I’m debating between UT Austin, UT Dallas, and UH. As a national merit semifinalist (and most likely finalist), I’m very likely to get full rides for either UH or UTD, but not UTA(which will more likely than not give me little to no financial aid). Does UTD have any advantage over UH in terms of Pre-Med? I hear UTA is more prestigious and recognizable than the former two, but would the cost be worth it?
UTA is UT Arlington but yes, UT Austin is more selective, is higher ranked and has more name recognition and better alumni network than UTD and UH.
As far as pre-Med, you can do it at any place, it wouldn’t make much difference. All three have too many students on pre-Med track and weeding out/competition is serious. With no aid at either and full ride for merit scholars at UTD and UH, those two make more sense.
If it comes down to a higher academic rigor and overall college experience, UT Austin is a flagship and offers more opportunities. It would be a better place if you changed your field to something you liked better in college or if you couldn’t make it to medical school.
That being said, UT makes little financial sense so unless parents can pay comfortably, go with UH or UTD. UH is more of a full college experience compared to UTD. UNT, UTSA, UTA, A&M or Texas Tech are other public options with merit.
You should also look at Baylor or TCU, both offer good merit and as smaller private schools, you’ll get more support. Baylor’s pre-Med track is very strong.
Rice is a long shot for anyone but they have some merit and aid is very generous. You can have a solid undergrad education there. Austin College, SMU and Trinity should give good merit but probably not full ride.
What are you looking for in a college, other than full ride and a decent pre-Med track?
Truly, affordability and a decent pre-med program are the biggest factors in my decision. Smaller class sizes would be appreciated and a good chem program too (since that’s my choice major).
Class sizes can be looked up on the colleges’ class schedule web pages.
But if the college has lots of pre-meds, you may find that the typical pre-med courses are large.
Exactly. I wouldn’t recommend large public schools with thousands on pre-Med track. It gets too crowded for everything, from housing, classes, scheduling, research, weed out, LORs, internship recommendation, advising etc. If there are too many Asians there like at UTD than it becomes even tougher. You’ll be better served at smaller schools.