Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:
Schools Concentrating On Executive Secretaries And Administrative Assistants
- Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at LSCS, Richland College, San Antonio College, and TCC.
Fastest Response From Schools
- Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.
Student Body
- Female: For schools particularly welcoming to female students, consider Anamarc.
- Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider Laredo Community College, South Texas College, El Paso Community College, and Mountain View College.
- Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider Lee College, Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, and El Centro.
School Setting
- Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of Central Texas College, Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf, Texarkana College, and Anamarc.
- Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf, Ranger College, Western Texas College, and TSTC Harlingen.
Excellence
- Class Size: For small class sizes, look at Lamar State Port Arthur, Howard College, Ranger College, and Del Mar College.
Working as Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Texas
Executive secretaries and administrative assistants provide support to the leaders who head organizations like government agencies, companies, legal offices, hospitals, and schools. They plan and schedule high-level meetings, screen and distribute important memos, create and set up presentations, attend meetings and record minutes, supervise other administrative staff, and also assist in tasks like policy writing.Read a detailed Executive Secretary and Administrative Assistant job description and schools overview.
Executive secretaries and administrative assistants who work in Texas may find professional development opportunities through various Texas chapters of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) for career advancement resources. These are listed on the IAAP chapters by state page.
State Requirements
The State of Texas does not regulate the practices of executive secretaries and administrative assistants.
Spotlight Schools Search
Spotlight Texas Schools Related to This Career
- Locations: San Antonio
- Programs: 4 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Associate, Diploma
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Study from Anywhere at Online Schools Related to This Career
- Programs: One relevant program; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Doctorate
- Programs: 2 relevant programs; click the school name for details.
- Degrees: Associate, Diploma
Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State
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Texas Woman's University • Denton, TX
Studying Psychology (completion in 1990)
• 8/11/2011
"I am satisfied with my school. I just wish I would have pursued a different major and career path."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | no | I think I am negatively biased to the field, so I would probably not be the best person to ask. The job can have variety depending on the company you work for. But the boss gets the credit and the bonuses while you handle the details and the complaints. |
| Program Reputation | 5 | I think it is about average. It is rated highly in teaching and health. But it is OK in psychology. |
| Program Quality | 7 | Classes were interesting. The instruction was good. |
| Instruction | 6 | I thought I would go into counseling, but you need a masters or a Ph.D. I started but decided it was not for me. I ended up landing in the admin field. |
| How Difficult | 6 | I did not think it was too hard. I thought it was interesting and that is why I pursued it. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Mostly book emphasis. I think it has changed since I went there, though. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 6 | A little flexible with the evening classes and locations in Dallas and Denton. But you still need to take certain classes to complete the program. |
| Academic Facilities | 7 | Computer lab was convenient and good. Library was also good. |
| Social Life | 5 | Did not really attend these functions. There is not a football or basketball team, etc. so it is a little different atmosphere. But people were nice and staff was approachable. |
| Placement Services | 5 | Did not used them. So I just gave them an average rating. |
| Alumni Network | 5 | I don't really have anything to do with them. I think they mostly want you to introduce newbies to help them get started and want you to donate money. So I don't deal with them. |
Brazosport College • Clute, TX
Studying Office Education (completion in 1977)
• 8/12/2011
"Now that I can look back, I believe the school could have offered more as far as social activities and help with counseling for my future. I would have continued my education (4 year degree instead of 2) if I knew then what I know now."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | maybe | If there are students who are looking to live at home and get an education, I would recommend checking out the school and seeing what is offered today. I would also encourage them to continue their education. |
| Program Reputation | 5 | As far as I know, it is just an average school. It accommodates people who live in the area and is just OK. |
| Program Quality | 4 | I feel like my experience has gotten me further than my college education has. I'm not sorry I went to college, but I don't feel I've gotten the recognition that I was told I would have by my college counselor. |
