College admissions is competitive,

Well, UT is enormous, so there are plenty of popular perceptions. The biggest one is probably the partying one, since we are typically ranked in the top party schools. I can't deny that, as far as I know, there are a lot of parties - many by frats and sororities - and that, if a party is what you desire, there are always options available for you. That said, it's really easy to avoid (I have never felt pressured to go to a party, and the few I have been to have been for my honors organizations). UT handles its party safety issues pretty practically. Similarly, while burnt orange does abound here, it's also quite simple and acceptable to hold little to no school spirit at all. The school is so big that you can find any stereotype - or not - that you want.

Pretty okay! (And I DEFINITELY recommend living on campus at least one year, by the way. DEFINITELY.) I was in the Honors Quad, which is a group of 3 (sort of 4) dorms in the northern area of campus. Being in the Quad is wonderful, since it means you're surrounded by honors students from all majors (and close to Kinsolving Dining Hall, the best of the campus buffet food options). My room was above the main lobby in Carothers, so every couple days, gorgeous piano music would drift up at the exact right volume for peaceful studying. If my friends hadn't wanted to move off-campus, I probably would have stayed there my 3rd year. That said, if you don't get into the Honors Dorms, Jester (the giant one) typically has the "happiest residents" according to the yearly housing surveys. So don't fret!

I was accepted into the Plan II and Dean's Scholars programs, and it was by far the best financial decision. Thank goodness!