<p>My son and I visited UT this past weekend and as we left he was dead set on going there. He will be applying this upcoming summer as he will be graduating high school in 2012. He goes to a huge 5A high school here in Houston, and is in the top percent of his high school, is in several AP classes, and is involved in a lot of activities. So he has auto admittance. He does really well in all sciences, especially biology and anatomy. He is thinking about applying to the College of Natural Sciences specializing in Bachelor of Sciences in Human Biology, and then going on to medical school after. He is still deciding, but this seems to be the most logical major to pursue. Does this seem like the best major for him? What about Biology Honors? Also we visited Jester and San Jacinto Dorms, he was not to impressed with Jester and really really like San Jacinto. Everyone has been saying that Jester is a good choice for freshman because of the social aspect. Is the social aspect in San Jacinto a problem? Also what about Duren? I have heard it is really nice. What are some good back ups if he does not get accepted into these dorms? Sorry for all the questions, I am a newbie to the UT experience. Thanks for all the help ahead of time guys!</p>
<p>For med school, a very important factor is GPA. So as long as he majors in something he enjoys, he should be fine. Dean’s Scholars (Natural Science Honors) is pretty competitive. He can try applying for that. Deans Honors students can take almost any honors class (in any department or major under natural sciences) they want. </p>
<p>Dorms.
San Jacinto and Duren are obviously nicer. They are also more expensive. About 25% more expensive to be exact. For me, I have no problem with community bath. I use the community bathroom maybe 2-3 times a day. I just don’t see why I would pay $2000 more for a private one.</p>
<p>Jester is the “most social.” Although you can be antisocial and still live peacefully (unless you are unlucky and live RIGHT next to the elevator entry). Jester is closer to food, the library, and the gym. There is also a notorious very steep hill one must climb if someone lives in San Jac.</p>
<p>Most upperclassmen are favored over freshman in the Duren/San Jac assignment. But some freshman (auto admits) do get Duren/San Jac. Duren is the newest dorm. Backups would probably be the honors dorms. Most people get placed in Jester (2,000+ residents). Depending on his major, which would be natural sciences, I would say Jester is a little bit closer (if distance is a factor).</p>
<p>I hope this helps!</p>
<p>I am a current UT freshman.</p>
<p>Schedule a tour with College of Natural Sciences. Go to a Dean’s Scholar information session. Inquire about Health Science Honors. Lots of choices on where to live. If he wants on campus housing, apply to university the day the application opens. As soon as application is complete, apply for housing. He will then be in great standing for housing.</p>
<p>Thanks for the help guys! Ace what is the notorious hill? Isn’t Dean Scholars really really hard to get in to? Do you guys know when he can begin his application? I know the they are open to send in August 1st and are due by December 1st, but when are you able to start on them? Thanks again guys!</p>
<p>I’ll field the “notorious hill” question – there’s a hill that goes up from the stadium area past San Jac and all the way up 21st Street to Jester… it’s pretty steep and you always see cyclists huffing and puffing or pushing their bikes trying to make their way up the street.</p>
<p>The hill really isn’t all that bad. I’m a transfer sophomore. I’ve lived in San Jac all of this year. It was a little tough for a week or so, but once you get used to it, you hardly even notice the hill anymore. But you will have to trek up it to get to most of the core classes, as they’ll normally be close to the tower off of 21st. San Jac definitely has the best food in Cypress Bend, but if you’re a late-night snacker, the Wendy’s in Jester is open until 4 AM every night. Everywhere else will normally close by 11, some by 7-9. I haven’t lived in Jester, but I really love the private. The only drawback is that you do have to buy your own toiletries; toilet paper, etc. The shower in the room is nice as well. You don’t have to walk across the hall every morning to take a shower. Just hop out of bed and get in the shower. </p>
<p>Jester is closer to the action, but many of my friends say they get the prison feel from it. Hallways are pretty cramped, etc. San Jac is much nicer, but it’s a little farther from central campus and a lot of the action. San Jac is also about $2000 more/year. It’s just a decision between tradeoffs. There are people who love them both.</p>