By Corrina Taylor
Staff Writer
Ever since freshman year, students have the illusion that senior year would be the year; it would be a year to slack off, filled with no regrets. What previous seniors did not share is the amount of work it would take to apply to college.
First, students have to find places that they are interested in, find out prices and more about the college, visit them and then apply. It is timely work picking out the right college fit and therefore many apply to multiple schools.
There are a lot of contributing factors that go into picking a college: the tuition, attractions around the college, the majors they offer and SAT scores necessary.
Texas A&M: Deadline for application- Jan. 15, 2013.
Texas A&M University, starting at $8,506 for tuition, initially established as an agricultural school, has now blossomed into a large university that offers a wide variety of majors. It has the hint of Texan twang; most people there drive pick up trucks and greet each other by saying “Howdy.” It is known for its agriculture programs and veterinary medicine programs as well.
One of the most prominent things about A&M is it’s contagious school spirit. The class ring is used to display their school spirit, and most graduates still wear their ring with pride. They also have the 12th man, which is a big part of the campus, and of course it’s mascot Reveille.
“In terms of tradition few schools can compare,” 2010 graduate Blake Taylor said. “From Silver Taps, to Muster held worldwide to remember and celebrate the lives of fallen Aggies, the elephant walk, to the Core of Cadets and the 12th man family there are few campuses with such tradition and sense of unity as Texas A&M.”
In order to contain all of that spirit the campus is spread out, and bus transportation is necessary to get to some buildings. This makes it harder to get around campus and some students have an issue with walking or driving to class from where they live
Automatic acceptance requires a minimum composite score of 1110 or be in the top 10 percent of the school. The application requires two essays, one about someone important in life, and the other about a political issue of importance to the individual. There is also an optional personal essay included in the application and the overall fee is $75.
Texas Tech: Deadline for application- Aug. 1, 2013.
Tech may be next in price, but it is above in the small town feel. Tech is secluded in the wild west of Lubbock; the biggest thing in Lubbock is the school itself.
“I like going to Tech because of the Lubbock community,” 2010 CHS graduate Charlie Ostrovich said. “Lubbock gets you away from the Dallas city life and is a great place to house a college campus.”
However, once you get out of the university, there are great places to visit such as Prairie Dog Town (an entire park used to house prairie dogs), Joyland Amusement Park and Stars & Stripes drive-in theatre. Priced at $8,942 and with an composite SAT minimum of 1010 and application fee of $60, Tech is especially known for it’s engineering courses like petro technology and future energy needs.
It comes up close with it’s traditions that include the mysterious Masked Rider, the victory bells and their famous homecoming. It will be an easy transition to Tech for someone at CHS who especially loves the homecoming tradition.
“At Tech everyone is friendly and there are numerous activities the campus has to offer,” Ostrovich said. “I have met many friends and done things I couldn’t dream of like studying abroad in Spain or being part of a crazy student section for Tech home football games.”
For those who want a more laid back and fun college experience, Tech would be the opportune place to apply. Their rambunctious attitudes fit perfectly with their motto Fight, Raiders, Fight! And football games can be quite hectic at times.
University of Texas: Deadline for application- Dec. 1, 2012
UT is filled with crowded places, giant classrooms and numerous students. It is a school that, for the most part, labels their students as a number instead of an individual because of it’s large student population. In fact it has the largest enrollment of any college in Texas. This can be considered a positive for students who want to lay low in their class and do not feel the need to be best buddies with their professors.
UT is slightly more expensive starting at $9,792; but UT is centered in Austin, which is home to so many attractions and people. Known for “Keep Austin Weird” there are some interesting people around this area. Some hangouts include Austin City Limits Live, the State Capitol and the Barton Springs pool.
“The only way to describe the campus is ‘happening’,” 2012 CHS graduate Priya Gupta said. “One can always find something to do, and the quality of professors and the willingness of everyone in Austin to help you out is outstanding. It’s no wonder that UT has grown to become the one of the best public universities in the world.”
The campus itself is huge, and cars are optional to use to drive around certain parts of the campus due to its enormous size. Students can take advantage of UT’s recognized school of architecture. It also has a well-known rivalry with A&M that has recently ended because of the Aggies leaving the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference, but that does not mean they lack in it’s spirit. Mascot Bevo inspires UT’s students to “Hook ‘em.”
To apply the fee is $75, and minimum composite score is 1120. The application essays are the same as A&M and Tech when students apply on ApplyTexas.org.
Baylor: Deadline for application- Feb. 1, 2013
Between UT and Baylor University there is a huge price jump to $33,716. Baylor is considered one of the most beautiful campuses in Texas by students, there are a lot of trees and land for students to lie out and study or just hang out.
“It’s a great size to where you get the big school benefits, like exciting football games and big crowds, but with a small school feel on campus. Baylor does a great job of meshing faith and academics to help students find their place here and beyond,” 2010 CHS graduate Tannah DeLoach said.
For those who want to leave campus every once in a while, there is a Dr Pepper museum, Hawaiian Falls waterpark and a zoo close by to keep your weekends full. Which is why one of their traditions includes the Dr Pepper hour. There is also the Baylor band and the immortal ten (the ten football players who died in 1927 due to a train hitting their bus). Baylor has a great band and musical program and includes some of the best musical teachers.
As well as music Baylor is known for its college of medicine in Houston and also the fact it is the largest Baptist school in the world. For those who wish to be in a more religious university this would be the place to go. Those interested in applying the minimum SAT score is 1130 with no required essays or fee, and remember to “sic ‘em.”
Rice: Deadline for application- Jan. 1, 2013
As the most expensive school at $37,1292 with an application fee of $75, it can be quite intimidating when applying to this college. With good reasons, Rice University is known for its academics. One of its traditions includes the academic seal and logo as well as its mascot Sammy the Owl, to emphasize its knowledge for the world. This is also why it’s known for their political science, social sciences and humanities.
This is the most challenging college in Texas. The minimum SAT score is 1330, way above all the other college’s minimums. It is an old, beautiful campus. Outside of school there are many attractions such as the Aurora Picture Show ( a non-profit cinema that features new artists) and the famous 300 Houston (a popular bowling alley).
This school is recommended to those who are serious about their college education and those who want to learn and to be recognized in the world for their prestigious college. It is difficult to get in, and expensive, but in the end it is worth it because of the education that it offers.
This was just a brief collection of information on an assortment of schools, in order to gain more information about the colleges log online to each university’s individual website.
