The Best Public U. in Alabama
Written: Jul 22 '02 (Updated Jul 22 '02)
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Pros: Big university; lots of opportunities
Cons: Students tend to be homogeneous - rich and white, that is
The Bottom Line: You'll get a good, solid education at the University of Alabama. But it's not Harvard.
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| jentnews's Full Review: University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa |
Looking back on my senior year of high school, I'm glad that I chose to attend the University of Alabama. I was accepted to about 12 universities, including Loyola, Marquette and Ole Miss, but UA just seemed like the best fit. And it was - I had fun and got a great education at the same time. Here's my breakdown.
ACADEMICS: UA is by no means the most academically rigorous university out there - I think the average ACT score is something like 18. But there ARE a wide variety of majors, from biology to business. And if you can't find one that suits you, you can enroll in New College, where you can actually create your own major, with the help of a counselor. I knew one guy who majored in "social engineering," whatever that is. I myself majored in journalism, and UA has the best communication school in the state, but I won't go into detail about that.
Many of the professors are taskmasters, and they will kick your butt, but there are just as many that are really easy. But no matter who the professor is, if you attend most classes, you'll more than likely pass.
UA does have an honors program for those who would like to challenge themselves, and there is also a Women's Honors Program, which requires you to have at least a 28 on the ACT. However, WHP is more of a civic group than a studying-type group. There are also other academic groups, but most of them are major-specific.
SOCIAL LIFE: UA students like to have fun - no doubt about it. If you like to drink, you're in the right place. Half of the student section is soused at any given football game, and you can usually find a house party to crash on the weekends. If you belong to a fraternity or sorority, you'll have the opportunity to go to "swaps" and other social events. However, independents can have just as much fun. Both Greeks and GDIs frequent The Strip, a small drag of restaurants and bars on the perimeter of the UA campus. But personally, I prefer the clubs downtown, where there's a more diverse group of patrons and always good music.
Those who don't like to drink can find social opportunities through UA's many non-Greek social groups. The Residence Life Association provides a place for students living on campus to socialize and get to know one another.
DORM OR APARTMENT?: I lived in a dorm - Somerville Hall - for two years before moving to an apartment on 15th Street. If you can avoid the dorms at all, I would definitely recommend that you do so. While some dorms are nicer than others, most of them are small and spare, and they place TONS of restrictions on you (no hot plates, no nail holes, etc.). but they are the cheapest way to live while in school.
If you have to live on campus, here are the best dorms:
(Girls): Somerville, Harris, AVOID Tutwiler
(Guys): Palmer, Burke, AVOID Paty
COST: If you're an Alabama resident, UA's tuition is still one of the best deals out there. They raise the prices every few years, but you're still getting a great deal. Full-time tuition is about $1,400 instate and $3,800 out of state. This includes about $200 per semester in Dining Dollars, a mandatory student account that you can spend at Chick-Fil-A, Burger King and the other food places around campus. If you live on campus, you may also want to invest in a student meal plan, which can be used at Burke Cafeteria. (If you live off-campus, don't bother.)
UA also offers a generous number of scholarships to deserving students. Some of them are major-specific, but the best ones are available to any major. Fill out a scholarship application form early to get the best results. I personally received a President's Scholarship, which paid my tuition every fall and spring for the three-and-a-half years I was there. Not a bad deal.
They also have ample financial aid available in the form of loans, grants and workstudy. Fill out a FAFSA and mark UA as your college of choice - and apply by the March before you plan to enroll to get the most money.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit http://www.ua.edu.
Recommended:
Yes
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jentnews
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Location: Texas, USA
Reviews written: 16
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
A struggling writer, tryin' to make it in Texas.
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