| Instruction | 5 | I believe the curriculum was just average. Looking back, I think there should have been more of an emphasis on grammar and English. I see too many people who do not write well or understand sentence structure. |
| How Difficult | 7 | It was fairly difficult for me because I worked while going to school and some classes were harder to keep up with. I wasn't able to keep up with homework. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | The classes I took were more hands-on type classes, rather than studying from books. I took typing, shorthand, etc. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 5 | Since Brazosport College is a fairly small college, there was little flexibility. Courses offered were very limited as to time frames, days, and hours. |
| Academic Facilities | 5 | To my knowledge, the school again is just average. They provide the very basics for their students. The library and classroom space were both very good. |
| Social Life | 4 | Since it was a small school, we didn't have many social activities. Students were there to learn and many probably went on to other schools. It was a good school for taking basic courses. |
| Placement Services | 8 | After I graduated, I did receive an offer for employment. It was a very good offer and I know it was because I did receive an Associate's degree. |
| Alumni Network | 3 | As far as I know, there is no such thing as any kind of alumni network. I have posted on profiles my education and no one has ever contacted me about anything to do with Brazosport College. |
University Of Houston - Clear Lake • Houston, TX
Studying Behavioral Sciences (completion in 1993)
• 8/23/2011
"I got what I paid for and then some. I received a great education from wonderful faculty, was helped in every way with paperwork and scheduling by administrators and staff, got to attend classes in a very secure and pleasant environment, and was very proud of my university for its respected reputation in the area."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | I always have and always will recommend this institution for any sciences or liberal arts degree. I plan to go back for my master's degree myself when my kids are grown. |
| Program Reputation | 8 | I know employers prefer graduates of major universities and Ivy League schools, but as a college situated in the middle of a thriving community, UHCLC has a great reputation in the area for intelligent graduates with solid skills and aptitudes. |
| Program Quality | 10 | This particular university has exceptional degree programs for education and for behavioral sciences, and very good ones in general. It provides a solid base for any future career in the field. |
| Instruction | 10 | Every instructor I had at this institution appeared to teach a subject about which he/she is passionate. The professors were almost always available, ready for personal discussions, and had a great attitude toward students and the institution, as well as knew a great deal about their subject and had a career/background in it. |
| How Difficult | 7 | I finished my undergraduate degree while working full-time and being a new mother, so I had a bit more of a challenge than many students did. The exams were not overly arduous, but there were a great many papers, outside research, and a considerable amount of reading for my particular major. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Students are given a lot of didactics -- books and presentations in their class time. We also often had labs that encouraged experiments and hands-on learning, with a lot of interaction and active participation. It was rare to feel bored in class. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 8 | It's a smaller university so, naturally, choices in class schedules and availability are limited. However, I got great counseling and courses were expanded or new ones made according to demand, when possible. |
| Academic Facilities | 10 | The facilities were used to their fullest, instructors were available, offices and computer labs were open most of the time and staffed by employees and/or students, the library was open early and until late, and the classes were never overly crowded. I feel I received a good amount of individual attention but still experienced the benefits of being in a large class. |
| Social Life | 7 | UHCL is not really a place to party, as many students are older and work and/or have families. I myself was not involved in many events unless they occurred between classes. I do recall there being several events, though, and a good number of student organizations; I was just not into them much. UHCL is quite involved in the community, though, and in research and ecology in the area. |
| Placement Services | 10 | They always encouraged people to come by the career services office and get professional counseling. I always felt I had somewhere to go with questions about a future career in my major. They tried to encourage internships and jobs and networking. |
| Alumni Network | 10 | Alumni are proud of this institution and many stay involved. There is a quarterly magazine -- The Egret -- that is very well-written and glossy, and there is support on social media, community events, and mailings. I am impressed with UHCLC's alumni group. |
Kaplan University • Dallas, TX
Studying Administrative Medical Assisting (completion in 2009)
• 9/20/2011
"I really only liked my professors and classmates."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | maybe | I would recommend them if they could get their financial aid and academic advising departments on track. But until these changes are made, my recommendation would come with some reservations. |
| Program Reputation | 7 | Kaplan has always been a great school, no matter what the program is. |
