<p>We visited TTU in Lubbock, Texas with DS, who wants a full-college experience, including football, sports, nice campus, good academics.<br>
We were not expecting to get that at Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas, but were very pleasantly surprised. Although the surrounding town is not much to look at, the campus was lovely, green and lush and well laid-out. Sculptures dotted the campus, along with beautiful fountains, and lovely buildings. We took a tour with a very enthusiastic student volunteer, who showed us around in the 100 degree heat. Standout buildings included the new Student Center - with a internal pedestrian corridor w/little shops on each side, including a computer repair, Barnes and Noble, bank, wireless phone, computer sales, quick restuarants, and theater, numerous nooks and areas for studying, a wonderful Rec Center - with the now obligatory climbing wall, inside track, pool, raquetball, etc., and library, built like a stack of books turned on end, with a lovely cool lobby with fountain and casual seating areas.<br>
Admissions Dept. was kind enough to call over to the Engineering department, and, even though it was "new student orientation", they managed schedule us a visit with the engineering advisor. He was extremely enthusiastic, and spent almost an hour with us, showing us the various student labs, and discussing all the cool co-op, research and internship programs available to students. We were also able to meet with an equally enthusiastic Honors college advisor, who touted the benefits of the program. (Priority registration, 1-2 smaller classes per semester, special advising, research ops, special study-abroad, honors dorm, etc.) My son was most excited about some of the non-academic things.. (The student ID serves as free ticket to all football, basketball, etc. games!) Honors dorms include ensuite bathroom, and shared living area between 2 bedrooms - and are centrally located on campus. Tech has also built upperclassman apartments, and some that are available to freshman, also.
Scholarships are good - for NMS and non-NMS alike. It is rumored that there will be changes to the scholarship program in October, so we will be keeping out eyes on that. All in all, a nice alternative to our flagship state school (UT Austin), and other big rival (A & M - which I did not like at all!!!!!).</p>