UT-Dallas or TX State

College Search & Selection
1

I’m not sure where I want to go for college. I’ve heard a lot of good things about UT Dallas but I’m not so sure I want to spend four years there. Many people have mentioned that the school doesn’t exactly have a “university feel.” Texas State is my top choice right now but Im afraid will be missing out on opportunities. I’m planning to major in Biology.

2

You’re right about UT-Dallas. It’s 100% commuter school culture and school spirit is pretty much nonexistent. On the other hand, UT-Dallas is a top tier research school with a well-regarded science/engineering program. If you’re planning medical school, it really won’t matter much which school you attend, because it will be about your grades and MCAT scores. If you’re planning graduate school and doing research, UT-Dallas is much better with more opportunities around you.

3

I believe that UT-Dallas will be more rigorous and that will matter.

4

UT Dallas will absolutely be more rigorous and more respected but you will give up the “normal” college experience. If you are into grades and research and finding like minded friends I think this might be a better fit though.

Texas State will be more of a typical college experience.

Do you have any other choices?

5

^ Yes, but the main reason you should go to college is to get an education. Everything else is a luxury good.

If you want to party, you can do that without going to college or in your 20’s (it’s more fun then anyway).

I mean, virtually everyone who goes to uni in continental Europe forgo the stereotypical American college experience and they still turn out fine.

6

@PurpleTitan ---- don’t get me wrong, I agree. I was just pointing things out for the OP.

Literally the only kids we know who attend Texas State are the kids who didn’t even darken the door of an AP class in high school. I would be hopeful maybe that the honors program might provide some challenge and like minded peers and maybe a student who is consistently focused on finding the academic opportunities could indeed find them at TSU? But it has a rep and it’s not a great one.