| Program Quality | 5 | The admissions office and professors were great. The academic counselors and financial aid department was horrible. |
| Instruction | 10 | The professors were great. If I had a question or a problem for any project, they were eager to help. |
| How Difficult | 5 | Some of it was hard. I hated having to write 7 to 10 page papers for every class I had. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | I had to do two clinical rotations and one externship, both of which were really hands on. The last year of school I basically worked for only the experience. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 10 | I always was able to get evening classes. They were really accessible to me considering I had a 2 year old child. |
| Academic Facilities | 3 | Both professors and libraries were terrific. Academic advisors were horrible. They were rude and either never answered the phone or never called back. |
| Social Life | 10 | I had fun in college but was not involved in the party atmosphere. I was more concerned with my studies. |
| Placement Services | 1 | They are horrible in this department. The career services department contacted me a year after I graduated to offer to help me get a job. |
| Alumni Network | 10 | I keep in touch with a lot of my classmates and professors. To this day I can still ask my professors questions if I run into a problem at work. |
Sam Houston State University • Huntsville, TX
Studying Musical Theatre (completion in 2010)
• 9/17/2011
"I enjoyed my time there. I think I got a well rounded education in the field I prefer. After I save money, I'll pursue what I actually got my degree in."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | It is the only school in the area with a BFA in musical theatre. To stay local and have great training is hard to find. |
| Program Reputation | 7 | Many of the graduates have gone on Broadway or tours. Sixty of my graduating class are in NYC trying to make a living. |
| Program Quality | 8 | They are known for the performing arts. It is one of the only schools in the area with that program. |
| Instruction | 4 | I wouldn't say that it prepared me on how to make money. Musical theatre doesn't really provide enough money to make a living. |
| How Difficult | 3 | I got to sing, act, or dance in more of my classes. The academic classes were about average difficulty. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | We were often assigned books, but hardly used them. We used them more in academic classes, but I was still surprised by how much we didn't use them (especially after paying hundreds of dollars for them). | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 8 | I never had any problems. I got all the classes in that I needed. But I also never took evening, weekend or online classes. |
| Academic Facilities | 7 | Our facilities were very good but the year after I left, a multi-million dollar performing arts building opened. I was happy with what I had but the new building looks great. |
| Social Life | 8 | I knew people from all different majors. There were many extra curricular activities available. |
| Placement Services | 3 | They didn't help me at all in this area. They just let me go out on my own. |
| Alumni Network | 5 | I'm not sure. I haven't participated in any alumni events. |
Texas A&M University • College Station, TX
Studying Bioenvironmental Science (completion in 2011)
• 9/16/2011
"I love Texas A&M. It has my heart, and I wouldn't have gone anywhere else."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | Texas A&M has a very prestigious Environmental Science program. Being part of the College of Ag and Science, it is world renowned and very beneficial when it comes to applying to jobs (especially in Texas). |
| Program Reputation | 9 | My major is in the College of Agriculture and Science. We recently celebrated 100 years since the start of the college, making it the 2nd oldest college within the university. Also, Texas A&M was initially an Agriculture and Mechanical college, so our reputation is known throughout the U.S. |
| Program Quality | 10 | Texas A&M has prepared me for my career path but also how to be better at customer service. My experience in student organizations has afforded me opportunities to hone my skills in staff training as well. |
| Instruction | 10 | The profs at Texas A&M are very personable. Even when there is a class of 300, they make you know that they really do care that you succeed. Many professors have also given me career advice since graduating. |
| How Difficult | 8 | The curriculum in Bioenvironmental Science is obviously very science-based. The labs required a ton of pre-reading and a lot of post lab work. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | My major was very hands-on throughout my whole college career. The labs provided real life scenarios that made it more tangible and easier to learn. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 7 | I honestly have not needed these types of classes. I know that they do offer night/evening options. |
| Academic Facilities | 10 | Texas A&M's media services are great! They have 24-hour libraries, study rooms, and computer labs for student access. |
| Social Life | 10 | Aggies have the strongest school spirit in Texas. There is nothing like it, and is challenging to explain. The social life there is amazing, with over 800 student organizations and plenty of places to hang out around College Station. |
| Placement Services | 7 | The career center is very beneficial for students. They offer resume reviews (walk-ins) and also host interviews for companies. These services do not expire once you graduate; you can always come in if you are an Aggie. |
