Trouble making my decision: SMU Vs. UTA

Colleges and Universities A-Z Southern Methodist University
1

<p>I've been accepted at SMU and UT Arlington. I've gotten quite a bit of money from both, but I would still be significantly in the hole if I went to SMU-at least 20,000 in student loan debt plus ~45,000 that my parents would have to pay. At UT Arlington, I have received enough to have 20,000 left over after all four years, after factoring in tuition, fees, room and board, food, etc.</p>

<p>It's been extremely difficult for me to weigh the financial side against the academic. I'm planning on double majoring in music composition and biology. It's very clear to me that SMU completely dominates UTA in the music department, but I'm not at all sure about the science side of things. At UTA I was very impressed by the research opportunities and the resources available. At SMU, I had somewhat conflicting impressions. I met with Dr. Buchanan, and she focused primarily on my career choices instead of talking about the school itself. I then met with Dr. Vik, who was nice, but somewhat quite. Neither of them talked very much about the academics of the bio program or about research opportunities.</p>

<p>Then I chatted with a student and bumped into Dr. Wise, and both of them pontificated at great length about the research opportunities, the class sizes, the accessible faculty, etc. I'm really not sure what to make of the whole experience.</p>

<p>I've heard many conflicting reports about the negative stereotypes at each college, both but frankly, I don't really care about the student body, Greek life, extracurriculars, etc. I'm going to college because I want to learn about two subjects that I love, and so that I can have a successful career. With that in mind, I have a few questions for faculty and current students:</p>

<p>How do you feel about the quality of education at SMU? What particular features stand out? What negative experiences or qualities do you think are worth sharing? HOw are the research opportunities? Do you think SMU prepares students for post graduation life, including grad school and a career? Do you know anybody or have any information on how the biology program at UTA compares? There doesn't seem to be a forum for UTA, so if anybody could direct me to where I might learn more from current students of UTA, or could share anything they know about, I would be much appreciated.</p>

<p>All in all, is SMU worth 20,000+ in debt and losing out on 20,000?</p>

2

<p>After looking over my post a bit more, there is a section that I think may be somewhat misconstrued. Specifically, these sentences:</p>

<p>“I met with Dr. Buchanan, and she focused primarily on my career choices instead of talking about the school itself. I then met with Dr. Vik, who was nice, but somewhat quite. Neither of them talked very much about the academics of the bio program or about research opportunities.” </p>

<p>To be clear, both of them were very helpful. It’s more that they focused certain details about the biology program which are very important and helpful, but weren’t as applicable in a comparison with other biology programs.</p>

3

<p>SMU has a fabulous music department. I can’t say enough good things about the faculty and their dedication, passion, etc.<br>
My child has not taken biology, but is currently enrolled in the “hard sciences.” Our family shares the view that SMU is less that concerned with the hard sciences and the quality of professors. Some are quite good (easily accessible, passionate about their subjects, helpful, etc), while others are down-right deplorable.<br>
There are research opportunities, but press the professors for what will be available. Some of the research is not fulfilling, not only at the Freshman year, but going forward as well. </p>

<p>Best of luck to you!</p>