I have been accepted into both programs, but I’m not sure which offer to accept. Paying for UT is not really an issue but I obviously will not have 15K to study abroad (which is provided by the McDermott Scholars program). Does anyone know which one is more prestigious? McDermott is very good and extremely funded but UT Austin is also a better school. I am pre-med and the acceptance rates for both programs seem to be about the same (100% or close to that). I am also from Austin, if that helps anyone answer.
PS: I have to respond to McDermott soon, so any insight is appreciated!
Hi! Current UT Austin student here. I’m not in HSS but I am in polymathic scholars, which is basically its sister honors program. I would probably recommend UT Austin because you get a more college feel – UT Austin pre-med students are usually more devoted and diligent, compared to UTD where the students are a little less focused because it’s easier to get into UTD.
I don’t know that much about the health science scholars, but I do know their med school acceptance rate is 100% (which they brag about a lot, but obviously it’s great!) and they’re very preppy and cliquey. All the HSS students I’ve met are nice, but extroverted, loud, and very sorority/fraternity-like, so you should know that. (I’m saying this as someone who applied to join HSS, and I’m very glad I didn’t get in. I’m way too quiet and introverted.)
I definitely think the HSS program is more prestigious, too! I know they only accept about 50 students into HSS each year, and it’s amazing that you got in.