>@Mixter: My brother is in his Junior Year at college now and that is why the financial aid package is fairly high… after my sophomore year (if attending Tulane and when my brother graduates from college) my scholarship will go down by about 4-5k (30-31k scholarship) since my brother won’t be considered an undergraduate student but instead a graduate student. Its still a decent amount of money even after the reduction, right? Other than that I should be guaranteed about 30k scholarship all four years.</p>
<p>Then Tulane might better benefit you. UT is already at their top potential while Tulane is still up-and-coming. Also it’s generally safer to go to a private school since education budget will be cut significantly at public schools and would possibly affect your fin aid or the school’s quality of education in subsequent years.</p>
<p>But also think about your future. Where will you wanna work? Texas? Then UT will have an upper-hand in job placements. Anywhere with a good job? Then Tulane & New Orleans & the French Quarter! Just my opinion. Good luck!</p>
<p>I want the highest GPA possible since I am entering law school and thats one of the two main factors. Which university will grant me that opportunity?</p>