<p>UT-Dallas:</p>
<p>Academics</p>
<p>"A techie Mecca with a growing reputation in numerous academic fields, University of Texas at Dallas is the perfect place for “a serious student to get an excellent education and [to] meet other students with similar goals, ideals, and passions.” A true community of scholars, “instructors believe in their students’ potential and often describe the UTD student body as ‘brilliant.’” In the classroom, this translates into an environment of mutual respect, and one in which lively discussions enhance the learning experience.” The school’s programs in engineering and science are highly reputed; however, across disciplines, “professors are intensely knowledgeable in their subject matter and present thought-provoking, informative lectures.” On the flip side, the faculty is highly research-oriented, and some professors “are about as exciting as watching milk curdle. Thankfully, these are few and far between.” Academic advising is not a strong suit at UTD; however, if you are struggling or need some advice, “most professors will make time to answer questions and stay after class; they will even review exams if you feel grading is unfair or not a good representation of your knowledge.”</p>
<p>Student Body:</p>
<p>"One of the nicest aspects of attending UTD is “the sense of belongingness that comes from being around like-minded people; no one here feels that he or she is the only one who enjoys, say, organic chemistry.” A sophomore adds, “Students at UTD are friendly and generally open-minded as well. Being a unique, creative, and atypical person myself, I’ve found that these traits are admired by the general populace of the Richardson/Dallas area, and walking around wearing a big, hot pink Mohawk can draw some very positive attention!” On this intellectual and “multi-ethnic campus,” “students are typically more mature individuals, having a large number of graduate students and doctoral candidates interacting with and mentoring undergraduates.” In addition, “there also seems to be more adult students here, with families and jobs, many professional.” </p>
<p>Campus Life</p>
<p>“UTD students proudly describe their college community as “a place for nerds to call home!” On this studious campus, “student life is very subdued,” and most students “seem to be quiet, nerdy types who constantly have studying and internships on the brain.” If you aren’t the typical bookworm, you don’t have to scratch UT Dallas off the list; “there are plenty of areas for the students here to find where they fit in, be it with students in the medical field, a fraternity or sorority, philanthropy, student government, [or] the arts.” Many students commute to school, and there are currently no dormitories (campus “housing is apartment style”) nor student meal plans. New residence and dining halls are under construction, though, and expected to be complete in summer 2009. Students like the fact that their school affords “a good amount of freedom and independence to students.” Right off campus, the surrounding town of Richardson offers “a lot of malls, movie theaters, bowling alleys, and restaurants,” but “it’s pretty dead in terms of culture or nightlife.” Fortunately, the world-class city of Dallas is just a stone’s throw away.”</p>