University of Texas Supreme Court case

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Life isn't fair?

Good. Tell that to Miss Fischer.

I think the core of the argument comes down to this: what is the purpose of a state university?

[shirley1929]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

Um, how about the fact that that would be totally unfair to students from less advantaged backgrounds?

I see where you're going with this...but aren't there bands, sports, teachers, writing, leadership opportunities, etc... in almost every public school in America? And if they somehow missed your school, isn't that what your essay is for - to talk about who you are and how that affected you?

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

I think the core of the argument comes down to this: what is the purpose of a state university?

I'm curious as to how the other academically demanding/strict admissions state schools handle this (I'm thinking UVa, Michigan, etc...etc...)? Clearly this isn't an issue that is unique to UT/A&M?

I do think the Tier I situation will get better in Texas over the next decade or so (thus alleviating the pressures), but there's clearly no right answer here.

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by shirley1929

I do think the Tier I situation will get better in Texas over the next decade or so (thus alleviating the pressures), but there's clearly no right answer here.

I hope so.

IIRC, UH has been named Tier 1 by one measure, and is likely to be the next "official" Tier 1 university in the state.

I know UTA, UTD, UNT, and Tech are all fighting hard to fill in the other spots. I hope we have another one pop up soon.

[shirley1929]

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

I hope so.

IIRC, UH has been named Tier 1 by one measure, and is likely to be the next "official" Tier 1 university in the state.

I know UTA, UTD, UNT, and Tech are all fighting hard to fill in the other spots. I hope we have another one pop up soon.

UH probably has an identity complex to overcome before the masses see it as a Tier I - definitely seen (to the general 18 year old population) as a commuter school. "Cougar High"! (speaking as a former Houstonian...)

In my mind, Tech is the next logical one. UTSA is working on it as well, but I think it still falls into the same commuter image bucket as UTD, UTA, UH, etc...

I should clarify by saying just because a school has a commuter image doesn't mean it can't be a Tier I (they are not mutually exclusive) but I do think an academically above average 18 year old looking for a true "college experience" would hone in on Austin and College Station before (near) downtown Houston.

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by shirley1929

UH probably has an identity complex to overcome before the masses see it as a Tier I - definitely seen (to the general 18 year old population) as a commuter school. "Cougar High"! (speaking as a former Houstonian...)

FYI - The link I was talking about
http://www.uh.edu/about/tier-one/

I have heard the opposite about UH. Interesting.

In my mind, Tech is the next logical one. UTSA is working on it as well, but I think it still falls into the same commuter image bucket as UTD, UTA, UH, etc...

I should clarify by saying just because a school has a commuter image doesn't mean it can't be a Tier I (they are not mutually exclusive) but I do think an academically above average 18 year old looking for a true "college experience" would hone in on Austin and College Station before (near) downtown Houston.

I think UTSA should be last in line. I think it's the most "commuter" of the bunch (I think it has the lowest admissions criteria as well). If any of the others I listed make it anytime soon, though, I'll be pleased.

[shirley1929]

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

FYI - The link I was talking about
http://www.uh.edu/about/tier-one/

That's exciting for UH!

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

I have heard the opposite about UH. Interesting.

That's great (I'm serious) that you've heard the opposite! It means the perception is changing. I haven't lived in Houston in over 10 years, but I can tell you that back then, there was not much over by UH (except TSU across the street, and it was a far more developed/active campus area) so people who went to school there, didn't live anywhere nearby.

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

I think UTSA should be last in line. I think it's the most "commuter" of the bunch (I think it has the lowest admissions criteria as well). If any of the others I listed make it anytime soon, though, I'll be pleased.

Again goes back to perception. UTSA is playing DI sports now (joining Conference USA next year, I believe?), so they're getting much more press these days. I'm sure if I lived in DFW, I'd say the same about UTD and UTA, but I still see them as more commuter than UTSA.

Agreed that if ANY of them get Tier I soon, I'd be doing backflips...I already am about UH!

[HQWest]

Originally Posted by knight_shadow

FYI - The link I was talking about
http://www.uh.edu/about/tier-one/

I have heard the opposite about UH. Interesting.



I think UTSA should be last in line. I think it's the most "commuter" of the bunch (I think it has the lowest admissions criteria as well). If any of the others I listed make it anytime soon, though, I'll be pleased.

I think you are comparing apples and oranges here. The Tier 1 Carnegie classifications have to do with the number of graduate degrees given, research dollars brought in, etc.. It is not affected by quality of undergraduate education or the undergraduate experience. So UH could be doing top notch research though medical programs or a research institute but this may not affect their undgergrads much. Some of their ease of access and surge in research can be done through collaboration or funding from Houston companies (which might explain how they got there before Tech).
Look for UT-Arlington to be moving up fast in both areas though