<p>Hows it going guys, I have a very hard decision to make and I was wondering if you guys could help. I got accepted into UT's General Studies program about a month ago, I started making preparations, financial aid, etc. to go there. Texas A&M had actually rejected me at first, but said they might reconsider if they saw my spring grades. They really took their sweet time with it but I finally got an admission packet from them today. I got accepted directly into their Computer Engineering program! My ultimate goal is to get into Computer Engineering at UT and the plan was to transfer from General Studies into the engineering department at UT but I've heard it gets really competitive to get in. I also know UT is ranked higher than A&M but rankings arent everything. What do you guys think? Finances are a non-issue to me (thanks GI Bill!!!), so in the end, General Studies at UT then transfer to engineering, or go to Texas A&M already admitted to engineering?</p>
<p>I would recommend A&M. There are no guarantees you will be able to transfer, to UT engineering, later. UT is ranked slightly higher. However, A&M is no slouch. A&M also has a great alumni network too. So, it is not going to make a big difference where you get your degree in engineering. I would probably think more about whether you want to live in Austin or College Station for the next four years rather than which engineering program is better. If you like being in the country, then A&M is your school. If you prefer the urban city life, then UT.</p>
<p>Well for the location I much prefer the city so I would really like Austin, but I’m not so sure now with this whole situation, thanks; anyone else?</p>
<p>I think you need to find out exactly how hard it is to transfer into the program you want at UT. I know lots of people start off college thinking they’ll be able to maintain a gpa to get into X program but find it more difficult to actually do. Was applying directly to the UT engineering school an option? If so, did you do so and did you get in? If you didn’t get in or didn’t apply because you didn’t think you would get in, you should seriously consider A&M.</p>
<p>If you are 100% sure that you want to be an engineer, then I’d go to A&M – there is much less of a downside risk and A&M has a fine reputation for engineering. The way I see it, if you go to A&M and can’t transfer to UT, you will still become an engineer – if you go to UT and can’t transfer to the engineering program, you won’t.</p>
<p>I agree with the above poster, if you want UT, you should do a lot of research about how many students per year transfer from GS to Engineering, what GPA, recommendations etc. is required, and also ask if you would have to do an extra year of coursework if you do transfer (many engineering programs start with classes freshman year which you might have to make up).</p>
<p>I’d go A&M because you are already admitted into the program.</p>
<p>Go to A&M if you want to be an engineer.</p>