<p>So, I've basically narrowed it down to these two. I realize that UT is superior academically, but there are many other factors that complicate the decision. </p>
<p>I currently live in Illinois, but family and I will be moving to Houston area at the end of this year. Wherever I go, I'll be paying out of state tuition for the first year. But let us exclude money for now, since I'm still waiting on money from UT and am currently in the running for a full ride at Houston. Money isn't a huge issue, but my father will certainly prefer and insist that I attend the less expensive school. If I get the full ride from Houston (which also includes room/board, research stipend, and study abroad stipend), then I'll definitely go there. </p>
<p>UT:
I've been admitted into UT's Plan II Honors program. I realize that this is an extremely elite program and liked by medical schools (which I plan on attending). I also feel like I'd get a much better "college experience" from UT. It's kind of a true college campus, with most people either living on campus or in apartments surrounding it. I've visited U of Houston on a Saturday, and the campus seemed pretty dead since not as many people live on campus. It's not the parties that I'm concerned about, but the lack of things to do. Post- 3 p.m. at U of H, there were very, very few places to eat. Also, I feel like medical schools look more favorably upon UT than U of H, which is, of course, pretty important. </p>
<p>On the other hand, my family is moving from Illinois back to Houston mainly because my entire extended family lives in Houston (also, we've finally realized after 12 years that we hate the snow. This winter sucks). I'd feel kind of guilty for going to Austin right after moving to Houston, particularly because my family is extremely close and I'd feel bad for not spending time with my grandparents (who are very, very old) and my brother (I'm very involved in his life and his schooling). </p>
<p>UH:
As of right now, I feel like attending U of H would be better for my medical school resume. Let me explain. I've been accepted to the honors college, have already been approached by a professor to do research in his cardiology lab as soon as I become a student, and have been invited to take part in one of their elite leaders programs. Also, I think I like the student culture here slightly better (that is, the honors students). Also, being close to home, although my parents will allow, and probably insist, upon my dorming, will make life easier and a bit more enjoyable I think ( I have no desire to "get as far away from my family as possible", but I certainly do not want to live at home). Also, I'm pretty certain that I would be able to achieve a considerably higher GPA here than at UT, which will almost certainly offset any differences between the UT and U of H name in the eyes of medical schools. </p>
<p>On the other hand, I am weary of U of H's regular population, which is the cause for its lackluster reputation. And, as I mentioned before, U of H's campus on the weekends, which seemed completely dead and most food places were closed, which is concerning. Also, I found out that the library is not 24 hrs, which really bothers me (I judge most universities based on their libraries, as I will almost certainly be spending most of my time there). Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I'm afraid that U of H simply will not challenge me. I have a friend who is a year above me who performed very similarly to me in high school. Basically, he chose to attend a school similar, I feel, to U of H (UIC) because he got into their guaranteed medical program over more rigorous schools he was accepted to. Unfortunately, he is now "bored". Of course, our situation aren't exactly the same, but this still kind of concerns me. </p>
<p>TL;DR: Basically, I like UT better academically, but UH for extracurricular stuff (leaders programs, research, location etc.) This has really been bothering me, and I need some advice on where to attend. Thanks for reading, I realize this is a ton. </p>