Texas Tech VS University of Texas at ARLINGTON

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I have a Petroleum Engineering offer at Texas Tech (which is my FIRST CHOICE; I simply love PE) and an Engineering offer at UT-Arlington (doesn't matter what major, I can switch during the first two years; but UTA doesn't provide PE).</p>

<p>Which one is better? My father graduated from UTA so is definitely biased towards it, and his friend is too. His friend tells me that UTA is "by far much better and a more recognized school than TexasTech". Is that true?</p>

2

<p>No, not really. Both schools have similar 75th% SAT score profiles while Tech’s are a little higher at the 25% level. Tech has a significantly better graduation rate than UTA-over 20% higher. Tech has a much larger engineering program. UTA may have more name recognition in the DFW area, but I really don’t know. This is pure speculation on my part but I would think that UTA would be considered a lessor school in terms of reputation and recognition just because it lags behind UT Dallas. As far as recognition goes, I believe that Tech and U of H are the two schools that have qualified for Tier 1 support from the state. I don’t think UTA is even in the running. </p>

<p>Unless attending UTA is significantly cheaper or has specific benefits for your major (which it doesn’t seem to) I would recommend Tech. If you are considering attending UTA and then transferring to Tech, look at the transfer requirements, especially gpa. Engineering majors aren’t known for producing high gpas–no matter what you have in high school. It may be easier to enter upper-division engineering courses with a lower gpa if you are already a student at the school as oppose to trying to transfer in from another school.</p>

3

<p>MQ1003, As I am sure you are aware, Petroleum Engineering (PE) is one of the highest paying majors and Tech is one of the best PE schools in the country (always ranked in top 10). In caps you say Tech is your FIRST CHOICE, so you definitely want to go to Tech. It’s too bad that parents of motivated students like you don’t listen more closely to what their kids want to do with their lives. Tech will be more expensive due to living costs (assuming you would commute to UTA if you went there) which your Dad may also throw in as an argument for UTA. But you will definitely grow more toward adulthood by making your own day-to-day living conditions. My son went to Tech (business) and loved it. Ask your Dad to write me if he needs another parent to help convince him to let go.</p>

4

<p>One more item - my son works for a Fortune 150 oil field services company (lots of energy companies recruit at Tech) and got his job from an on-campus recruiting visit. My offer for your Dad to PM me is a serious one. Even if you had to take some loans to cover your living expenses at Tech would be manageable assuming you graduated with an Engineering degree (i.e., you would be highly employable even if you did not get a PE degree). Tech is a great place to go to college!</p>

5

<p>Just to echo Lonestardad, our friends son is a PE major at Tech and loves the program. He will be a senior in the fall and already has a job lined up.</p>

6

<p>sadilly, UTA gave me a bigger merit scholarship (3 times more) but at the same time they didn’t offer any financial aid. Tech did, and I don’t live in the DFW area but we know some people there. </p>

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<p>Thank you for your offer! Well my Dad said he will let me choose what I want and he only recommended UTA because he thinks it is better location wise. He doesn’t know much about Tech. Also I am aware of the fact that Petroleum Engineers get the big money, and I like the major most out of all engineering majors. And yeah it is a bummer that room and board are pretty expensive- but I’ll see if I can participate/work at university or even take up a Resident Assistant at one point (I heard you get a free room that way!). In all cases, UTA is as far as Tech is from where I am (the Middle East), so it’s all just a tad new for me. My Dad lived in the DFW area for about 20 years though, that’s why he loves it so much! Anyway, if I need any more back up I’ll sure refer back to you. </p>

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<p>I’m sure I’m going to love it just as much! Oh and what did he have to do in order to find a job so soon? Do you know whether he took up a coop job/internships sometime?</p>

7

<p>hi,
I am an international and even i have been accepted to TTU but for mechanical engineering I too have an interest in petroleum so planning to do a minor or so. I looked into the program details of PE at tech it looks awesome and not to mention the job placements have been pretty high. Also after tech getting the NURF and being the top contender for tier 1 status from the state of Texas it is undoubtedly better than UTA.</p>

8

<p>I think Tech is a much better choice both from an academic standpoint and from the standpoint of a good college experience. It is a real gem. Go to Tech.</p>

9

<p>I agree with the others - go to Tech! And I’m a UT-Austin engineering grad!</p>

10

<p>Go Tech!!!</p>

11

<p>Yes, go to Lubbock.</p>

<p>Where else can you dress like this</p>

<p><a href=“http://static.■■■■■■■■■■/3289/2821522066_13c0c229df.jpg[/url]”>http://static.■■■■■■■■■■/3289/2821522066_13c0c229df.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>or dress in Halloween costumes all year long!</p>

12

<p>Thanks for the support guys! Tech it is! I loved the comment about it being a gem haha :D</p>

13

<p>hey when will you be starting??? fall 2012??? decided on which hall you gonna stay in??? me starting in fall 2012… when you attending RRO???</p>

14

<p>MQ1993, congrats on your Tech decision! Big guess…you haven’t been to Lubbock yet. Tech and Lubbock are the “real” West. Flat, vast open spaces, dry, etc. But Lubbock with 230,000 residents and Tech with 31,000 students will have more than everything you need. And the surrounding area will grow on you. As a freshman bouts of “lonely” and “homesick” can happen realy fast…that’s normal. Just be sure to get involved (see 1510dollars invitation), get some good friends, and you will have an amazing experience at Tech.</p>

15

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<p>I’ll send you a message in a few :slight_smile: </p>

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<p>Correct, actually I haven’t been anywhere near Texas for over a decade! But I’ve checked the city out on Google Maps and it’s not bad, although my dad calls it a ‘ghost city’ haha, but that definitely didn’t demotivate me. I called the university a few times and the staff and the people over there were really nice and helpful, I already have a good vibe from it all! </p>

<p>And I’ve moved around countless times throughout my entire life, so it will be less of a homesick experience for me hopefully. Thanks for your good advice lonestardad! :D</p>