what's weirder? Berkeley and ATM being mentioned in the same sentence or A-Train not making a joke following a post in which rimbaud did make a joke?
I don't think it is too big a stretch to say UT's Plan II honors is one of the best liberal arts degree programs at a fraction of Ivy league cost. I have a number of classmates who went on to the elite law programs in the country (Yale, Harvard, Stanford) after completing their Plan II liberal arts degrees at UT. If you can qualify it is a gem, at least it was 15 years ago.
Didn't go to UT (college graduate 2001, so I'm not that old), but my brother (there now) and sister (graduated 2003) did. Now you know where I'm coming from... Plan II looked pretty cool when I was considering schools. However, the people I've spoken to about it said it's definitely for those who are not inclined to the sciences or engineering. If your son doesn't know what he wants to do... this may not be the best option. Also, Plan II kids usually major in something else to get an actual degree. It can be sci/eng, but I think that's difficult. As for UT and the FIG. I'd say definitely do it. From hearing my siblings talk about it, UT is overwhelming because it's so big. As a result, you settle into the usual areas for friends: roommates, church (if you go), and racial groups (joining an Asian-, African-, etc. group on campus - this is true everywhere). A FIG will let you get out and about with a mid-sized group that isn't easily defined since it's a little more random without a "cause" behind it. It's supposed to give you the feel of a smaller school to start your undergraduate life while at big old UT. Don't go with UT as a Texas default. Check other schools out. That's a given. No matter what, make sure your child goes on campus visits. A visit makes a huge difference.
