SMU, UTD or Baylor decision help!

Hi! I'm hoping to get some advice about my college decision. Neither of my parents attended college, so it's completely up to me to research and choose the best path. I'm currently deciding between three colleges and want to select the option that'll best set me up for career success. I'm planning to major in finance and eventually pursue a master's in business.

I just got accepted into SMU for the Spring 2026 semester but haven't heard back from Cox School of Business yet. Would it still be worth attending SMU if I'm not immediately accepted into Cox? Could I realistically focus on general education for the first two years and then try to enter Cox afterward? Also, I've heard SMU fits the "rich kid" stereotype, and I've seen TikToks suggesting that the social atmosphere can sometimes feel similar to high school, with cliques and mean girls. Is there any truth to this, and could starting in the spring make it harder to meet people, find a roommate, or join Greek life?

I was also accepted into UTD for finance. If I choose UTD, my plan would likely be to transfer to UT Austin and finish school there. Does UT Austin provide as many job opportunities after graduation as SMU? How difficult is it to transfer into UT Austin after my first or second year at UTD? I don't want to be in UTD all 4 years so I'm worried about throwing away SMU just to get stuck at UTD. Additionally, what's the social and campus life like at UTD?

Lastly, I got accepted into Baylor and I believe directly into my major. I've heard that most finance graduates from Baylor end up working in Dallas. I really like Baylor's campus and social life, and I already know some people who are attending, which would make it easier socially. However, I wonder how well a Baylor degree is recognized outside of Texas. If I choose Baylor, I'd probably still aim to attend SMU for my master's degree. I'm also a bit concerned about Waco itself—I heard there isn't much to do off-campus and the social scene is primarily campus-centered.

Anyways, I know that's a lot to read but i'm just really hoping to be guided into the right direction and enlightened on these questions.