Life at UTEP

[vjsoto]

Originally Posted by EP_n_rearview_=_happiness

Just spent 4 lousy years at UTEP. Lived on campus for all 4 years. I initially spent my first semester of college at Grinnell College which is about a 10th the size of UTEP. The social scene at UTEP is pathetic. Small town mentality is amplified by student body. Ive lived in several different cities and encountered many different student bodies (U of Wash, U of British Columbi - has a nude beach, N. Ariz Univ, TxTech, SMU, Kansas, Univ of Houston) and none have been as lacking in all aspects of collegiate "experience" as El Paso and UTEP is. Miner Village is a decent appartment complex that alienates student from one another in a way that traditional dorms do not. By that I mean, a lack of hallways and small rooms inhibits a sense of collegiate community that is essential for the experience. UTEP education is subpar at best. Professors are typically preoccupied with research as a means of leaving UTEP because they too realize what a crummy university UTEP is. Overall, don't expect much in regards to anything.

Oh, the campus is easy on the eyes.

UTEP is not exactly sub-par. It is on-par with pretty much every university out there. It's not spectacular, but it's not horrible either.

UTEP is primarily a working commuter university. Dorm life is an afterthought there, and if a social life is your primary motivation for seeking higher education, you're going to the wrong place, and you might want to reconsider why you are seeking higher education in the first place.

I've never been to a university where the professors weren't constantly preoccupied with research (and I've been to several, including UTEP). For those with real academic goals, the research grants frequently provide a hands-on opportunity (and some supplemental income) for students. The research can also put your foot in the door of some really good companies.

Just my 2 cents.

[proudelpaso]

Overall I believe that UTEP is a good school to study, since there are various clubs and organizations students can join, such as the French or Electrical Engineering clubs. Professors are very challenging, but depends a lot on the type of classes one is majoring. A 5 page paper on the Simpsons in a humanities classroom is very different than solving complex differential equations in a math class. Preparing for the challenges that lie ahead, such as getting a very good high paying job depends a lot on the person. The importance to get an A on all classes is very imperative and a 4.0/ 4.0 gpa is the goal one should attain. Working in the summers is very important to gain the experience the employers want. It's tough in this economy, but think positive. It works for me.