The University of Texas - Austin

After one year here, I can honestly say that attending this school has been the worst decision I have ever made. The classes here are a joke--My AP classes were harder than some courses are taken here. I am not challenged, even in some of my upper division classes. Although there are some great professors, they are few and far between. Most are just researchers with no passion or understanding of how to teach. This university focuses on graduate studies and research. I agree with some of the previous comments about diversity--it just isn't here. As a white male, even I can see the racial fragmentation. Forget about having friends of a different skin color, most of the students cluster with their own races.

The housing situation is terrible. The on-campus residence halls are horribly expensive, and very dilapidated (except for the two upper-class dorms Duren and San Jacinto). The student body itself is strongly anti-intellectual. If you are someone interested in poetry, modern art, or postmodernism this is not the place for you. Also, if you are an introvert this university is your worst nightmare. In fact, you should probably escape Texas in general. I've found that most of the negative stereotypes about this state actually are true here at UT. I'm amazed at how overrated this school is simply because of the football team and athletics. As a liberal arts student, I feel like a third-class citizen; we get less scholarships, funding, teachers, etc. The business school is blatantly catered to, followed by the hard sciences. If you are looking for a well-rounded education this is not the place for you. Also, the honors programs within Liberal Arts are highly overrated. Most of the people in Plan II are pretentious and manipulative. The LAH students are somewhat better, but much more insecure. I see a lot of broken spirits here. If you're happy at UT, chances are it's because your family has money or you do a lot of drugs. Don't let the surrounding city fool you--there isn't that much to do in Austin if you don't like 6th street or alcohol.

If you have the chance to go somewhere else, do not attend this school. Don't let money stop you. Sure, the difference in tuition between here and a private school may seem like a lot, but that's before all the therapy sessions you'll need after spending a year at UT. You only get one shot at freshman year--don't blow it at UT. This school will take all faith you had in humanity and crush your dreams in the process. If you are accepted anywhere else, attend that school. You can always transfer to a better school--which is what you'd be doing anyways after you realize how much of a nightmare UT is. Seriously, don't go here. You'll regret it.But hey, the weather's nice.

1st Year Male -- Class 2011

Campus Aesthetics: A-, Individual Value: F

The advertising grad department is ruled by a Chairman that not too many people admire or respect (Although I didn't think she is a terrible person). She could improve on her teaching skills by a lot though.

The professors in general are unhappy and it shows. Professors do not grade based on reality - since it is advertising everything is subjective and professors grade based on their opinion. If they don't like you, then they give you lame grades. Professors will bring your grades down out of nowhere without sufficient evidence or reason on purpose only so that you go to them feeling sad and helpless..., what a waste, it is a tactic they do to make you feel bad about yourself. Why do they have to do that if it is such a good department and program? Sounds ruthless and unethical. That is why I decided not to waste my cash and time there. I realized what they were doing and it wasn't good for me.

The students in the program are two faced and deceptive. Smiling and friendly one moment and the next they are talking behind your back or making up stories to make you look bad. Yes, this is like junior high all over again. A lot of the students are envious of each other and bitter...but for what reason? Is that really educational? Is that really what you think of when it comes to advertising, a creative and fun field. Would you pay thousands of dollars for that?

Lectures are usually of poor to average quality.
Waste of money. Overrated department. Overrated, small,and unfriendly student organizations. Overrated campus - not as beautiful as people say. Most people are rude and it is practically impossible to form friends since it is so competitive.Good luck

1st Year Female -- Class 2009

Useful Schoolwork: B+, Education Quality: F