Going to UT Dallas, but because it was my last resort

So I got Capped at UT Austin and PSA at A&M, so now I have to go to UT Dallas as my last resort. Pretty bummed out…but just wanted to know how campus life is at UTD, like is it a good school? Is life on campus bland? ect. Also want to weigh out my options, such as the military, which I had always kept as an option, but now I’m strongly considering it, or if I should do the cap or psa programs.

What is your major and career goal?

UTDallas is a very good school.

I SO wish my S18 had applied here. Amazing merit $. I found CC too late! Don’t discount a great opportunity. You could always apply to one of the service academies or do ROTC while in college.

Chemistry, trying to go to med school to become a doctor

@arreogio53 college life is what you make of it. My DS is an auto admit to both UT and TAMU but UTD was his first choice school for the opportunities they can offer. I’m sorry you were capped at UT Austin but you should take a good look at some of the things going on at UTD, I think you’ll be surprised at all UTD has to offer.

Six of my son’s friends chose UTD from our very competitive Austin high school and all are enjoying their freshman year so far. A couple were UT capped, but the other four made UTD their first choice. Two English LA majors, two IT guys, two bio/chem pre-med. They all say they like the campus, classes, professors, dorms and overall student body. All of them are very content with the school and are having good experiences.

This is a great school, the third best public school in Texas. The student body is smart, accomplished, driven and diverse. Your chances for med school will be fine if you attend UTD and maintain a high GPA, the school has an excellent reputation for placing their med school applicants.

I know it’s disappointing to be shut out of your first choices, but this is a really solid option that you ought to explore with an open mind.

UT Cap is not a guarantee for admission and the satelite schools are not anywhere near as good as UTD. You can always apply for transfer from UTD after freshman year and might have a better chance of admission if your GPA is high.

We visited UTD yesterday - it is an amazing school - perfect size - not too big or small. Very modern, cool, and seems to cater to student’s needs. I loved it.

@jadedhaven The UT System doesn’t have satellite schools. Each school is independent and fully functioning degree granting institutions

After attending UT Dallas, I would have to say it was a personal fit for me.

Campus: The campus is very beautiful and medium sized. The style is more modern in comparison to A&M’s red brick buildings. It is large enough to roam around, hangout at different spots, or just relax, but it isn’t crazy big that you’ll have to bus your way to class everyday - walking is fine. If you don’t want to walk, they have CometCabs (extended gold carts) that will pick you up at certain places and drop you off near your classes, the library, or the rec-center. If you choose LLC, or Res-West, you will be the closest to the dining hall and Rec-Center West. The reflection pool, magnolia trees, and the buildings in general are all beautiful.

Dorm: If you choose to dorm on-campus, they are suite-styled, meaning you share a dorm with 2 other people, but you still get your own private room, a closet, and desk space. You each get your own sink & cabinet, and you all share a bathroom, shower, and a common area. LLC dorms are much larger and have their own printer in the lobby. Each dorm has enough study areas such as elbow lounges w/ whiteboards, private study rooms, and even study rooms next to the laundry. The kitchen is downstairs in every resident hall.

Social/Campus Life: UT Dallas’s own social life isn’t that grand, but again it’s what you make of it. If you’re all into the football tailgating parties, then don’t get too excited here. BUT you can always join frats, sororities, and a bunch of other organizations like FSA (Filipino Student Association) since they are known for their fun. UT Dallas is located in Richardson, so you have the city of Dallas and the rest of the metroplex area to explore if you have a car and know people who like to go out into the city. It’s a personal preference, so it is up to you to make your own fun.

Academics: Although UT Dallas is not well-known across the US, it is a rigorous college. Depending on your career goals and major, I believe UTD will set you up for success. They are known for their business, engineering, and science so if you have an interest in any of those fields (or any field TBH) then UT Dallas is a great school. So many opportunities to find help in a subject. You just have to put in effort. Check out their scholarships! They give out a good amount.

Personally, I chose this school because I wanted a challenge in my academics, wasn’t into all the football stuff, realized there are more opportunities available since it’s surrounded by the city, and I knew joining organizations and the diverse city would suffice for the fun I wanted. I would recommend visiting the college to see if you like it yourself.

Good luck in choosing your college! Hope this helped!

If you wanted to go into med school then UTD is way better than UT Austin and potentially TAMU.
The acceptance rate is decent for premed(about 60%), but 93% of UTD Premed get into Med school. I know a friend of mine - actually, 8, who got into UT but chose UTD, not only because of merit scholarships, but because of the opportunities they offer.

UTD did have a non aesthetic campus earlier, as our tour guide said. But then they got an endowment and now the university looks very high tech. Trust me, it’s a great school and there’s a lot to explore.