I just finished my first year at University of Iowa and did not like it. I didn’t like Iowa because it has zero culture to it. It seemed everyone was from the midwest, and it’s all corn fields and the states most prized possession is Iowa State and the Hawkeyes. Being from Chicago, this bored the hell out of me. However I enjoyed the bar scene and the fact that you didn’t have to be in Greek life to have fun. I also loved the football games!
I have always been interested in Southern culture, especially Texas. The issue is I just don’t know which I’d like better, or if either are right for me to begin with.
I’m hispanic, from Chicago, conservative (politically), history & political science major, in Air Force ROTC and Air National Guard so I have intentions to commission as an officer and pursue a career in the military. I could use some good input! I’d like to hear from current students (but any input is great)!
I have lived in Texas many years and have known many alumni from both schools. Based on your description of yourself, you would be a good match for A&M even though you could probably do fine at UT as well. A&M does have the more conservative student body but that should not be the deciding factor. The fact that you are already in ROTC and National Guard also gives you a step up at A&M. A&M has a long and proud history of the Corp and supporting the military. I think you would be a great fit for A&M.
TAMU is definitely more conservative than UT although there are conservative students at UT (according to my DD).
Probably would be good to visit both. Both great schools. As an aside, UT Army ROTC won a national competition. Check this out. https://news.utexas.edu/2017/04/11/ut-austin-army-rotc-no-1-in-the-nation.
Of course I’m prejudiced for the Longhorns!
I would say you should visit both campuses and cities to see which one you like better. Personally, I couldn’t imagine living in College Station. Austin is such a wonderful city. And there are LOTS of conservative people at UT. You can find your own people! Good luck with your choice. I love Texas (I just couldn’t take the heat, so that’s why I moved up north).
Agree with everything @GTAustin said. You are a much better match for A&M. I prefer UT myself, but the things you mention make you a better fit for Texas A&M. Go to College Station.
A&M sounds like a better fit with an ROTC background, being constervative, and disliking Greek life.
Have you visited both schools?
To top it off, A&M is quite a bit less expensive for OOS students than UT.
Another consideration. I am assuming you want to stay in the AF ROTC. I looked it up at UT and they seem to have a joint program between UT, St. Edwards and some other local universities. Texas A&M seems to have a very strong program located on campus. You might want to look at both programs and see which one is best for you.
Agree with those who say visit both. You will surely know almost immediately which one suits you better as they are vastly different. Good luck!