| Alumni Network | 10 | The Aggie network is everywhere. I live in Florida and every time I wear an A&M shirt or hat I have always gotten some response from a person who either Aggie family or is one themselves. My professors have really been a great resource for my career path since graduating from college. |
Baylor University • Waco, TX
Studying Communication Sciences And Disorders (completion in 2010)
• 9/22/2011
"My satisfaction with Baylor is higher than average because I was able to use my experience to gain an entry position into the career I wanted. I did not have to settle for a position I did not want because of where I chose to attend."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | I would recommend my school because I think overall it was an enjoyable program that provided me a great foundation for my future. This program was a great experience. |
| Program Reputation | 8 | I entered the program because I heard about it when choosing a college. The nation-wide reputation is that it's a great community to be a part of. |
| Program Quality | 9 | Baylor University has an excellent Communication Sciences program. I would ideally like to go back to Baylor for a Master's degree. |
| Instruction | 9 | I was trained very well at Baylor University. The quality of instruction was excellent and I feel that I had the most up-to-date training available. |
| How Difficult | 5 | Our program's difficulty was average because it did not require a large amount of work or studying. The preparation required for class was adequate, but not thorough. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | My school only required two or three science classes, and those were the only labs that I attended. All of my other classes were strictly academic and very book learning oriented. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 5 | I believe our class flexibility was about average because we were only offered a limited range of options. We did have options on classes per semester, but class times/availability were fairly limited. |
| Academic Facilities | 7 | Baylor is a mid-sized school at about fourteen thousand students, so the teacher to student ratio was excellent. My program was not overcrowded so teacher availability was not a problem. The facilities that Baylor offered were state of the art and excellent to use. |
| Social Life | 8 | Baylor had a great social programs, with many organizations to join. From Greek life to athletic programs, Baylor's range of activities satisfied almost every student. |
| Placement Services | 2 | I did not have job placement at my college, therefore my rating is low. Students in this program find their own specific jobs. |
| Alumni Network | 2 | Since graduation, I have not seen an alumni support system from my school. I was deeply involved in the program as a student, and it is disappointing that there has not been any follow-through on the school's part. |
Texas A&M University • College Station, TX
Studying Finance (completion in 2010)
• 9/20/2011
"I would not have chosen any other school to attend. The students are extremely friendly and the instructors want you to learn."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | maybe | If someone just wanted to be an Administrative Assistant there might be other schools that are less expensive and shorter in length. If someone was looking to use an administrative position as a stepping stone into a new industry, then Mays Business School at Texas A&M would provide a great basis for that career. |
| Program Reputation | 7 | Mays Business School at Texas A&M is ranked very highly by reputable sources. The business school was recently ranked in the top 50 business schools in the US by Forbes. |
| Program Quality | 8 | The Business School at Texas A&M provides relevant and real world knowledge to its students. The finance department in particular gives students a wide variety of electives within the department in order to hone skills to a particular area of finance. |
| Instruction | 8 | Many of the professors and instructors have relevant real world experience. I feel I learned a great deal about the various aspects of finance in the business world. |
| How Difficult | 6 | I didn't feel the curriculum was overly challenging; however the instructors really care about your learning and are willing to put forth extra time to make sure you understand the concepts. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | There is a good mix between hands-on and book learning. Often there are chapters assigned to read and then a discussion, case study, etc. based on the concepts from those chapters. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 5 | Classes are offered typically Monday - Friday. There are several online classes offered; however the entire program is not offered online. Earliest classes begin at 7:30am. The latest classes I am aware of conclude at 10:00pm. |
| Academic Facilities | 8 | The business school's facilities are new and up to date. There are many computer labs available 24 hours. The libraries offer quiet group study spaces. Professors hold weekly office hours and usually will arrange times outside those hours to accommodate student's schedules. |
| Social Life | 6 | There are over 800 student organizations on campus at Texas A&M. There is something for everyone! There are always sporting events to go to and there is nothing like standing in the student section cheering on the 12th Man. |
| Placement Services | 7 | The Career Center is very helpful in preparing students for their careers. They provide services from resume preparation to interviewing skills. The Career Center puts on multiple career fairs throughout the year. |
