<p>Plan II is good, but don't forget: You're still going to the University of Texas, and the majority of classes you take will be Texas classes, and THOSE classes will not compare to those at more elite schools. Plus, for the rest of your life, UT will be on your resume with Plan II as your major (and most people won't understand what it is). </p>
<p>UT is a fine school, but it doesn't have the name recognition of the Ivies. I go to law school with lots of people who went to higher ranked schools than UT, and there's no doubt they had a different academic experience from me.</p>
<p>I believe that about half have Plan II and something else and the other half have just Plan II.</p>
<p>It's very well known to graduate and professional schools throughout the country, and would actually be a significant asset to your application. As well as if you are applying for a job and there are Texas alumni or people knowledgeable about UT involved, Plan II would really help. I believe P2 actually provides a good summary of the program to include with a resume.</p>
<p>Goodness, after reading this thread I wish I had known more about Plan II earlier. Its too late to apply now. Coming from so far away I had never even heard of Plan II, and when I read about it on the website it just seemed to be more of an English thing, not a program that included so much. Also, it was too late to even send in the application. Is it possible to transfer into the program?</p>
<p>Usually yes, but they have had such tremendous yield the last three years or so that they have not been accepting any transfers, either from within UT or from outside of UT.</p>
<p>Of course, they are also accepting fewer kids this year, so they may reinstate transfers while you are at UT.</p>
<p>I agree with UTSenior: there is a stark contrast between Plan II classes and regular UT classes, especially if you're in the liberal arts school. But for the bargain that UT is, Plan II is one of the best options you can make, especially considering how amazing the city of Austin is and the resources UT can offer. </p>
<p>Also, there's no shame in having a degree from the University of Texas. Many companies and grad/law school committees are aware of Plan II (and BHP, of course) and recruit those students. And if somebody 15 years down the line doesn't know what it is, well, who gives a damn? What matters is how it developed you.</p>
<p>This makes me really excited! My mom has been encouraging me to apply to Plan II next year when I'm a senior...all the info on this thread is very valuable!</p>
<p>I would say that the general population does not know about the Plan II program, but that it is well recognized as an outstanding program in academic settings. I was recently involved in several interviews of dean candidates for my graduate school. Whenever I mentioned that I had graduated with a Plan II degree, they were each very impressed and complimentary of the program, but they never commented on any of the other degrees that my fellow grad students have. </p>
<p>It's a great program and I highly recommend it.</p>
<p>After experiencing Plan II for almost a month I can say this definitively: Plan II gives as much back as you are are willing to put into it. Opportunities are placed at your feet all of the time, ultimately you have to be willing to accept the challenges and rewards that are offered though. Simply being in Plan II for the hell of it won't really make you stand apart. Fortunately, the Plan II admission staff is bent on seeking out students who take advantage of opportunities...80+ years of amazing history says more than words truly can.</p>
<p>I agree with UTSenior. Plan II is a very good program, however it is still at UT and 2/3 of your classes are regular classes, with the rest of the UT population. With 50,000 plus kids, it is not quite an environment that is condusive to learning. The general consensus is that you go there to socialize and have fun. If UT is really where you want to go, and many Texas families (alumni) will not look at any other school, then certainly try for Plan II. You will hopefully get something out of it, however, it is not an IVY League school or even a step down Ivy League, and knowing several students that have gone there in Plan II found Plan II not difficult at all.</p>
<p>My suggestion is that if you are the quality of Ivy League or close to it, go somewhere else with a smaller student/professor ratio, where all of your classes will be more discussion based rather than "here is the book, now read it". </p>
<p>Being a University, most of UT's resources are used for the graduate programs, not the undergraduate ones.</p>
<p>Wow, so much of what you said is untrue. (ie. 2/3 of classes being regular, consensus that we go here to have fun, resources not being used at the undergraduate level etc.) Quit obfuscating the nature of the program with groundless remarks. Use some evidence to back up your ******** or else why even post?</p>
<p>@ OnlyOne...
You are...well....completely wrong. On every level.</p>
<p>hahahaha I recently attended a UT Honors Colloquium, and they were VERY clear that Plan II students take almost ENTIRELY Plan II-specific classes with 15 students or less based around discussion. You quite obviously have no idea what you're talking about. A Plan II kid's education is almost entirely different in terms of classes from the average UT student. You're a fool :)</p>
<p>Plan II students take quite a few Plan II classes, but you can see from their requirements for graduation that they take quite a few other classes, too. </p>
<p>(TC classes and SS classes are just for Plan II students.)</p>
<p>It's funny how this thread keeps popping up. To everyone who thinks you will be stuck in an inordinate amount of huge classes if you do Plan II, I just looked back at my schedules over the past three years and it looks like I haven't taken a 'regular' class since freshman year. In fact the only 'regular' classes I've taken have been two history classes (western civ) and microeconomics freshman year. Everything else has been Plan II, BHP, LAH (i've taken a couple of LAH lit classes even though I'm not in the program - another benefit of Plan II) or upper division finance that are generally smaller classes.</p>
<p>It's kind of funny how these things work out... Keep in mind that I also came into college with 60+ hours, but I wouldn't say that is exactly rare among my peers.</p>
<p>To everyone considering applying to Plan II, do it. I have many friends at UT who wish they knew about the program and applied when they were in high school. I don't know a single person in Plan II who regrets their decision to be a part of this program. It is phenomenal.</p>
Plan ll is a solid program and UT is a good school with very low in state tuition. UC’s program is a notch higher and UC is a private, smaller, top tier, expensive and difficult to get in to school. If admission and expenses work out then go with UC, otherwise Plan ll is a great value for your dollar.