Hey guys, I’m a senior about to graduate and I really need help to make my final college decision. I’m from around Houston, Texas and up until a couple of days ago, I was going to UT Austin as a Psychology B.S. major on a pre-med track. But I recently got off Notre Dame’s waitlist and I am considering going as a Biology major, also on a pre-med track. I am so conflicted because I have never visited Notre Dame’s campus but I heard it is really beautiful and it also could be nice to go out-of-state to “broaden my horizons.” One of the biggest concerns is financial aid though. My financial aid package hasn’t arrived yet but my family income is around 140,000 and I also already have a brother who is in college too. Also, I have already committed to UT and I already have a roommate and have kind of prepared myself to go to Austin in the fall. But I also feel like I’m missing out on a lot of opportunities not going to Notre Dame. Please help with any information you have because I have to decide in the next five days. I would really like to see where you guys would choose to go if you were in my position. Thanks!
I actually went to Notre Dame, it truly is a beautiful campus with phenomenal opportunities! Personally, I would go with Notre Dame since the program may be slightly better BUT you have to consider other factors. You live in Houston, so you are already in-state and it seems to me that you have already gotten your living accomodations all settled. So while I may prefer Notre Dame, you would probably be better off going to UT Austin. Plus, the city of Austin is actually really interesting and the campus looks great. Just go with your gut instinct!
^ UT-Austin has better psychology (and STEM) programs from a research and scholarship perspective (U.S. news ranks UT’s the psychology program among the top 10 in the nation). For pre-med, where you went to undergrad should not make a meaningful difference in terms of admissions. However, I would advise against taking on significant debt if you want to service the costs of your medical degree later on.
Thanks, appreciate it!