| Alumni Network | 10 | The Aggie Network is one of the strangest in the country. There are Aggies living in every state in the US and many abroad. |
Southwest Texas State University • San Marcos, TX
Studying Home Economics (completion in 1992)
• 9/23/2011
"I feel like the level of education that I received at SWT was definitely adequate for preparation for my life experiences. Living on campus also allowed me to learn about my tolerance levels as far as living with other people."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | As I continue to contemplate returning to Texas State for graduate work, or perhaps obtaining my teaching certificate, I have thought of attending only Texas State. This is not only for the academic excellence that we exhibit, but also because the location is beautiful. Also, I do not want to take my kids out of their current schools. |
| Program Reputation | 6 | I do not have much of a professional scale by which to rate the reputation of this program, but I can safely say that the educators and agents that I have spoken with about Texas State have said wonderful things about their own experiences. When I completed my internship with the Hays County Extension office, I was thrilled to have learned the basics of giving presentations to the public, and public education. |
| Program Quality | 9 | I feel like the depth of the program was more than adequate to prepare me for teaching, or community education (what the Extension Agents do). I do plan at some time to go back to school, but am now contemplating a Master's Degree in Counseling. |
| Instruction | 9 | The education that I received as a student at SWTSU was more than adequate for my admin jobs. It will also carry over to prepare me for the next step in my career. |
| How Difficult | 5 | Most of the coursework that I participated in was taxing. There were a few classes that were very easy, and a small number that were incredibly difficult. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | The coursework that I participated in was a mix of book and hands-on learning. For example, I participated in cooking and textile classes where most of our projects were in labs. On the other hand, classes such as Family Finance and Childhood Through Aging were definitely focused on the textbooks. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 8 | Students today can take classes online, and at satellite campus locations. There are also offsite locations from campus where community education programs are occurring--sponsored by Texas State. |
| Academic Facilities | 9 | Texas State is currently renovating and reconstructing buildings and areas of campus in order to not only provide adequate green space, but technologically savvy facilities as well. Currently, we have server building plans that are ready to begin, and are completing one housing building and one large academic facility. |
| Social Life | 6 | When I was a student at SWT, there was a greater emphasis on parties and alcohol consumption on campus. I am certain that the attraction is still present on campus, but I feel that the staff and direction of leadership today is much more effective at retaining students via counseling and intervention efforts. |
| Placement Services | 5 | I did not use this service from the University, as I was not entering a field of employment that was related to my degree. I would like to believe that if I chose to go and get certified tomorrow, Texas State would assist me in landing a high-quality teaching position. |
| Alumni Network | 4 | I have not participated in the alumni activities that are offered by Texas State. At first, my life was too busy, and at this point in the life of my children, I just do not have the time or the inclination to immerse myself in the social programs. |
Texas Women's University • Denton, TX
Studying English (completion in 2010)
• 9/26/2011
"I enjoyed it very much. I liked what I learned and I liked my professors. I also liked that the classes were small enough that the professors knew me by name."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | I would recommend it because it has several great programs. However, I would be more likely to recommend it for post-graduate studies. |
| Program Reputation | 8 | For general studies in English and for teaching credentials it's very good. However, it's lacking in other avenues of English, such as writing and reporting. |
| Program Quality | 10 | The school had a very good English department. It was small enough that each student got individual attention. |
| Instruction | 8 | I learned a lot and enjoyed what I learned. The career preparation was somewhat lacking. |
| How Difficult | 8 | The challenges were hard, but not extremely difficult. The workload, however, was monumental at times. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | I was an English major, so most of my schooling relied on books. However, I was very disappointed when I took astronomy that we just considered the textbook and never ever looked through a telescope. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 10 | The school's main asset is that it's for the non-traditional student, or people who are older, work full-times jobs, etc. It is extremely flexible when it comes to class schedules and offers classes nights, weekends, and online. |
| Academic Facilities | 9 | The school, being small, encourages individual work. On the other hand, it's also large enough to have the facilities to handle student needs. A new science building just went up and the library has more resources than the larger universities across town. |
