UT Austin: Is the "38 1/2" stress real, or am I just dramatic? 🤘

[AnnaMarya]

I feel like I'm constantly competing for everything—grades, internships, research positions, even just a seat at the PCL during finals week.

I chose UT because it's an amazing school with great programs (I'm in Moody, so comms major), but I wasn't prepared for the sheer intensity of it all. There's this weird vibe where everyone is super nice to your face, but you know they're also quietly hoping you do slightly worse so they can get that internship. Is that just Austin? Is that just a big school thing?

Don't get me wrong, I love it here. I love the energy, I love that I'm challenged, I love that my professors are leaders in their fields. But the imposter syndrome is real. Everyone here was the valedictorian of their high school. You go from being a big fish to just... plankton.

For anyone considering Texas schools:

• If you want prestige and don't mind fighting for it: UT or A&M are great choices. A&M has that cult-like (affectionate) Aggie network that actually seems to help with jobs.
• If you want a more laid-back vibe: Maybe look at schools like Texas State (San Marcos is SO fun) or U of H (commuter, but great for city connections). Or even one of the smaller liberal arts schools like Southwestern or Trinity.
• If you hate the heat: Do not come here. I'm serious. August is cruel and unusual punishment.

Anyone else feel the pressure at a big Texas school? How do you cope without losing your mind?

 

[Cler]

Anna, first off, your name is beautiful.

Second, I transferred here from a smaller Texas school and the difference is WILD. At my old school, being smart made you stand out. Here, being smart is just... the baseline. It took me a full year to stop feeling like I was drowning.

What helped me:

• Therapy through CMHC (free and actually good)
• Finding a non-competitive friend group (people in different majors so we're not fighting for the same stuff)
• Remembering that GPA isn't everything (literally no one asks after graduation)

The 38½ pressure is real but you learn to swim in it eventually. Or at least float