UTD v. UTA

Colleges and Universities A-Z The University of Texas Schools (Other Than Austin
1

<p>So my two options are these schools, since several of my other schools didn't have good FA packages and the rest denied me (should've ran NPC's for those, I know). But here's my plan as of now, which will likely change: I'm planning on transferring after freshman year. Keep in mind, though, that my mind is wide open to these schools and I will make a good effort in making the best of my time there and, if for some reason I'm still not satisfied, I know what to look for in my transfer schools, financially speaking (i.e. running the NPC's and knowing what the numbers mean; also applying to schools that meet 100% need and are need-blind, including for transfers, and yes I understand that many schools in this category are selective).</p>

<p>UTD Pros:
1. Big scholarship. My parents only have to pay $5000 for everything, including R&B. Not only that, but I get stipend of $3000 a semester to deal with as I wish.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>I hear that the student-faculty relationships tend to be more intimate than UTA</p></li>
<li><p>Good on sciences</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Cons:
1. Having walked around the campus, I wasn't too impressed with the buildings and such. Maybe it's because the campus was pretty quiet when I visited, but still. Who knows, it may change later on.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>CS-bent. Out of all the sciences, computer sciences seemed like it had probably one of the strongest presences on campus. I like a school with balanced sciences, arts, and humanities, and I feel as though UTD is predominantly sciences.</p></li>
<li><p>No defined classics courses. The school has Greek and Arabic, but no Latin or civilizations, and I would like to study Latin and civilizations, and perhaps maybe other archaic languages. This brings me back to the seemingly skewed interest in sciences.</p></li>
</ol>

<p><strong>That's not to say I will become a Classics major, although I'm seriously considering it. I always thought I'd be a (Cell) Biology/Biochemistry major, which is still my preference, but I love Latin as well and want to study it further. It's sorta a growing interest and it might just be as big as my interest in Bio.</strong>*</p>

<ol>
<li>I heard it's mainly a commuter school.</li>
</ol>

<p>UTA Pros:
1. City and surroundings more tailored to college life, from what I've heard, although I've yet to see Dallas in detail.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Happier students and more student interaction.</p></li>
<li><p>An actually defined Classics major</p></li>
<li><p>More prestige</p></li>
</ol>

<p>UTA Cons:
1. Might be a bit concerned about the large student population, although I still don't know how it feels like to be a part of a large crowd.</p>

<ol>
<li>Cost. It's totally affordable for my parents IF I take out $4-5000 in loans per year. I know it's not crushing and, according to what CCers say, is perfectly doable, but it's kinda hard to beat a loan-free school that pays you $6000 a year to study there. Nevertheless, my parents can definitely afford UTA with my small loan</li>
</ol>

<p>I know my opinions are vastly speculative, which emphasizes my point that I will try whatever school I end up in and assert myself as much as I can since it's too early to be thinking about transferring. Why would I transfer? Well I didn't exactly plan on going to either school; I wanted to get out of Texas for my college experience, but unfortunately my guidance counselor wasn't very good in suggesting schools because she thought I'd be able to get good scholarships from faraway schools. Turns out, those scholarships still weren't enough, and their FA packages overall sucked. None of them promised to meet 100% need, and these were mostly private, Tier 2 schools.</p>

<p>But I digress; which school would be a better fit for me? I've yet to visit UTA, but my parents don't have the time and they can't schedule anything as of now since they JUST found new jobs and can't request any vacations as newbies. </p>

<p>*P.S. Can anyone suggest any EC ideas that pertains to Classics? </p>

<p>btw, another reason why the stipend is important is because I was planning on using some of that money to visit some schools, since a lot of them take demonstrated interest pretty seriously.
Thanks for reading my long post!</p>

2

<p>I don’t know much about classics at UTD but I can say that they offer very good science/computer science programs. In fact UTD is more prestigious than UTA (UTD is the only school I believe in the UT system that doesn’t offer the CAP program if this accounts for anything). In addition UTD is higher ranked than UTA in world rankings and is ranked third by many sites in comparison to other Texas public schools (it ranks below UT Austin and Texas A and M). If you’re looking into the sciences and you have your heart set on being a science major and exploring research programs then UTD is def. the route to go (you can use your stipends for any research programs or study abroad programs offered at the school too). In terms of college life UTD seems much more soliditary than UTA and UTA will probably offer a better “social” college life. UTD isn’t actually centered in Dallas but a small suburb around 20-30 minutes away from downtown Dallas called Richardson so it may get boring down there sometimes and not much to do but again, in my opinion, I believe its academically superior. Again I dont know much about the classics so i cant tell you anything about that but im just giving input so you can make a choice.</p>

3

<p>Sorry for the confusion; I didn’t know UTA meant UT Arlington. I was referring to UT Austin.</p>

<p>And I’m not even sure if I’m certain about being a science major. </p>

<p>UTD being solitary worries me. I don’t want to be in a depressing campus for a year or two before I transfer.</p>

<p>I checked UTD’s majors. No Classics whatsoever. Again, Greek is the only thing they have closest to it, and it’s not even ancient Greek. If I go to UTD, I might have to study Latin on my own</p>

4

<p>Is there a particular reason you want to study the classics? I guess it depends on what you do with your degree. For many people, like me, who are going pre-law or pre-med they may choose UTD to save money for the more competitive and more expensive med schools. UT Austin, in my opinion, is the far better choice. UTD has a reputation for being pretty soliditary even though the construction of new residence halls and the dedication of creating a better college life to attract higher quality students has helped improve campus life. That being said UT Austin is far superior in prestige and in general is viewed upon has offering better programs and better preparing students in their degrees not only that its located in the heart of Austin and caters very well to college life. I guess it depends on whether you’re willing to be in debt the first couple years after college and what you plan to do with your degree (this will help determine whether being in debt is worth it or not). In all honesty if you can afford it go to UT Austin. UTD offers great programs and is climbing up there but anybody you talk to will prob vouche for UT Austin. If you want a less costly but still great education go to UTD. Again its all up to what schools interest you and etc.</p>

5

<p>Sounds like you’re posting excuses to not attend UTD. Do whatever makes you happy. Obviously the first few months will be “solitary” but you’ll make friends. UTD is a great school if you want to go to graduate school afterwards. Not only will you be debt free, but you’ll most likely get great rec letters from professors. The social life is nowhere in comparison to UTA, so maybe you’ll be happier there. I know nothing about UTA’s academics because I don’t go there, but I’m sure it’s top notch. UTD’s not very fun, but very safe future-wise.</p>