| Social Life | 7 | I enjoyed the things I took part in. I was often too busy to get in involved in some of the extracurricular activities. |
| Placement Services | 7 | The school does not do job placement. It does, however, have a good internship program, in which students can get valuable experience. |
| Alumni Network | 4 | I haven't had a chance to use this service. Only one small office on campus takes care of the alumni network and support. |
Texas Southern University • Houston, TX
Studying Chemistry (completion in 1997)
• 10/8/2011
"For the education I received, I was very satisfied. Even though I ended up in another profession from my degree, I am confident that what I learned was worth the time spent."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | I would definitely recommend my school to others. Everything that I experienced from beginning to end is proof that the school has the tools to prepare anyone for a great career. |
| Program Reputation | 5 | I'm unaware of the school's reputation for my major. I can say that its reputation in other areas such as law and pharmacy were and still are getting top reviews. |
| Program Quality | 7 | I attended a great school and I had plans to go into the medical field, but an event in my life changed that. I received a great education, but by graduation, my career goals had changed. My position as a Senior Admin was my first full-time job out of college. |
| Instruction | 7 | For the most part, my college professors were good educators. Although one in particular had the, "I already know it, you need to get it..." attitude. |
| How Difficult | 6 | Chemistry is a tough subject to undertake. However, like any other subject, once you make a definitive decision, you work hard to do your best. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | With the major I had, it was necessary for a mix of learning. For subjects like math, of course that falls into book learning, but when it came to certain scientific classes, there was hands-on learning, such as mixing chemicals and dissecting animals. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 5 | Each subject had several options as to scheduling. I had no problems. All my classes fell in line and there was no need for weekend or evening classes. |
| Academic Facilities | 7 | There were plenty of resources available. I spent a lot of time in the computer lab and library when necessary. Also, the professors always made themselves available. |
| Social Life | 5 | I spent most of my time with my classes and studying. When time was available, I went to the game room and the media room on campus. |
The University Of Texas At Austin • Austin, TX
Studying Psychology (completion in 1998)
• 10/23/2011
"I loved UT and Austin. I spent ten years getting my college degree. It was the best ten years of my life."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | Absolutely. UT Austin is in a unique setting and the community is wonderful. I would highly recommend UT for a quality education. |
| Program Reputation | 5 | UT stands out in a couple of fields but I'm not sure psychology is one of them. Psychology changes constantly. |
| Program Quality | 8 | UT Austin is a solid all-around school and has a top psychology department. |
| Instruction | 8 | My minor is in philosophy so I was able to take some fascinating classes. Freud, Jung, & Nietzsche, for example, and history of Buddhism. My professors were absolutely experts. |
| How Difficult | 7 | I did a lot of paper writing, which is not an easy way to go through school in general. Writing is time consuming but perhaps one of the best ways to study a topic. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Classes were traditional book and lecture in the liberal arts program at UT Austin. Classes were also so large that hands-on was difficult to organize. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 10 | The course catalog each semester was gigantic. Courses were offered at all times of the day and every semester. |
| Academic Facilities | 8 | UT's campus has at least 5 libraries. Classes were huge, but professors surprisingly available. |
| Social Life | 10 | College was my true childhood. It truly was a life-changing period, more so than high school. I had a great social circle and friends who changed my life as well. |
| Placement Services | 6 | The career center at UT Austin is surprisingly small for such a huge campus. I think they'd do well to vamp it up. |
| Alumni Network | 5 | UT Austin is a huge school so I imagine that if I wanted to plug into the alumni network I would find it strong. However, I have no direct knowledge or experience with it. |
Kilgore College • Kilgore, TX
Studying Accounting (completion in 2008)
• 11/27/2011
"I was overall satisfied with my school experience. It was easy to complete a degree through my school."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | I would recommend my school to others. They are a good school to get an Associate's degree from or just get basics out of the way. |
| Program Reputation | I'm not sure on their current status. I haven't kept in touch with the school or other students. | |
| Program Quality | 8 | The School was very good at offering assistance. They had a very simple process for registration and all other necessary processes. |
| Instruction | 7 | They were good at teaching us the basics. They were not good at teaching real word lessons. |
| How Difficult | 7 | It was not challenging. There were only a few classes in my degree plan that were hard. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | It was a mix of both. There wasn't a specific method of teaching/learning. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 9 | Class scheduling was great. They offered online and night classes. Also students could sign up for classes online. |
