UT Austin vs. Tiny LAC

College Search & Selection
1

<p>OK so I know it is a little late (I'm starting college this fall!) but my parents are having a major panic attack and don't mind losing a few hundred dollars in enrollment deposit. </p>

<p>I am considered an instate TX resident thanks to the Texas Tomorrow fund, but my family lives in TN. I went to a very small boarding school in TX for my last 2 years of high school, and earned over a year's worth of college credits. My school did not rank, which I think ultimately hurt my chances at UT, so I applied to the business school but was put in Liberal Arts- Economics. To me this was no matter, because my counselor told me if I kept my grades up, transferring to McComb's wouldn't be hard since I have already finished the required courses.</p>

<p>As a matter of precaution, my parents had me apply to a small (800 people!!!) college called Lambuth University in Jackson, TN. I got a full tuition scholarship, plus $4000 in TN Lottery Scholarship to go towards housing. I am already in the business program there, because there is no separate process to get in.</p>

<p>So now my parents are starry eyed over the possibility of free education+close to home+no distractions+VERY individualized attention and that I am already in business. To me this sounds like High School pt. 2!!! For business, I figure it is important to go to a well known school where I can make many connections. But there is always the possibility I wont get into the business school. And I know it comes down to where I'm comfortable and happy and what feels right blahblahblah. But I need to solid reasoning to convince my parents and I would appreciate any insight!!! Thanks!</p>

2

<p>When you say "business", what exactly do you mean? Marketing? Finance? Sales? "Business" is an overarching term.</p>

<p>Many companies, particularly smaller ones, prefer to hire recent college graduates who did not get a "business" degree. Why? Because the company wants to train the kids in their business, and their way. Kids with business degrees often try to change the company to suit the theories they learned, and that can be a royal pain. </p>

<p>Take a look at Lambuth University's recruiting schedule, if they have one. See what businesses come to the school to hire new graduates. If no one comes, having a "business degree" doesn't mean much. Ask the career center what happens to their business graduates - where do they work? What does the career center do to help them find jobs? Then do the same with UT's Economics program - where do these graduates end up working?</p>

<p>With data in hand, you will be able to be much more persuasive.</p>

3

<ol>
<li>Economics isn't business.</li>
<li>You should probably major in something you enjoy, not necessarily something that you think is a leg-up for business. However, if you enjoy econ, go for it.</li>
</ol>

<p>Lastly, unless Lambuth boasts awesome placement rates for top firms in whatever industry you like, UTexas-Austin seems like the better option.</p>