Striking up a conversation with strangers about the University of Texas at San Antonio yields mixed results around the city. A common perception of some uninformed people is that UTSA is little better than a community college for San Antonio's north side. Unfortunately, that couldn't be farther from the truth.
UTSA has begun seeking status as one of Texas' premiere universities, although much work still needs to be done. As such, its academics have followed suit. Professors encourage students to come to class every day, warning that those who do not rarely pass let alone achieve decent grades. Instructors often utilize the John Peace Library and various other systems around school (such as the computer labs, distance learning technologies and campus events) to engage student learning.
Unfortunately, as a disadvantage to both the university and some unmotivated students, studying is often self-taught. Other pupils are often reluctant to form study groups or tutor anyone who isn't their friend. That being said, the professors are usually very friendly and willingly to work with whoever comes to their office hours.
Overall, you will learn a lot at UTSA so long as you can do things on your own. Students and professors sometimes do reach out to help. I'm sure that, over time, the school will develop a much closer academic community.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
The University of Texas at San Antonio is a developing university, and its student body really does reflect that. UTSA has over 30,000 undergraduates and graduates, but you would never feel it. Most students come and go as they please, many having not ever engaged the school's clubs, fraternities, festivals or events. This has lead to the college being pejoratively labeled a commuter school by some.
However, UTSA has an amazing and fun social scene if you are willing to stick around after classes are done. The student leaders put on an annual BestFest in commemoration of Dia de Los Muertos in the fall and Fiesta UTSA during the spring semester. Lots of students gather around at these times to take a break from the stresses of college life and enjoy the campus. Students are encouraged to check out these events during Freshman Orientation (which everyone must attend). Some newer traditions include the annual Party at the Paseo, which takes place during Fiesta, and Roadrunner Days.
I personally enjoy every minute I'm at UTSA. Being involved in several clubs, such as Student Government, the Young Democrats, Green Society, French Club, Soccer and Theatre Club has only strengthened my ties to the school. Just putting yourself out there will garner so many organizations who would love to have you as their newest member.
If you can motivate yourself to move to club meetings after class, you'll be welcome at UTSA's campus. It's very fun, albeit challenging at times, since so many potential members do not care for extracurricular involvement. I enjoy being involved in the scene, but it's obviously not for everyone.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
UTSA is a public school; that in and of itself means that the school gets significant funding from the State of Texas to lower tuition rates and provide very cheap services. Students have access to an award-winning recreational facility (dubbed The Rec), select free medical services, sprawling soccer fields, computer labs, and conference rooms. Tuition rates at UTSA are some of the lowest among 4-year colleges in the United States; admittedly, however, this is due in part to San Antonio's low inflation rate.
It's a pain for me to have to dish out the kind of money required to attend a large tertiary institution like UTSA every semester, but it's well worth the cost. The university runs a large financial aid department which works with individuals (through counselors) to pay for the rather hefty bill any respectable college requires. I've been to their fiscal services and financial aid offices, both of which are bustling with people who are paid by the State of Texas to help you fund your college education.
UTSA's professors accept relatively low salaries, so many are not top-level lecturers like you will find at Ivy League universities. Yet, most are truly dedicated to their discipline (from Anthropology to Astronomy), if inexperienced.
It's not a question of how many services the university offers to its student body, but whether or not one can afford to pay what a respectable post-secondary school demands. UTSA works with you, sure, but it's important to realize that they can only go so far to help students finance their college years. If you can afford to attend UTSA, the price will be well worth its pain.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Prospective students should not underestimate UTSA's academics. The school places people with GPAs below a 2.0 on probationary status. If no improvement has been made after a semester of being on academic probation, the student will get kicked out. This happens to a lot of freshmen; don't think it won't happen to you, because it can.
Students often feel lonely at UTSA since clubs don't always flaunt themselves to incoming freshman. Go out there and be active in the community! If you can't afford to drive back and forth to campus, consider living on campus for a while. It's the best way to make new friends and become well-known around school.
Also, avoid taking 12 hours every semester. UTSA's freshmen advisers encourage students to do this, but it's only supposed to be for your first semester. Take 15 hours during your spring semester. Taking 12 hours for every semester will result in a 5-year degree instead of the expected 4.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
UTSA is a great school for students seeking a bachelor's degree from a local university but wish to attend a Tier 1 graduate school. Students graduating Cum Laude or higher often have aspirations of attending the University of Texas at Austin's graduate school. Many students use UTSA as a springboard for more schooling in the northeast (especially those pursuing careers in Law).
It offers lots of opportunities for campus life, but it's not atypical of an average university. Overall, UTSA has a decent amount of activities, events and clubs in which social students will prosper.
Academic students are the most prominent around campus, since they dominate classrooms as star pupils, TAs and SIs (Section Instructors). UTSA has a moderately-competitive academic atmosphere, but it becomes increasingly rough as less-studious people are dropped due to low GPAs. The Honors College is barely visible around the school but honors clubs are important figures in the university social structure.
Students looking for a degree close to home, in this case Central Texas, will always feel at home at UTSA. As the college grows larger, UTSA will become more than a regional university and instead a nationally-recognized institution. However, that day is far away and for now the type of student seeking a good education close to home will feel the most comfortable.
