U.T. Austin vs. U. of H. art schools?????

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
1

<p>Hi everyone!</p>

<p>I recently have been notified that I have been accepted into both University of Texas at Austin and University of Houston art schools. My plan is to become a graphic designer.
Most of my classmates who also applied for both immediately went for U.T. simply because of of its fame and supposedly good reputation, but I did not want to make a rash careless decision without further research. So here are my pros and cons for both schools, which are currently my top choices:</p>

<p>UT: good overall reputation for the whole school and high overall rankings. However there are only two hands-on art programs: studio art and "design" (to be honest, I'm still not really sure what they refer to by "design"! Graphic design, maybe?). Not very many options, to say the least. Also I heard many rumors that it is so easy to get into UT through the art program, that at ton of people apply to its art school just to get into the university itself, and than simply change their major. Which leads me to the conclusion that the department is neither good nor selective, even though a portfolio is required as part of application. Finally, even though my peers seem to be hyped out about going there, none of my art teachers, or even the internet, for that matter, doesn't have anything good to say about UT's art school.</p>

<p>U of H: Even though it is supposedly an "easy-to-get-into" school and not nearly as prestigious as UT, it provides me with a a ton art major choices: everything from painting to graphic communications. All graphic design professors there are also practicing artists. All of my art teachers made positive remarks about this school. In addition to that, by going to U of H I would be able to save lots of money, since I would be able to live at home (a REAL plus for me). </p>

<p>Sorry this has turned into such a lengthy description; I just really don’t know whether it'd be better to blindly chase after a good reputation and prestigious name that would look good on a resume, or to stick with a more solid and cheaper education?
Thanks to everyone who dares to read my entire huge boring essay! :)</p>

2

<p>If you feel Houston is more solid go there by all means. if staying at home sounds good and is cheaper–great.</p>

<p>.however, the number of majors isn’t necessarily an indication a school is better. No idea, but it could mean the departments are thinner. have you visited both and poked around, looked at the work? do you know anyone actually attending either school? </p>

<p>if U of H just FEELS better to you, you should probably trust your feeling.
best of luck.</p>