UT or UH?

State Forums
1

I’m going to preface this by saying my post might be a bit long. I’m in desperate need of some outside advice, so here goes.

I have been struggling to decide between UT and UH since this past summer. UT has been my dream school for many reasons that I’ll explain later, but I was surprised by how much UH had to offer. They each pose their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and I’ve found it hard to organize all of these thoughts in my head.

UT
Advantages: UT has been my dream school for as long as I can remember. Everything about it appeals to me. I’ve visited the campus multiple times, I’ve toured the dorm I’ll be staying in, and I absolutely love the city. I have a very special connection to the city of Austin because of a family member, and it would be truly incredible to live there and be close to that person. My boyfriend is going to Texas State University, and while I’m not basing my decision off of that, it would be nice to only have the TXST campus be 30 minutes away. I would be a liberal arts major, but I’ve talked to the Dean of one of the sub schools at UT, and I am hoping to take part in a new design program that they’re starting up in the next couple of years. UT’s massive Greek Life system, thriving music scene, and liberal vibe are all things that have interested me as well. UT offers the college experience that I’ve always wanted. UT also has a better academic ranking to it, and it seems to be better regarded throughout the country.
Disadvantages: So far, I have received no financial aid to go to UT. I am spending every spare second that I have to apply for scholarships, and I’ve done all that I can to apply for UT aid, but I just haven’t been given any. I’ve watched many friends with better socioeconomic standings and lower test scores than me receive hefty scholarships from UT, so at this point I figure I will be offered loans at best. The field that I am entering isn’t one that will leave my poor, but I don’t want to take on thousands of dollars in debt for a school that isn’t willing to help me in the slightest. I could still be receiving something, as it is not even March yet, but I’m a little worried to base my decision off of a hope that has no fact behind it. I was also recently rejected from the LAH program, and that took a major blow to my confidence. Like most kids, I’ve always been involved in the honors/AP type of programs, so I had hoped to continue that through college.

UH
Advantages: UH has surprised me with the quality of their dorms and facilities. I love the look of the campus and the style of the dorms. I have been offered an okay scholarship, although not anywhere near fully paid, to attend school here. I was also accepted into the UH honors college. I’ve heard great things about the honors program at UH, and I believe that the environment it would provide me with could really improve my college experience as a whole. One of my very best friends is attending UH, so we would also get to room together. Again, like the boyfriend thing, I’m not basing my decision off of this. It’s just an added perk.
Disadvantages: I’d be a computer science major, something I don’t totally love as I’ve never been a math whiz. At UT, the new program being created would relieve my need for a computer science degree. At UH, I don’t have that extra program to provide me with the experience I need for the field I’m hoping to enter. The history and overall atmosphere of UH isn’t as appealing as UT, as school involvement and spirit isn’t something as many people worry about at UH. UH’s Greek system is also basically nonexistent. I don’t love or hate Houston, I’m kind of indifferent to it. In my opinion, it’s definitely no Austin. My scholarship also isn’t fully paid for, so I wonder whether it’s worth the amount of money they’re providing me with to sacrifice my dream. I worry that my college experience won’t be what I’ve always wanted or could experience at UT. I know that if I attend UT I probably won’t give UH a second though. Because UT was my dream though, I’m sure I’ll question (at least for a little bit) what my life in college would’ve been life if I had attended school there instead if I choose UH. UH isn’t seen as an academically competitive school by most people, and while I wouldn’t ever look at someone differently based on the school they attend, I know that some people do.

I’m completely torn. I thought I had decided on UT, but my recent rejection to the LAH program and lack of funding is starting to make me question whether or not that decision was based on reason rather than feeling. I don’t know what to do, and I receive very little support from my parents. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

2

I guess the question is, what do you want to study? If you like computers, you don’t have to do computer science. You can major in IT and you will be just as employable out of college without all the math.

Here’s the thing with UT. Their computer related degrees are ridiculously selective. The chances of getting in as an existing liberal arts student is 10% and that’s with a near 4.0 GPA. The stats are published proudly on their website. You have a 90% chance of being rejected and having to transfer. You might as well go to Texas State because that’s probably where you’ll end-up anyway.

As far as UH, you don’t have those kind of selectivity problems like you do at UT. This means you’re a lot more free and flexible with your major. If you don’t like math, you probably won’t like CS, so you have the flexibility to change to IT or another major that suits you.

I recommend UH. You have freedom and flexibility, and you’re in the middle of the 4th largest city in the U.S. This means internships and huge job prospects.

3

Based on the limited info. shared in your post, it seems that if you did not attend UT-Austin, then you might wonder “what if” for the rest of your life.

4

Any other options ?

What are your GPA & SAT or ACT scores ?

5

Your heart is with UT so that’s were you need to attend school. If you don’t you will always wonder what if. This coming from a UofH grad.

6

@Grainraiser following your emotions can be misleading and dangerous. It’s better to be more logical and emotionally detached when making important decisions. For example, my friend wanted to buy a $500 pair of glasses that she absolutely loved but her logical side of brain kicked it and convinced her she can’t afford those right now without going into more debt. And given her circumstances, I would say UH. UH is a strong school with a lot to offer just like UT so can’t really go wrong with any choice

And OP, Houston to me is better than Austin. Maybe you should go to www.visithoustontexas.com and re-examine what the city has to offer and is about. World class museums, restaurants, festivals, shopping, hotels, schools, neighborhoods, buildings, performing arts, attractions … I mean it’s one of the best cities to live in period on any objective measurements. And also Houston is rich with beautiful diversity which is something Austin is lacking in most places off UT campus.

7

What is your budget?
Have you contacted UT financial aid and asked whether your financial aid package has gotten lost or if really they’re not offering any aid?
What’s your EFC?
If you do (tuition, room, board)-(grants, scholarships) what’s your results?

8

Definitely UT. The network, on campus opportunities, off campus opps (nightlife, and everything else), and whatever else makes UT the true undergrad experience. You only get 4 years of undergrad. Make the most of it. Go to your dream school.