UT CAP or Alabama

Hi y’all so I got capped at UT and trying to decide to go there or to Alabama. I want to study marketing and I know UT has one of the best in the country but, I did not get into the business school. However, I really wanted to do more international marketing so I was looking into their international relations program since getting into the business school is not likely. I do think being able to make a 3.2 at UTSA will not be if I study hard. I did get into the business school at Alabama but, going that far away and the lack of rankings and prestige has me a tad worried also Tuscaloosa compared to Austin is pretty hard. I would like to live in Austin one day also and hope to get my MBA at UT. Any thoughts? Advice?
-Lost Senior

It does not sound like you like Alabama very much. Why did you apply there? Did you like it and have now changed your mind? What did you like about it? If you don’t like it, don’t go. But try to remember why you applied in the first place. Maybe another visit would help?

I am not a big fan of CAP but if you have no safeties that you like, then it is not a bad option.

You seem to be realistic about CAP and McCombs. Coming in to COLA makes CAP a better proposition.

But you need a plan B in case you don’t make the grades at UTSA. Are you willing to stay there? If not, where will you go? Is that school a possibility now?

@gettingschooled I really liked Alabama but, I applied as a safety school before I visited. After visiting Tuscaloosa, I don’t know if that’s a place I could live for 4 years. Austin has always been home to me and the idea of leaving is pretty hard so that is a factor I think that might have changed my mind. I really would dislike having to stay at UTSA and not quite sure where I would go from there.

Sounds like your options are community college and CAP then.

Your plan B if you don’t make the grades at UTSA is what you might want to put some thought into so that you understand transfer requirements to that school. You would want to try to meet transfer requirements of the Plan B school and CAP.

There are other schools in Austin that could be Plan B. Not sure if they are affordable for you. Don’t expect scholarships as a transfer student unless they have information on their website devoted to transfer FA.

@gettingschooled I know. The idea of wasting a year and not enjoying the full first year college experience is hard to choke down. Thank you for the advice though!

I do know a former CAP student who enjoyed his time at UTA. He joined organizations, made friends AND made the required grades. He does not consider the year a waste. He actually lives with friends he made at UTA in Austin. One regret he expressed is that his UTA GPA didn’t transfer. He would really like his freshman GPA to help bring up the sophomore and junior grades. Attitude is everything!

He also has said he knows quite a few people who enjoyed UTA so much they decided to stay. It happens.

Did you ever consider Tech or U of H or UNT? Those schools have good business programs and might be good alternatives. I’d also suggest UTA and UTSA!

Don’t worry about the grades. Cap is easy. Alabama is not worth it. Out of state tuition? Lost of $. Just completed Cap hoping I get accepted into McCombs

Another school that you might consider and could still apply to is UT Dallas. They appear to have a good business school in an area that is good for internships.

The IRG program doesn’t rally focus on international marketing (that’s part of the international business major) I’m a prospective IRG and Government major and the International Relations major has six areas of focus which include: Culture, Media, and the Arts; International Security; Science, Technology, and the Environment; or International Political Economy. You also have to chose a minor: African and African Diaspora Studies, Asian Studies, European Studies, Latin American Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, or Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies.
If you still want to take this route, then I think focusing on International political economy is your best bet. (That’s what my concentration will be) Side Note: you also have to study abroad a semester which is an amazing opportunity, but could possibly push back your graduation date. However because IRG is a liberal arts major, and CAP is an external transfer route you will be guaranteed admission into the program.
I’m a current CAP student as well. (Just completed my CAP year at UTA) Hopefully I will be able to double major in both IRG and Government.