u/mochalisa71

assuming cost isn't too big of a factor (30k at ut vs ~85k at usc). i just want to get some advice before committing/spending $$

how collaborative is UT engineering? i've heard that it's pretty competitive to join technical orgs (esp TREL/LHR/etc)-- is it as bad as people say? i was a bit disappointed to hear about the (allegedly!) cutthroat atmosphere, i def got the opposite vibe at usc when i toured (it's way easier to get involved in those opportunities according to students).

emphasis on non-engineering interests-- is it very difficult to take non-engineering/non-required classes? eg, if i wanted to take rtf classes just for fun? i really liked how usc has the engineering+ curriculum where students can take non-major classes as electives starting from freshman year.

all this being said, i'm not sure if all of these differences are worth the usc tuition. i'd love any advice from people who have chose ut over smaller private schools for engineering as well (+ the reasons why other than cost). thx!

assuming cost isn't too big of a factor (30k at ut vs ~85k at usc). i just want to get some advice before committing/spending $$

1. how collaborative is UT engineering? i've heard that it's pretty competitive to join technical orgs (esp TREL/LHR/etc)-- is it as bad as people say? i was a bit disappointed to hear about the (allegedly!) cutthroat atmosphere, i def got the opposite vibe at usc when i toured (it's way easier to get involved in those opportunities according to students).
2. emphasis on non-engineering interests-- is it very difficult to take non-engineering/non-required classes? eg, if i wanted to take rtf classes just for fun? i really liked how usc has the engineering+ curriculum where students can take non-major classes as electives starting from freshman year.
3. austin vs la: i definitely don't see myself living in texas long-term/after i graduate (as great as austin is!). do the majority of cockrell students continue living in texas after their undergrad?

all this being said, i'm not sure if all of these differences are worth the usc tuition. i'd love any advice from people who have chose ut over smaller private schools for engineering as well (+ the reasons why other than cost). thx!