What is UTD like (especially for undecided students)?

Colleges and Universities A-Z The University of Texas Schools (Other Than Austin
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So I have a few questions:

  1. Would it be difficult to get to classes on time without a car? I heard that there are bus cards, but are rides unlimited?
  2. Are there any places I could go for the weekend to relax and have fun without a car? Or with the bus card? (Bookstore, Starbucks or cute coffee shops, etc.)
  3. Does UTD help undecided students find their way (especially if they’re leaning more towards science majors)?
  4. I know UTD is mostly science-centered, but are there are classes/extracurriculars for creative writing? I saw that there are poetry readings and art shows, but not much else. Extracurriculars for photography?
  5. If I study hard but get easily distracted, will it be difficult for me to maintain a 4.8+ GPA? If I decide to go to this school my first year, I’d like to transfer for my sophomore year. As a HS senior, I have 6 AP classes (some semester classes). For the first semester, I maintained all A’s, although I was close to a B at some points in two classes. The majority of students decide to go to community college at my current school, and I didn’t do so well when I went to a school ranked #3 most difficult in a Northern state (a C and a mix of A’s and B’s).

Thank you!

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Transportation - UTD students do get free Dallas bus/train passes. There is no limit on their use. You do have to get a new one each semester and it can take a week or two to get it. With this pass, you can get from the airport to the school, to downtown Dallas, and lots of other places. Check out the DART system on online.

The school also have UTD shuttles that have several routes in surrounding neighborhoods. There are numerous apartment building on the shuttle routes that will take you to the school. They also go to local shopping centers that include Target, Walmart and many restaurants. Bikes are always good as well. The area is flat and there are many things within biking distance including a good coffee shop, The Pearl Cup. There is also a good Half Price Bookstore within biking distance.

As far as coming in undecided, the first year is alot of GE requirements. If you have a general idea, you could start taking introductory classes. It is easy to switch majors at UTD.

I don’t know much about creative writing but the fine art classes are open to everybody. There could be prereqs though. My DD is in CS but is taking classes both in business and an upper level fine art class with the instructors approval. They are flexible in allowing you to take courses in multiple areas.

Their GPA system is a 4.0 with +/-. An A is 4.0, A- is 3.75, B+ is 3.25 and so on. It is harder than HS or CC. If you make a 92 that is only worth 3.75 not 4.0. My DD never made less than an A in HS and her first semester she worked very hard for a B+ in one class. MY DD says her fellow students are very smart and focused on school. You will work hard for your grades there.