Just to clarify - I am referring to UT-Austin.

I was in your position about 3 years ago as I applied and was accepted to UT and UVa, among others, and I just graduated from UT so hopefully I can be of some help.

Not sure of your situation, but I had a previous arch degree from UF so some particulars of that background made some small influences on my decision. A classmate of mine from undergrad was at UVa when I visited. She noted that studio was a much smaller focus than at UF while other classes were more important. (at UF studio was king, everything else was secondary) UT had an even balance although I can't compare UVa directly.

I could go on forever so I'll try to stick to your specific questions, but feel free to add more.

1: My perception of UT (prior to going there) was that they had been doing sustainability since before it had been fashionable to do so. This is indeed the case and don't worry, the "S" word is used in almost all aspects of the program but it is also avoidable if one so chooses. I would give them points for socially conscious as well. Studio topics are diverse, but the social/sustainable aspects are involved at every turn.

2: The facilities at the school are great. The wood shop is huge, and the furniture class by Mark Macek is amazing. The computer lab is sometimes a source of frustration for some, the computers themselves, but mostly because of the rapid pace of technology in general. I worked for the computer lab for 3 semesters and they are really on top of what the students needs are. The new CNC router is quite accessible in terms of availability if you plan ahead. The laser cutters require a bit of pre-planning especially around midterms and finals but there are 3 with talk of a 4th. Oh, the studios in Goldsmith (the main building) are (mostly) amazing, while those in Sutton hall are a bit disconnected from the activity of Goldsmith, but were recently renovated in terms of lighting.

3: I didn't know the entering UVa class was so small. Because of the vertical studio at UT it is hard to tell who your "class" even is. You enter with those with and w/o a background and everyone completes the program at their own pace. 3.5 yrs-no background 2.5-with background. *Note: in reality most people drag it out longer if they TA. 15 credits is a heavy load at UT since history, construction, and enviro-tech classes can be demanding. Many people take 12 credits and take a few classes in the summer in exchange or add a semester.

4:UT is laid back. Studios are mostly a positive collaborative experience. There are "design awards" at the end of each semester which leads some to take on the competitive face but not too bad. I often found myself wishing studio reviews were a bit more harsh/critical, I don't like a sunshine crit.

5: Not sure what sense of competitive you mean, but UT grads are well know for having a solid, well rounded education - both theoretica and technical. The residency program is a great way to get experience at some big name offices (although I missed out b/c the economy bombed at the time I was going through). In part because of the residency program, UT grads are well traveled. I am currently applying for jobs in New York and there are UT grads almost every major firm.

I am sure this is true of UVA as well, but UT was great for me financially. I was a GA or TA every semester I was there giving me in-state tuition+ stipend allowing me to still be in the black financially when I include the small savings I had prior to attending with only a tiny student loan (8.5K). This was one of my goals for grad school, giving me the financial freedom to work where I want, not just for who can pay my loans.

I hope this rambling helps.

listen to archrise...he is correct.
archrise-take care of my girl out there in nyc!!!

Hold me closer!

boundless -

i'm in the same situation with similar concerns.

i graduated from UF last spring and have been working/volunteering in Africa since. i'm leaning toward UT - the grounded atmosphere of the school really stood out to me (but this is also a product of my UF background). i find that those students who understand that there is life beyond the studio walls are the most likely to draw their inspiration from different directions, and this excites me. in this scenario the bigger and broader school (and university at large) is therefore more appealing.

UVA is still holding my attention because of its option for thesis. this was something i was exposed to in my undergraduate studies (UF's grad program is heavily weighted on thesis, and there is much cross-pollination and exposure between the grad and ugrad programs). i have yet to decide if this is a make-it-or-break-it issue for me, especially if research opportunities are already available at UT.

i'll be making the decision by the end of the week and i'll let you know. good luck!

Suau:

The UT route is a great compliment to the UF undergrad background.

You bring up an excellent point about thesis. That was one area I really felt somewhat strongly about when applying to schools so it was a compromise when I went for UT. The thesis program is not popular there but some do it. By the time the decision to go the thesis route or not I couldn't pin my diverse interests down enough to go for it as there were good studio offerings as well.

I justify not doing one by the fact that architecture is a lifelong learning process and I hope to continue with thesis-like research, but it is something to consider when making your choice.

Best of luck with your decision!

You have a great choice, both outstanding programs. I have worked with graduates from both programs and they have all been excellent designers and skilled generally. Both programs graduate very hard workers who are well organized. We do socially oriented design and there is strong general interest in both schools. Since Sergio left UT, I am not sure what social/environmental studios are offered there, maybe Alley Flats only. But with Quale, Cox and Canfora at UVA, I think there are more social/environmental studio options there.