Striking up a conversation with strangers about the University of Texas at San Antonio yields mixed results around the city. A common perception of some uninformed people is that UTSA is little better than a community college for San Antonio's north side. Unfortunately, that couldn't be farther from the truth. UTSA has begun seeking status as one of Texas' premiere universities, although much work still needs to be done. As such, its academics have followed suit. Professors encourage students to come to class every day, warning that those who do not rarely pass let alone achieve decent grades. Instructors often utilize the John Peace Library and various other systems around school (such as the computer labs, distance learning technologies and campus events) to engage student learning. Unfortunately, as a disadvantage to both the university and some unmotivated students, studying is often self-taught. Other pupils are often reluctant to form study groups or tutor anyone who isn't their friend. That being said, the professors are usually very friendly and willingly to work with whoever comes to their office hours. Overall, you will learn a lot at UTSA so long as you can do things on your own. Students and professors sometimes do reach out to help. I'm sure that, over time, the school will develop a much closer academic community.
The University of Texas at San Antonio is a developing university, and its student body really does reflect that. UTSA has over 30,000 undergraduates and graduates, but you would never feel it. Most students come and go as they please, many having not ever engaged the school's clubs, fraternities, festivals or events. This has lead to the college being pejoratively labeled a commuter school by some. However, UTSA has an amazing and fun social scene if you are willing to stick around after classes are done. The student leaders put on an annual BestFest in commemoration of Dia de Los Muertos in the fall and Fiesta UTSA during the spring semester. Lots of students gather around at these times to take a break from the stresses of college life and enjoy the campus. Students are encouraged to check out these events during Freshman Orientation (which everyone must attend). Some newer traditions include the annual Party at the Paseo, which takes place during Fiesta, and Roadrunner Days. I personally enjoy every minute I'm at UTSA. Being involved in several clubs, such as Student Government, the Young Democrats, Green Society, French Club, Soccer and Theatre Club has only strengthened my ties to the school. Just putting yourself out there will garner so many organizations who would love to have you as their newest member. If you can motivate yourself to move to club meetings after class, you'll be welcome at UTSA's campus. It's very fun, albeit challenging at times, since so many potential members do not care for extracurricular involvement. I enjoy being involved in the scene, but it's obviously not for everyone.
UTSA is a public school; that in and of itself means that the school gets significant funding from the State of Texas to lower tuition rates and provide very cheap services. Students have access to an award-winning recreational facility (dubbed The Rec), select free medical services, sprawling soccer fields, computer labs, and conference rooms. Tuition rates at UTSA are some of the lowest among 4-year colleges in the United States; admittedly, however, this is due in part to San Antonio's low inflation rate. It's a pain for me to have to dish out the kind of money required to attend a large tertiary institution like UTSA every semester, but it's well worth the cost. The university runs a large financial aid department which works with individuals (through counselors) to pay for the rather hefty bill any respectable college requires. I've been to their fiscal services and financial aid offices, both of which are bustling with people who are paid by the State of Texas to help you fund your college education. UTSA's professors accept relatively low salaries, so many are not top-level lecturers like you will find at Ivy League universities. Yet, most are truly dedicated to their discipline (from Anthropology to Astronomy), if inexperienced. It's not a question of how many services the university offers to its student body, but whether or not one can afford to pay what a respectable post-secondary school demands. UTSA works with you, sure, but it's important to realize that they can only go so far to help students finance their college years. If you can afford to attend UTSA, the price will be well worth its pain.
Prospective students should not underestimate UTSA's academics. The school places people with GPAs below a 2.0 on probationary status. If no improvement has been made after a semester of being on academic probation, the student will get kicked out. This happens to a lot of freshmen; don't think it won't happen to you, because it can. Students often feel lonely at UTSA since clubs don't always flaunt themselves to incoming freshman. Go out there and be active in the community! If you can't afford to drive back and forth to campus, consider living on campus for a while. It's the best way to make new friends and become well-known around school. Also, avoid taking 12 hours every semester. UTSA's freshmen advisers encourage students to do this, but it's only supposed to be for your first semester. Take 15 hours during your spring semester. Taking 12 hours for every semester will result in a 5-year degree instead of the expected 4.
UTSA is a great school for students seeking a bachelor's degree from a local university but wish to attend a Tier 1 graduate school. Students graduating Cum Laude or higher often have aspirations of attending the University of Texas at Austin's graduate school. Many students use UTSA as a springboard for more schooling in the northeast (especially those pursuing careers in Law). It offers lots of opportunities for campus life, but it's not atypical of an average university. Overall, UTSA has a decent amount of activities, events and clubs in which social students will prosper. Academic students are the most prominent around campus, since they dominate classrooms as star pupils, TAs and SIs (Section Instructors). UTSA has a moderately-competitive academic atmosphere, but it becomes increasingly rough as less-studious people are dropped due to low GPAs. The Honors College is barely visible around the school but honors clubs are important figures in the university social structure. Students looking for a degree close to home, in this case Central Texas, will always feel at home at UTSA. As the college grows larger, UTSA will become more than a regional university and instead a nationally-recognized institution. However, that day is far away and for now the type of student seeking a good education close to home will feel the most comfortable.