| Academic Facilities | 5 | Facilities that most students use need to be remodeled. Professors posted their available hours for all students. |
| Social Life | I didn't participate in any social activities. I'm sure they were average from what I observed but I do not know from personal experience. | |
| Placement Services | I'm not sure about their career services. I never used this assistance. | |
| Alumni Network | I'm not sure about the alumni network or support. I needed neither. |
UNT • Denton, TX
Studying Economics (completion in 2011)
• 12/1/2011
"UNT is a great school. I had fun."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | UNT is known for music. There is also a diverse crowd in Denton. |
| Program Reputation | 5 | The program grows. We are not the first choice for school. |
| Program Quality | 9 | School prepared me for the real world. Teachers were crucial to my career choice. |
| Instruction | 10 | The instructors were always on time and they were very helpful. |
| How Difficult | 2 | My coursework was simple. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | We had to read a lot. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 10 | I took online classes. I also took night classes. |
| Academic Facilities | 5 | They had resources we could use. There are nice facilities. |
| Social Life | 10 | My social experience was great. I'm the life of the party. |
| Placement Services | 1 | They did not assist me in getting a job. I found my job on my own. |
Lamar University • Beaumont, TX
Studying English Literature (completion in 2011)
• 12/16/2011
"There were a few instructors who truly inspired me. Overall, the experience was lacking."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | If I knew a young person who desired to become an administrative assistant, I would probably recommend Lamar University to them. It is not a high-quality education, but it gets the job done. |
| Program Reputation | 5 | Lamar is not as known for its English program as it is for its nursing and engineering programs, but its general reputation is respectable. |
| Program Quality | 5 | Lamar University has strong programs in nursing and engineering. Most of the arts tend to suffer at this school. |
| Instruction | 5 | While I did have a few extremely helpful professors, the overall experience was lacking. I don't think that many of my professors were as committed to quality education as I was. |
| How Difficult | 5 | A few of my courses were pretty challenging. Most of my courses did not vary from the experiences shared by most freshmen and sophomore college students. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | English Literature was mostly about reading and research. I spent more time in the library than in the classroom. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 3 | Lamar provides a flexible schedule for freshman- and sophomore-level courses. Upper-level courses that do not receive as much funding as engineering are difficult to manage. |
| Academic Facilities | 5 | There were very few resources provided by Lamar. Their greatest asset was their database subscriptions. |
| Social Life | 4 | There is not a very strong sense of community at Lamar. The college does not host many events that would interest students. |
| Placement Services | 8 | The career and testing center is very helpful. I have never seen a student use their services and not find at least a part-time job. |
| Alumni Network | 1 | The alumni network is practically invisible. I have never seen any serious alumni involvement, beyond a few generous donations. |
The University Of Texas At Austin • Austin, TX
Studying Nutrition And Dietetics (completion in 1996)
• 12/15/2011
"I absolutely loved it, and I never wanted to leave. It took me 6 years to get a 4-5 year degree. I did *not* want to leave."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | Of course. UT Austin rules!! |
| Program Reputation | I'm not familiar with the current court of public opinion for the University of Texas' Nutrition and Dietetics program. The faculty (at the time) was composed of a team of internationally recognized researchers. Beyond that, I don't know. | |
| Program Quality | 10 | UT Austin provides an *excellent* environment for the study of nutrition, and the sciences in general. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. |
| Instruction | 8 | The instructors were knowledgeable and available. At no time did I ever question the integrity of instruction provided. |
| How Difficult | 8 | The Nutrition and Dietetics program at UT is not (just) about 'food' - it is virtually all science - general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, etc. The work was an enjoyable challenge. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | The UT Nutrition/Dietetics program contained a mandatory mix of classroom/book study/laboratory time. This included field study for the completion of courses, along with related testing/examination (to be sure one wasn't 'faking' attendance for field studies). | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 3 | When I was attending UT, there was a variety of options available for completing a given curriculum, including nights, weekends, part-time, online (very limited), etc. Unfortunately, this did not apply to the majority of my core curriculum. The scheduling of classes was decidedly inflexible. |
| Academic Facilities | 10 | UT (in my day) had excellent faculty, with a variety of computer labs, libraries and teaching assistants available, at all hours of the day/night. Some support groups were even mandatory (much to my dread). There were more resources than one would have needed. I suspect that the current resource availability is greater today. |
