<p>Having grown up and gone to high school in Austin (although originally from New England), and also having applied to and been accepted at the U of M and visited Ann Arbor, (I didn't apply to UT because of the top 10% law and personal reasons) I can see how the decision would be difficult. </p>
<p>For a bit on Austin/UT...</p>
<p>Although the Weather is typical of the south, (mid 70's and sunny with a cool breeze for the past week) the city probably does not belong in Texas. Among the college aged students and long time residents there is a unique culture that exists that is unlike any local flavor I've experienced anywhere else. (Very different from the rest of Texas if you've ever been to Dallas/Houston/San Antonio) Without getting too specific, I can say that as a student at UT, there would never be a shortage of things to do aside from school work. (You can PM me if you're interested in anything specific)</p>
<p>As for other students, the overwhelming majority will be from the state of Texas because of the top 10% law. (The top 10% of EVERY public high school has auto admit to UT's natural science school) This does not apply to the honors programs however; those are still highly selective even amongst Texas residents. </p>
<p>As for the U of M, I don't know much about Ann Arbor or student life other than what I've read online. </p>
<p>Like I said above, if you have any specific Q's about UT or Austin, send me a message and I'll be happy to get back to you.</p>