noimagination

Okay, the title was hyperbole and the answer is probably no. But it seems quite clear to me that UT-Dallas could use a bit more attention. Let's compare it to some far better-known and higher-ranked publics in the state of Texas (in order: UT-Dallas, UT-Austin, Texas A&M):

Percentage accepted:
54% | 44% | 70%

SAT Critical Reading:
550 - 670 | 540 - 660 | 520 - 630
Math:
590 - 700 | 570 - 690 | 560 - 670
Writing:
530 - 650 | 540 - 670 | 500 - 610

ACT Composite Scores:
24 - 30 | 24 - 30 | 23 - 29

Non-Texans might want to take a look too; here's UT-Dallas | Penn State | UCSD:

Percentage accepted:
54% | 51% | 42%

SAT Critical Reading:
550 - 670 | 530-630 | 540-660
Math:
590 - 700 | 570-670 | 600-710
Writing:
530 - 650 | N/A | 560-670

ACT Composite Scores:
24 - 30 | N/A | 24-30

Now, UT-Dallas is much smaller (~9500 undergrads), newer (est. 1969), and less well-known than most of these other choices. But for those interested in the areas it performs best in (CS, physical sciences, engineering, math, business), it just might be a hidden gem. The scholarship opportunities are pretty impressive too:
Just something to chew on...

MomofWildChild

Depends what you want out of your college experience. I think the academics are pretty strong, but it is an ugly campus in a Dallas suburb without much student life. Plus, it simply doesn't have the reputation of UT Austin or even A&M. It is no hidden gem.

thegoogler

UTD looks good on paper, but UT austin is still miles ahead of it.
Do you know of the top 10 rule in texas? If your in the top 10% of your graduating class in any texas school you have guaranteed admission into any public school including UT austin.

I live in Texas and UTD is mainly for students who didn't want to couldn't do the CAP program -( you go to another UT campus (excluding UTD) for 1 year and then go to Austin)

Also OOS

UT admission is 80% Top 10 texan and like 15% Top half Texan, 5% OOS

next year its changing so that only the top 8% can get guaranteed admin into UT austin so more room for everyone else

Erin's Dad

UTD has done a good job of appealing to students who do well on standardized tests with less accomplished high school records (80% top 10% vs. 40% top 10%). I have to give them props for following through on their plan. If you are a person who believes you get a good education by being in the mix with smart students, then this would be a hidden gem.

noimagination

I think that "pretty strong" academics, high score ranges, and perk-heavy merit scholarships qualify it as hidden gem. Whether that gem is polished or not depends on individual needs.

MomofWildChild

You are in Alaska. I lived 10 miles from UT-Dallas for 28 years. It is a good school for certain students and has a tech-bent. It is NOT a hidden gem. It is completely overshadowed by the two top state universities.

noimagination

How do you define "hidden gem"?

bird rock

The title may have been exaggeration but not hyperbole.

crs1909

Yeah, UTD kinda sucks. The campus is ugly, the students aren't very social and the school isn't that strong in the humanities or business.

When I think hidden gem in Texas, I think of basically Trinity and to a lesser extent, Southwestern.

missypie

What MomofWildChild said.

MontgomeryBurns

A few comments:

See Construction Plans Will Build on Recent Successes - UT Dallas News for information on UTD's current construction projects including the new freshmen dorms, new dining hall, and new the math and science learning center. Try driving by the campus sometime soon. You'll be pleasantly surprised at all the updates.

UT Dallas' full-time MBA program was ranked this past year as a top 50 program (#49) according to US News and World Report. SMU was ranked #47.

Before you start slamming an institution I recommend doing a little research.

MomofWildChild

I'm not slamming it. It is what it is. It has some great math/science programs in particular. It is trying to develop more of a campus-feel, but the fact remains that it is ugly and is in a northern suburb of Dallas with a large percentage of commuting students. If you are a commuting student looking for a reasonably priced education- particularly in the science fields, go for it.

pierre0913

The University Of Texas At Dallas
Academics:
"A techie Mecca with a growing reputation in numerous academic fields, University of Texas at Dallas is the perfect place for “a serious student to get an excellent education and [to] meet other students with similar goals, ideals, and passions.” A true community of scholars, “instructors believe in their students’ potential and often describe the UTD student body as ‘brilliant.’” In the classroom, this translates into an environment of mutual respect, and one in which lively discussions enhance the learning experience.” The school’s programs in engineering and science are highly reputed; however, across disciplines, “professors are intensely knowledgeable in their subject matter and present thought-provoking, informative lectures.” On the flip side, the faculty is highly research-oriented, and some professors “are about as exciting as watching milk curdle. Thankfully, these are few and far between.” Academic advising is not a strong suit at UTD; however, if you are struggling or need some advice, “most professors will make time to answer questions and stay after class; they will even review exams if you feel grading is unfair or not a good representation of your knowledge.”

Student Body:
"One of the nicest aspects of attending UTD is “the sense of belongingness that comes from being around like-minded people; no one here feels that he or she is the only one who enjoys, say, organic chemistry.” A sophomore adds, “Students at UTD are friendly and generally open-minded as well. Being a unique, creative, and atypical person myself, I’ve found that these traits are admired by the general populace of the Richardson/Dallas area, and walking around wearing a big, hot pink Mohawk can draw some very positive attention!” On this intellectual and “multi-ethnic campus,” “students are typically more mature individuals, having a large number of graduate students and doctoral candidates interacting with and mentoring undergraduates.” In addition, “there also seems to be more adult students here, with families and jobs, many professional.”

Campus Life:
"UTD students proudly describe their college community as “a place for nerds to call home!” On this studious campus, “student life is very subdued,” and most students “seem to be quiet, nerdy types who constantly have studying and internships on the brain.” If you aren’t the typical bookworm, you don’t have to scratch UT Dallas off the list; “there are plenty of areas for the students here to find where they fit in, be it with students in the medical field, a fraternity or sorority, philanthropy, student government, [or] the arts.” Many students commute to school, and there are currently no dormitories (campus “housing is apartment style”) nor student meal plans. New residence and dining halls are under construction, though, and expected to be complete in summer 2009. Students like the fact that their school affords “a good amount of freedom and independence to students.” Right off campus, the surrounding town of Richardson offers “a lot of malls, movie theaters, bowling alleys, and restaurants,” but “it’s pretty dead in terms of culture or nightlife.” Fortunately, the world-class city of Dallas is just a stone’s throw away."

noimagination

^ I guess UTD made it into the Princeton Review...

Anyway, I didn't make this thread seriously intending to argue that UTD is better than UT Austin or Texas A&M. Rather, I want to highlight a choice that might offer what some are looking for at a great price.