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Howdy! I have applied to the University of Texas MSIS (Master of Science in Information Studies) program for fall 2019 and, like many other grad applicants, am still constantly checking my Gmail for admissions results. After a quick email between myself and the School of Information, I've learned that results should hopefully come out TODAY! I'm hoping this will serve as a topic for other UT MSIS applicants to share their results or experiences. So, if you have good news, or even bad for that matter, please share!

Here's a space for anyone planning on going to the Texas Medical Center to meet! I'll be at Baylor in the biochem and molecular biology department.

Hi All, I'm from California, fairly liberal, openly queer, car-less, and just applied to schools all over the country for my MFA in creative writing, including Sarah Lawrence, Rutgers, University of Alabama, Iowa Writers' Workshop, Virginia Tech, University of Houston, and University of Texas. I'm wondering if these cities/colleges are accepting? And is there a queer scene at all, either at the college or in the city? Further, I don't have a car, and I've never traveled to any of these places. Are there other means to get around? Could I bike, take the bus, walk? Or is everything spread out? Thank you! Also, if anyone has any favorite spots in any of these areas, feel free to share.

Has anyone heard back yet from UT on their 2018 spring application for the MSSW program? I know the deadline was only four days ago but I just wanted to check in and see! Good luck to everyone!

Has anyone heard back yet from UT on their 2018 spring application for the MSSW program? I know the deadline was only four days ago but I just wanted to check in and see! Good luck to everyone!

Anyone going for UT Austin this fall? I am going for my MS in ORIE

There's a decent amount of discussion about Bren and SPEA on this board, but the EER program isn't as popular so I'm hoping anyone who knows anything about it can comment. I'm interested in renewable energy and energy policy, particularly I want to support and implement wind, solar, or smaller-scale clean programs. I have a background in science and research but recently switched fields so I don't have any applicable undergraduate coursework or professional training in energy or policy, so I will greatly value each program's course offerings. My primary goal is to get a job afterwards, ideally in (federal) government or maybe the private sector, so employment prospects and professional training will be one of (if not) the most important factors, alongside cost. UT — The program only requires 30 credits, 6 of which are for the thesis. I can choose the "Policy and Law" module, but I worry that 24 credits/8 classes really isn't that much graduate coursework and learning, especially since I've got some catching up to do. Their course descriptions are also pretty vague so while they have classes like "Energy Technology and Policy," "Energy Law," and an "Energy Symposium," I wonder how much renewable energy (more along the lines of wind and solar than geothermal) opportunities they have since the Jackson School specializes in oil and gas and geology. Also while there are a few faculty members with research similar to my interests, I feel like a thesis would be the least beneficial use of my time compared to other graduation requirements like a capstone project since I will not be continuing in academia. Generally, I worry that this program might be too research-focused for my career-oriented goals. That might be offset though if the course load is relatively light and there are relevant work or intern opportunities in Austin during the school year. No word on funding yet, but so far it is the cheapest ($36k/year). Also, name recognition among employers in energy will be a huge plus (I'm interested in renewables, but if an opportunity arises in O&G... just saying). Austin is my personal top location pick. UCSB — Their program overall seems the best fit in terms of coursework and professional opportunities and training/career services/networking/etc. I've never had the quarter system so I don't know how I'll like it. Their course load seems a lot busier, so I don't imagine I'd be able to work or intern during the school year (I know it's basically required to intern during the summer though). They seem to heavily stress group work and collaboration. I'm not sure if they're just referring to the master's group project/Eco or if they mean practically every class, but I tend to prefer solo work. I didn't get any funding, which makes its ~$50k price tag tied with IUB for the most expensive. IUB — It would seem their program is on par with Bren's (but perhaps with more of an emphasis on policy than science): similar course offerings and a group capstone project at the end. Though I imagine their career services and job placement isn't as strong as Bren's. It's a 2.5 year program so two summers' worth of potential internships is nice, but getting out and getting a full-time job is even nicer. I haven't head back yet about funding. If I don't get any, by the end of 2.5 years both IUB and UCSB will be a bit north of $100k. Overall IUB isn't as well known as UT or UCSB, but SPEA is highly ranked and it seems like a lot of people are very impressed when they visit. I plan on visiting each school and should hear back about funding around March/April, so both will have a big influence on my decision.