<p>Yes… currently I am torn between two colleges and although this is the UT Austin thread, I wish people would reply with their most un-biased opinions ;)</p>
<p>I got into UT Austin, but I got denied into my first and second choice, which were pre-pharmacy and biochemistry, and I got into the college of Undeclared instead… However I am 100% sure that I want to do pre-pharmacy and an admissions counselor said I could switch into the College of Natural Sciences after the 1st semester. </p>
<p>On the other hand, I also got into the GPPA (Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions) at the University of Illinois at Chicago. For those who are unfamiliar with it, it is a program that guarantees you a spot into their Pharmacy school, provided that you maintain a 3.5 minimum gpa and take the PCAT with a decent score. </p>
<p>Campus:</p>
<p>I visited both campuses, and I loved UT’s. To me, it had such a “college-feel” to it, and the people there were really friendly to me. Also, from just 1 day of a tour, I knew UT was a place that always had something going on…I like that. However, I’m kind of intimidated by the notorious HOT TEXAN WEATHER! (lol, I know that’s a dumb reason but I have lived in Chicago my whole life so most of what I know is wind, rain, and snow haha) Also, I’m worried that by attending UT, I will be forever disassociating myself from the rest of my family and my friends that I have known my whole life… I mean, I will probably end up getting a job in Texas if I go to UT, and I will probably never return to Chicago afterwards… However, a part of me also welcomes the new atmosphere, the chance to start fresh in a foreign place.</p>
<p>UIC was another story-- although it is located in Chicago, 1 mile from the Sears tower and it’s really close to the Lakeshore, the campus did nothing to me. When I toured it, I couldn’t feel a connection to it; I couldn’t imagine myself there for 8 years lol. The architecture is drab and the people I met there were not very pleasant. But it is guaranteed admissions into their Pharmacy school which is ranked #7 in the country. I don’t know whether or not I should overlook how I feel about UIC’s campus since it has given me a safety net.</p>
<p>Financially, I’d be paying:</p>
<p>UT Austin: $25,936/yr
UIC: $ 26,214/yr</p>
<p>So, pretty much the same. (I calculated based off of the housing plan I liked lol)</p>
<p>Illinois, for those those of you who dont know is also in severe debt, and I’m worried that’s going to affect future job opportunities/tuition increases. Texas, from what I know is totally not in debt and has plenty of jobs. </p>
<p>I feel like I sound very pro-UT Austin right now, but inside, I still feel very attached to Illinois. I feel like my attachment towards my home is translating into a reason to go to UIC, but I need someone to tell me whether or not this is not a good reason/to grow up and go to UT!!</p>
<p>I need some fresh opinions. Please give me some insight/help me!!</p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>