I’m currently a rising senior for the class of 2017 and applying for several reaches such as Rice, UCLA, NYU, Berk, aside from the University of the Philippines and UCF (for funsies). The three schools listed above will be my best chances of getting large scholarships, or act as a safety net (assured academic admit with SAT/ACT) in case my entire life crashes senior year. I currently have no idea what I want to do other than “science-related” so I can’t rule out anything because UTD is great in tech, TT has closer connections with med schools, while A&M has a larger pool of majors and more prestige. I am interested in everything from Security IT to Biomolecular Science. I have visited every campus and UTD feels SO right to me, but it lacks a lot of majors. What would be the best safety school for me to apply to?
First, could you apply to all 3? They have the same application. Essays - I do believe A&M requires the most but hopefully they could be used for the other 2.
You are correct that A&M has the larger pool of majors and prestige. It also has the same problem as UT Austin that if you are in the top 10% or 7% you are guaranteed to get into the school but not your major. A&M keeps changing the process for entering engineering majors. You have to get a high GPA your first year to ensure that you get your preferred major. I don’t know how easy it is there to switch majors or to enter as undecided and get into a competitive major. I know they said my DD could not get her preferred minor. That is something you would need to ask. Your choices could be limited because of the size and popularity of A&M.
TTU is also good in the sciences. Out of the 3, they have the lower student stats but if you went into their honors college, you would get a good education.
UTD is a good tech school but you are right, they are missing some degrees - notably chemical engineering. If you think you might be interested in that, you should pick another school. As far as medical school, I do believe their stats for getting students in is one of the highest in the state. They have very good advising for this and if you follow the program, your chances of success are good. The reasons my DD picked UTD over these 2 schools as well as others was the merit money, the location in Dallas - for internships as well as social, the flexibility of choice - in her case taking an art minor and a smaller school environment. What really impressed us about UTD was the fact they really wanted her and had professors/administrators communicate with her as an individual vs just a number. Small private schools do this but it is very rare for a larger public school.
Again, I would recommend applying to all 3 and maybe try to narrow down your preferred area of study to try to make the decision easier.
A&M - middle of nowhere
TT - also middle of nowhere
UTD - north of a large city
There are museum districts in DFW. Dining districts. Performing arts districts. Various sport venues. Tons of malls. Many company headquarters. Just more opportunities right at your fingertips.
A&M - very little merit scholarship
TT - merit scholarship levels 36K/24K/21K
UTD - merit scholarship levels 71K/55K/24K
of course if you’re getting grants from the government, it’s a different story.
so unless you want an engineering branch that UTD doesn’t have, i’d go with UTD.
@GTAustin, which art minor is your daughter doing?
It would be visual art. She has done an AP 2D art portfolio at HS, so she wants to dive in with taking sculpture next fall. She has an interest in many of the classes that they offer. Funny though, she has no interest in the ATEC area, too much of a purist. She is majoring in CS and we did find it hard to find a university that would allow that major and allow her to take art classes as well. UTD gives her that opportunity.
@GTAustin, excellent. Actually given how weak the art programs are at UTD, a non-art student can have a major part in the art scene. My son is not in the visual arts, but in the performing arts as a hobby. And since UTD does not have a strong music/theater program, he’s managed to do quite well. I suspect it’s the same for the visual arts.
And probably good thing that she stayed away from ATEC.
What is nice about UTD and visual arts, none of the classes are restricted to majors only. So my DD can take sculpture, printmaking, photography as well drawing and painting. Even in HS, she couldn’t mix 2D with 3D. She is looking forward to trying some new things.