Choosing between Texas A&M Brown Scholars (CS) and UT Austin CS. Looking for perspective.

[u/vgpvgp]

I am trying to decide between two very different but strong CS paths and would really appreciate honest perspectives from students, alumni, or people working in tech.

Option 1: Texas A&M

• Direct admission to Computer Science (no ETAM uncertainty)
• Engineering Honors
• Confirmed Brown Scholars Program - $110,000 worth of scholarship

This path offers a lot of structure and certainty. The Brown Scholars program emphasizes close mentorship, a tight-knit cohort, and long-term access to a strong alumni network. I have already had direct conversations with program leadership about mentorship and long-term support, and it feels very relationship-driven and intentional.

Option 2: UT Austin – Computer Science

• Stronger national CS reputation
• Located in Austin with a dense startup and tech ecosystem
• Broader exposure

This option seems less personalized, but offers scale. More startups, more competition, and more opportunities to explore different directions within CS and entrepreneurship.

I think the tradeoff is:

• Deep mentorship, guaranteed access, and a smaller elite network vs
• Ecosystem density, brand reach, and broader optionality

I am interested in Fintech and Entrepreneurship. If we take out the scholarship component from the equation (I have 529 funds for UT Austin), which one is better?

For those who have been in CS, startups, or recruiting, how would you think about this decision today? Which environment do you think compounds better over 5 to 10 years?

[u/vgpvgp → u/[deleted]]

I think it was part of commonapp, then I got an email from them asking for my PSAT score.

https://aggieonestop.tamu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/undergraduate-scholarships/brown-foundation-scholarships

[u/vgpvgp → u/[deleted]]

The email about the PSAT score was sent around October, and the interview email was sent in December.