Even though CSU doesn't receive as much national recognition as most public universities, the quality of the facilities and professors is undeniably equal if not exceeding the national standard. Even in the large general elective classes that every student has to take, the teachers make a point to provide times to meet with students and address their concerns not only with the class but also with any other problems they may be having. After a year and a half at Colorado State, I can say that only one professor I have had so far hasn't been enthusiastic about their subject and willing to answer any questions the class had. Plus, if you ever want to find out more about your professor before you ever take a class, RamRatings.com provides student-submitted reviews of practically every teacher at the university. Overall, Colorado State provides a well-rounded learning experience regardless of your chosen major and ensures students are prepared for life after college.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
On top of the newly-renovated student recreation center, the world class dining centers and the vibrant downtown area, the entire community of Fort Collins is possibly the most welcoming place you could imagine. After knowing practically everyone in my graduating class, I was afraid that I would have trouble meeting and connecting with entirely new people. I shouldn't have worried at all. CSU offers a vast array of student clubs, organizations and social events that provide opportunities for every type of personality to get involved, including the Outdoor Club, Associated Students of CSU (student government), Humans vs Zombies Club, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center, a healthy Greek system and numerous competitive club sports. Even outside the university grounds there is something for everyone. You could visit one of the outstanding local restaurants in Old Town Fort Collins, take a hike up to Horsetooth Rock, cheer on the Rams at Hughes Stadium, take part in the yearly Tour de Fat bike festival, go for a swim in Horsetooth reservoir and dance the night away at a concert in the Aggie Theater all in one weekend. When you combine these factors, you get the ideal college experience in a supportive, energetic environment. What more could you ask for?
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
The one issue that Colorado State has is not even one that it can control. In recent years, tuition rates have been spiking as the state government of Colorado continues to cut funding for post-secondary education. As a result, tuition has increased at increments of 3-6% for almost a decade. It kills me to have to say it but the truth is that these tuition increases aren't likely to stop any time soon either. Despite this, Colorado State still remains comparable in cost to most other national public universities AND costs less than in-state rival CU-Boulder. Even with all of this, I would never consider transferring to another school. I couldn't imagine getting the same quality education and college experience at any other school and I will always be proud to say I am a CSU Ram.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
In general, visit as many campuses as possible. The more you see, the better you can compare what you do and don't like about each college. Also, don't sit around your dorm room and wait to meet people. I guarantee that going to even a couple meetings for clubs that you are interested in will result in you making new friends (particularly at CSU). Don't be afraid to ask your professors for help either because they know that college is a big transition academically from high school and they will give you as much help as they can (once again, especially at CSU). Specifically for Colorado State, be sure to take a campus tour from the Admissions office when you visit. The guides are students at Colorado State and they are extremely nice and willing to address any questions or concerns you may have about the university. Finally, and most importantly, be honest with yourself. If you don't think a school is right for you, don't feel obligated to go there because of the college is some big name university or its where your parents or friends went. I was a National Merit Finalist and could have gone to virtually any school I wanted but I chose CSU because when I visited, I felt at home. I'm not trying to say that Colorado State is perfect for everyone, I just want every prospective student who reads this to know that they will know when they've found the right school for them.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
As I've said before, CSU has something for everyone and the university as a whole prides itself on attracting such a vast array of students. From a specifically academic standpoint, though, the Colleges of Engineering, Natural Resources, Natural Sciences and Agriculture are consistently recognized as some of the premier ones in the country. The College of Business is also garnering more and more national attention and the veterinary program continues to attract some of the brightest students in America. Outside the classroom, the outdoorsy, adventurous student will definitely find a million things to love about Colorado and even those looking for a big-city experience can appreciate the nightlife in Old Town. Oh anyone who loves to eat (everyone) will love the selection of restaurants around the city. Overall, CSU and Fort Collins can appeal to just about everyone.
Even though CSU doesn't receive as much national recognition as most public universities, the quality of the facilities and professors is undeniably equal if not exceeding the national standard. Even in the large general elective classes that every student has to take, the teachers make a point to provide times to meet with students and address their concerns not only with the class but also with any other problems they may be having. After a year and a half at Colorado State, I can say that only one professor I have had so far hasn't been enthusiastic about their subject and willing to answer any questions the class had. Plus, if you ever want to find out more about your professor before you ever take a class, RamRatings.com provides student-submitted reviews of practically every teacher at the university. Overall, Colorado State provides a well-rounded learning experience regardless of your chosen major and ensures students are prepared for life after college.
On top of the newly-renovated student recreation center, the world class dining centers and the vibrant downtown area, the entire community of Fort Collins is possibly the most welcoming place you could imagine. After knowing practically everyone in my graduating class, I was afraid that I would have trouble meeting and connecting with entirely new people. I shouldn't have worried at all. CSU offers a vast array of student clubs, organizations and social events that provide opportunities for every type of personality to get involved, including the Outdoor Club, Associated Students of CSU (student government), Humans vs Zombies Club, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center, a healthy Greek system and numerous competitive club sports. Even outside the university grounds there is something for everyone. You could visit one of the outstanding local restaurants in Old Town Fort Collins, take a hike up to Horsetooth Rock, cheer on the Rams at Hughes Stadium, take part in the yearly Tour de Fat bike festival, go for a swim in Horsetooth reservoir and dance the night away at a concert in the Aggie Theater all in one weekend. When you combine these factors, you get the ideal college experience in a supportive, energetic environment. What more could you ask for?
The one issue that Colorado State has is not even one that it can control. In recent years, tuition rates have been spiking as the state government of Colorado continues to cut funding for post-secondary education. As a result, tuition has increased at increments of 3-6% for almost a decade. It kills me to have to say it but the truth is that these tuition increases aren't likely to stop any time soon either. Despite this, Colorado State still remains comparable in cost to most other national public universities AND costs less than in-state rival CU-Boulder. Even with all of this, I would never consider transferring to another school. I couldn't imagine getting the same quality education and college experience at any other school and I will always be proud to say I am a CSU Ram.
In general, visit as many campuses as possible. The more you see, the better you can compare what you do and don't like about each college. Also, don't sit around your dorm room and wait to meet people. I guarantee that going to even a couple meetings for clubs that you are interested in will result in you making new friends (particularly at CSU). Don't be afraid to ask your professors for help either because they know that college is a big transition academically from high school and they will give you as much help as they can (once again, especially at CSU). Specifically for Colorado State, be sure to take a campus tour from the Admissions office when you visit. The guides are students at Colorado State and they are extremely nice and willing to address any questions or concerns you may have about the university. Finally, and most importantly, be honest with yourself. If you don't think a school is right for you, don't feel obligated to go there because of the college is some big name university or its where your parents or friends went. I was a National Merit Finalist and could have gone to virtually any school I wanted but I chose CSU because when I visited, I felt at home. I'm not trying to say that Colorado State is perfect for everyone, I just want every prospective student who reads this to know that they will know when they've found the right school for them.
As I've said before, CSU has something for everyone and the university as a whole prides itself on attracting such a vast array of students. From a specifically academic standpoint, though, the Colleges of Engineering, Natural Resources, Natural Sciences and Agriculture are consistently recognized as some of the premier ones in the country. The College of Business is also garnering more and more national attention and the veterinary program continues to attract some of the brightest students in America. Outside the classroom, the outdoorsy, adventurous student will definitely find a million things to love about Colorado and even those looking for a big-city experience can appreciate the nightlife in Old Town. Oh anyone who loves to eat (everyone) will love the selection of restaurants around the city. Overall, CSU and Fort Collins can appeal to just about everyone.