<p>I was recently accepted into both the Deans Scholars Honors Program and the Plan II honors program at UT Austin and cannot make up my mind between the two. I currently plan to major in Astronomy but I also wish to pursue other liberal arts degrees such as philosophy and political science. So I guess I have three questions.</p>
<li><p>How do the Deans Scholars and Plan II programs compare with eachother?</p></li>
<li><p>If I decide on the Deans Scholars, is it possible to take some of the Plan II specialized courses? If so, how many?</p></li>
<li><p>Is it possible to do both programs?</p></li>
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<li><p>Generally, I believe that Deans Scholars is a bit more selective than Plan II. </p></li>
<li><p>Not sure...</p></li>
<li><p>YES IT IS. In fact, I would reccomend doing both. There are a few other people who plan on doing both programs. If you got into both, do both.</p></li>
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<p>If you reject Plan II, you will be unable to take any Plan II classes. The same holds true for DS. Restrictions are placed on registration to specific programs, majors, etc. But like kiki said, I would try to do both and you can always drop one later if you like one over the other.</p>
<p>Sometimes a DS only kid or a P2 only kid with a demonstrated interest in a course in the other program can get in if he asks an advisor and knows the right people.</p>
<p>Many people try both. I think it would be rewarding, but also rough and hard work. Many people end up dropping one or the other after a year or two.</p>
<p>DS is more selective because there are only 20 or so I believe. But Plan II is more better known (even though it isn't that well known), and has quite a bit of prestige in UT circles.</p>
<p>do both. you will freaking own. i want to try and xfer into dean's scholars, because it is awesome. :)</p>
<p>it's hard...but if you have a passion, do it.</p>
<p>...okay it is technically true that only DS can register for some classes (i.e. the seminars) but most DS courses required for the degree are not the seminar courses, they are courses like chem 301h (honors courses) that do not necessarily require you to be in dean's scholars. i suggest you look at the degree plan for your projected major in dean's scholars, and you will get a feel for the academic program.</p>