| Social Life | 10 | So many parties. So many friends. So many invites, so little time. |
| Placement Services | 5 | Some career guidance was available to me at the time, and it was very helpful. I am not sure how helpful the career guidance is currently. |
| Alumni Network | I've never participated in post-graduate/alumni activities. I do receive materials in the mail quite frequently. I have no plans for participation within UT's alumni program. |
Austin Community College • Austin, TX
Studying Business Admin (completion in 2014)
• 12/29/2011
"I love my school, teachers, classes, experiences and everything it has to offer."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | They should definitely come to my school. |
| Program Reputation | 7 | It's highly recommended. |
| Program Quality | 8 | I love my school. They have great teachers. I will be transferring to a university soon. |
| Instruction | 8 | I love the instructors. They work well with you. |
| How Difficult | 2 | I am a fast learner. Nothing that has to do with learning is hard for me. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | It's a good mix between the two. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 8 | They have online classes and in-school classes for nights, weekends, days, or whatever you need. |
| Academic Facilities | 8 | It's very roomy. Top-of-the-line equipment. |
| Social Life | I am not involved socially. | |
| Placement Services | 8 | They found me a job right away. |
| Alumni Network | I'm not really sure yet. |
Midwestern State University • Wichita Falls, TX
Studying Psychology (completion in 2012)
• 1/10/2012
"Attending Midwestern State University was one of the best decisions I have ever made and one of the best experiences of my life. I have met some very influential and successful people with whom I keep in contact to this day. It is a positive environment full of support to help new and foreign students feel as comfortable as possible, which was what I needed, being hours away from home."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | Though my career is not directly related to my program of study, I would highly recommend my school to anyone nearby, even if they wanted to become self-employed. The small classroom settings allow for more individualized attention that every student should have. |
| Program Reputation | 9 | As far as I'm aware, MSU still has an excellent psychology department. Professors such as Dr. Michael Vandehey and Dr. George Diekhoff (Chair) should be teaching at Ivy League universities. |
| Program Quality | 8 | Midwestern State University is a great school; not big, yet not too small. It is diverse, with people of different nationalities from all over the world. The school offers a variety of different programs that are affordable. I look forward to completing my requirements in the summer of 2012. Though my major is psychology and my strongest and favorite subject has always been English, I have utilized the skills acquired from the latter to make a satisfying career from it. |
| Instruction | 9 | My studies in psychology have allowed me to strengthen my writing, editing, formatting and research skills, which are relevant to what I do as a VAC. Overall, the program has allowed me to be a more well-rounded individual, which is also relevant to my career. |
| How Difficult | 7 | Though psychology has been a very interesting course of study, it has not been a breeze. It helps to have a profound interest in the subject, to better comprehend certain areas. The most challenging part of the curriculum is the advanced, upper-level courses that require a great deal of research for presentation purposes. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Hands-on learning for my program of study was available through professors, classmates and tutors. Book learning outweighed hands-on teaching, but help was always available when needed. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 10 | While I was enrolled at MSU, I loved being able to take classes only 2-3 days per week and in the evenings. This allowed me to hold a job during the daytime hours to continue supporting myself. |
| Academic Facilities | 10 | While I was enrolled at MSU, I greatly appreciated having access to the 24-hour computer labs. This type of access allowed me to complete assignments seamlessly. Also, unrestricted access to the university's e-library was invaluable, especially after the library was closed. In terms of tutors, study groups and accessibility to professors, there was an abundance of academic support through these channels. |
| Social Life | 10 | I loved the diversity of the organizations at Midwestern State University. As a member of a sorority, I was able to work with other organizations, whether academic, social/fraternal, or athletic, especially for monumental events, such as homecoming. |
| Placement Services | 9 | MSU has a detailed and impressive career assistance and job training page on the university's website. During my last semester there, I was able to meet with a counselor to practice my interview skills with mock interviews, as well as perfect my resume and cover letter. |
| Alumni Network | 10 | I love how going to a smaller university creates a bond among the students. It is always satisfying going to MSU Homecoming get-togethers every October. The school also does a great job of keeping former students updated with events, and the school makes the special effort to send birthday wishes to its current and former students via email every year. |
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