Back from Texas! Five days, nine colleges

Here’s a quick overview of five institutions I saw in the Lone Star State:

Rice University: Students are not admitted by major (except for architecture and music), and there is no need to declare a major until the second semester sophomore year declaration deadline. Choose courses from 3 distribution groups (like clusters) that students must complete by senior year. House system (think Harry Potter) will be expanding from 11 to 13 residential colleges.

Texas Christian University: Ranked “Happiest Students” by Princeton Review. Beautiful campus, big sports culture. One out of every three students are in the Neely School of Business. Undecided students who really want business should apply to business first because it’s tough to transfer in. Lockheed Martin offers many internships and jobs to engineering students. Possible to double major across colleges. 1/3 of the curriculum is liberal arts-based to build strong critical thinking skills.

Southwestern University: Very selective, regionally respected, the oldest college in Texas (1840) is older than the state itself (1845). Only 28 miles north of Austin, 11th largest city in the US. Personal attention emphasized; 6 advisors for every 375 students. First year seminars are purely interdisciplinary (chocolate course taught by Bio teacher covers economics, psychology, marketing and culture). Exceptional Southwestern study abroad program in London; study away in NYC and DC. Great outdoor adventure opportunities!

Austin College: No adjunct professors. 97% faculty are tenured/tenured track. 90% applicants admitted to health sciences programs. New Master of Medical Science Physician programs is first year didactic; second year clinical rotation. Texas Instruments has made a  34 billion dollar investment in local infrastructure. Largest telescope in North Texas!

University of Texas at Austin: The state flagship now autoadmits the top 5% of Texas high school graduates. 90%of students must be from Texas legally. Under 10% OOS are admitted. Jester Residence Hall alone houses over 3,000 residents. New EA deadline is 10/15. Submit your housing application right after applying!