re: Convince me.

If your choices are UT and LSU, you can't go wrong with either, but you'll have a better overall social experience at LSU which is a big factor in life/success in business after college (even though UT is rated higher academically for most majors). I graduated from LSU in 87 and UT-Austin grad school in 89. It was open admissions in the 80's and LSU has tightened academically over the last two decades. Yes, Austin is a cool town, with 6th Street bars and music, good food, Lake Travis, etc. Definitely does not suck and I really liked Austin as a city. I had my share of fun in Austin. But LSU is a life-long experience with strong ties even in Texas. I live near SMU in Dallas and the LSU alums in Dallas are very strong here and have much more fun and as strong connections even in our 40's than any UT bunch I've come across. The roar at Tiger Stadium, the pre-game march by the band ... versus the golf clap applause at Royal Memorial (or whatever it is called now) ... not a comparison. I go to Tiger Stadium every year but I have been back to a UT game only once in about 18 years. I also worked at a bar at LSU while there and was in a fraternity. Didn't graduate on time (took a few extra years) but wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

The other schools in Texas? Not even a comparison. Baylor and the small schools, I have many friends who went there, they all talk about how much fun we must have had at LSU. A&M? Good business ties after college, the Aggies are zealots, but I can't even begin to understand why TX high schoolers from good schools choose A&M over UT. College Station is equivalent to Starkville MS. Unless you want to be a vet or otherwise do strange things with animals, I'd avoid A&M.

So if you can get into both, you have some choices, but I really would think you'd be happier at LSU and if LSU vs. Baylor or the small TX schools, don't even waste your time. Send in your acceptance letter to the Ole War Skule. You won't regret it.