I am currently deciding between the University of Oklahoma (OU) and UT Austin. If I were to go to OU, I would double major in International Security Studies and Finance. If I were to go to UT, I would be double majoring in International Relations and Economics. Regardless, I want to work in government.
OU: At OU, I have a $123,000 for 4-5 year scholarship that would allow me to pursue a masters in Finance. When I went to the campus, I didn’t really like it. At all. BUT I ended up submitting my enrollment deposit because it was the cheapest option. Its programs are relatively decent all around. Additionally, I’m a runner, and I like to run early in the mornings, and I could feasibly do that in Norman (whereas I can’t do it in Austin). Also, I’ve already found a roommate. I’m having second thoughts about the school because I distinctly remember not liking it, and it’s a relatively average school. I’m in the Honors Program, so naturally I’ll have the benefits that go along w that.
UT Austin: I have no scholarships to UT, however, I can afford it w/o loans. I am accepted into the Liberal Arts Honors Program, which is also good. Generally speaking, I like Austin, although it has definitely deteriorated. I literally got panhandled inside of a restaurant, so there’s that. I also feel pretty neutral about the campus. I wouldn’t be able to run there early in the mornings, but they do have a gym that opens at 6 AM. Its international relations program is higher ranked than OU’s. Cost of living off campus is also WAAAAYYYYY higher than at OU.
After undergrad, I want to go to law school (and I’m going to go after the Rhodes Scholarship). Regardless of where I go, I’ll probably end up with some debt after law school; it’s just a matter of how much.
So - it’s interesting - you don’t like OU but you love to run - so that’s the tradeoff because you can get your day off to a great start. What is it about OU you don’t love?? The suburban-ness - the campus is very nice.
At UT, you like Austin -but you were panhandled. Is the gym and a treadmil a substitute for being out and starting your day as you like?
At OU, you can study finance - which is your goal?? At UT, you can’t because you’re not in McCombs. You can do a MS Finance - but most, btw, work before that happens. And then you mention law school - so unless you double, you won’t be doing a Masters in Finance. btw - law, the major doesn’t matter and the schools in this case don’t matter either - but your LSAT will, and maybe some work experience. Austin is a capital whereas Norman isn’t far from the capital, but isn’t in the capital.
It seems like lifestyle wise and academically OU is the better fit but you ‘distinctly remember not liking it’ which is a huge issue - like in, why did you accept if that’s the case?
There’s many schools a kid could like and perhaps you get there and you get involved, have a great roommate, enjoy your classes and it works out fine. On the other hand, if you really don’t like it, you’ll kick yourself for going to a place you don’t like.
Only you can decide - but if you’re close enough, why not get back to both, go see again, walk the neighborhoods, eat in the dining halls, and stop kids on campus and chat.
Maybe a second visit to each will bring true clarity.
In which government do you want to work? State or Federal? If state, which one? It would likely be harder for an OU graduate to build connections in Texas State Government, and vice versa. If you are looking at working in the Federal government then it really doesn’t matter. If you are looking at law school, then why are you thinking about a Rhodes? As a UK/US Fulbright graduate and practicing attorney, I can honestly say that what I did as a Fulbright has no bearing on my law practice. So, Rhodes being a longer educational experience…why bother (nevermind how difficult it is to become a Rhodes)? For law school, though, what is important is a high GPA and high LSAT score. If you are aiming for Federal government work, then you likely want to go to a T14 (funny that it isn’t T10 or T15, looking at you Georgetown) law school, maybe a Federal clerkship. Since scholarships for law school are rare, savings funds for it is important.
Based upon the above, my recommendation would be OU…unless of course you want to work in Austin.
slow down my friend - you haven’t even started college - way too early to be thinking about law school (you have to get in) or where you go to law school.
Find the right undergrad, majors you’ll enjoy, and then get a great LSAT. Right now you are having trouble finding the right undergrad. I do agree with @Peruna1998 that you are all over the place - law school, Rhodes, etc.
Law school, Rhodes, etc. come later. You haven’t even stepped foot on a campus.
Find the right one…that’s the only thing that matters right at this moment…
Both great schools. Of the two, I’d go to OU. Finance over UT COLA. Campus is much prettier and safer at OU, especially if you’re a runner.
Like others have said, law school and Rhodes scholar are years down the road, you need to see how well you can perform in the classroom first… especially for Georgetown Law and Rhodes? Might need a reality check.
If you’re a sports fan, OU for sure. Texas is going to be an even bigger joke once they join SEC.
I am a Georgetown Law alumnus. While you have a LOT of time to think about law school, when the time comes, just remember Georgetown is a LOT bigger than the other T14 law schools, and it ain’t in Georgetown. Speaking from experience, if you plan to live in DC you may want to study elsewhere before you hit that particular bubble.
Yeah I guess my problem is that I am trying to plan for any reality. But you are right, I do need to see how I do in the classroom. My high school is ultra competitive and prepares us very well for college (or so I’ve heard), which is why I’m operating under the assumption that I’ll be ok at either school (academically, at least).
I am the mom of a current Texas Aggie, we have friends at both OU and Texas. Great schools, each offer something different. Austin/UT definitely more urban, OU campus spread out. Athletics huge at both! If you’re a runner, you’ll need to get creative on the UT campus, and yes, cost of living is staggering! Way of life will be slower pace, more laid back at OU.
More opportunities for scholarships and awards-I’d say-at OU. Finance degree would be my preference over Economics, looking into the future.
Austin is home to state politics, but Oklahoma offers the Murrah FBI buildings in OK City.
Both great options. Take as many virtual tours as you can.
Austin to Norman isn’t that far - you have several more weekends. You can even grab a Southwest flight to OKC if you’re near a major city.
This is a four year decision. If you go to UT Austin, fine - you like it enough although you won’t get your runs in. If you go to OU, are you going to risk four years of unhappiness because you didn’t take a day or two to drive (or fly) up, really get a feel…and get comfort?
As for your comment that you’ll be ok at either school - you can make that statement about any school?
Do you have financial need? If not, not sure why you’d apply to Gtown if it’s too expensive. I didn’t let my kids apply to any schools that did not offer merit aid - because i wasn’t going to pay full freight.
At UT, liberal arts is just the school everyone is allowed to attend if they weren’t the chosen few to get into an employable major. That’s basically how UT works. If you decide you want to major in business instead, it’s near impossible to get in from the outside. That’s a REAL problem if you decide law isn’t for you. It’s literally the reason why UTSA has tripled in size over the last 15 years…by doing the opposite of UT-Austin. If you become one of those statistics, chances are, you’ll probably end up at UTSA.
OU already is giving you the kitchen sink, along with an employable major in the honors program…with a scholarship. That’s actually an accomplishment you can put on a resume. I think the answer is a no-brainer.
And by the way, the crime rate in downtown Austin is high. Downtown is not a safe place to be anymore.
Agree about UT Liberal Arts, that’s basically considered the degree everyone takes, just to be able to graduate from TEXAS…honors or not, UT COLA won’t stand out.