<p>I am deciding between UT and A&M, I will be transferring from another 4 yr and I am SO confused. My whole family went to UT and it definitely has good qualities. My dad will say things like, " well, I know that if you get into UT, you'll go there" and other little comments like that. However, I haven't even visited A&M before and I don't want my dad to try to control my decision when I haven't even seen one of the schools! How do I put my dad's view in the back of my mind so that I can make an educated decision for MYSELF!</p>
<p>In most ways, UT vs A&M is a no-brainer anyway. Academically, UT is stronger than A&M in virtually every major, overall, UT is better than A&M both academically and reputationally, UT has a more pleasant campus and atmosphere than A&M, Austin is a much nicer town than College Station etc…</p>
<p>There are only three cases where I can see one chosing A&M over UT:</p>
<p>1) A large scholraship of some sort tips the cost differential significantly in favor of A&M
2) A&M/College Station are much more conservative than UT/Austin, so for conservatives, A&M/College Station may be a better fit
3) If you wish to major in anything related to Agriculture or Marine Science, A&M is actually stellar.</p>
<p>Otherwise, as your father suggests, UT beats A&M in virtually every way.</p>
<p>^that would be three. I know they can count in Dubai lol</p>
<p>I thought of the third as I was writing the second point and forgot to amend the numbers! But the problem has been rectified.</p>
<p>Will your parents prevent you from visiting A&M so that you can make an informed choice? If not, why don’t you go visit?</p>
<p>No, they want me to visit, thats not the issue. I am going to visit during my spring break, they want me to visit and I already have housing set up at both places, now it’s just a matter of trying to pick a better school than the school I am at now…that’s why I get scared! Don’t wanna make a mistake twice</p>
<p>If you’re paying, then you are financially capable of making whatever decision you want. If your parents are paying, I don’t see why you should be making the decision anyway.</p>
<p>UT is an excellent school.</p>
<p>I am going to visit during my spring break, they want me to visit and I already have housing set up at both places, now it’s just a matter of trying to pick a better school than the school I am at now…that’s why I get scared! Don’t wanna make a mistake twice</p>
<p>:) Don’t be scared. Do this in a very logical and methodical manner. </p>
<p>Before you visit, set up appts with the dept of your major. Ask for a tour. See if you can sit in a class or two.
Set up a campus tour. (After you tour, visit whatever wasn’t on the tour.)
Arrange to visit housing. If you can, do an overnight with a student.
Visit the on campus dining venues…Eat a meal or snack there.
When you’re there, check out the off-campus hangouts. Eat a meal or snack there.
If there’s a honors program that will accept you, arrange to visit that and speak to the director.</p>