I'm a senior, and looking back, I've had a great experience. I've been able to be involved in many more opportunities than I would have gotten at my state's flagship school, or any other 'name' school for that matter. UA is becoming much more well known, and more than 50% of its students are from out of state.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Don't let the party atmosphere fool you and suck you in. From the very beginning, work hard to get the best grades you can. The law of averages means that poor grades your first few semesters will be very hard to balance out, even if you get straight As later. It's just how it works. And get to know your professors in order to get letters of recommendation from them. Join at least 1 club that is similar to an activity you had in high school...and then join 1 club that is something new for you. Don't wait until later years to join stuff. Time flies. School work goes by 2-5x faster than in high school...so above all, go to class, lectures and labs no matter what.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Some classes are insanely hard (due to my major). Some classes are not difficult to pull an A in. If you go to class and keep up on the work, you should not fail any class, except if you don't have the ability (Iike the math/STEM courses if you're not good at these).
Describe the dorm life at your college.
The suite-style dorms are like mini apartments and there isn't a lot of social interaction outside of the suite. You'll meet people if you want to...or you may not, if you keep to yourself. It is important to have good roommates - not necessarily your best friends, but people who respect the dorm rules and personal boundaries.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
You'll get tired of it, but that's the same at any college. Use your unlimited mealplan (which is mandatory the first year) as much as you can - even if you just go in for a snack. You can take stuff to go, too. There are several dining halls spread around campus. There is a food court and we have the largest Starbucks in the country.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Rec center is popular. Going out for dinner with friends. There's always something going on on campus, from movies to speakers to improv shows to live theater to concerts....there's so much going on, truly.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
I'm on a great scholarship, and if you qualify, UA is very generous to high stat students, and this makes UA very affordable for most families. The suite dorms are expensive, so your first year on campus will be expensive no matter what.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Greeks.
Engineering and smart (Honors College) people.
Out of state students.
Football and sports fans.
Nursing majors.
Business, Finance, Marketing majors.
Great Law School.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There are 100s. JOIN!!!!
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
I'm not in it, but it's extremely prevalent on campus.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Be sensible. Don't walk anywhere at night alone, or with your headphones in so you can't hear what is around you. There is a ride program you can call and someone will come pick you up. There are the usual blue light emergency stations throughout campus. I never see Campus Police myself, but I guess they are there.
I'm a senior, and looking back, I've had a great experience. I've been able to be involved in many more opportunities than I would have gotten at my state's flagship school, or any other 'name' school for that matter. UA is becoming much more well known, and more than 50% of its students are from out of state.
Don't let the party atmosphere fool you and suck you in. From the very beginning, work hard to get the best grades you can. The law of averages means that poor grades your first few semesters will be very hard to balance out, even if you get straight As later. It's just how it works. And get to know your professors in order to get letters of recommendation from them. Join at least 1 club that is similar to an activity you had in high school...and then join 1 club that is something new for you. Don't wait until later years to join stuff. Time flies. School work goes by 2-5x faster than in high school...so above all, go to class, lectures and labs no matter what.
Some classes are insanely hard (due to my major). Some classes are not difficult to pull an A in. If you go to class and keep up on the work, you should not fail any class, except if you don't have the ability (Iike the math/STEM courses if you're not good at these).
The suite-style dorms are like mini apartments and there isn't a lot of social interaction outside of the suite. You'll meet people if you want to...or you may not, if you keep to yourself. It is important to have good roommates - not necessarily your best friends, but people who respect the dorm rules and personal boundaries.
You'll get tired of it, but that's the same at any college. Use your unlimited mealplan (which is mandatory the first year) as much as you can - even if you just go in for a snack. You can take stuff to go, too. There are several dining halls spread around campus. There is a food court and we have the largest Starbucks in the country.
Rec center is popular. Going out for dinner with friends. There's always something going on on campus, from movies to speakers to improv shows to live theater to concerts....there's so much going on, truly.
I'm on a great scholarship, and if you qualify, UA is very generous to high stat students, and this makes UA very affordable for most families. The suite dorms are expensive, so your first year on campus will be expensive no matter what.
Greeks. Engineering and smart (Honors College) people. Out of state students. Football and sports fans. Nursing majors. Business, Finance, Marketing majors. Great Law School.
There are 100s. JOIN!!!!
I'm not in it, but it's extremely prevalent on campus.
Be sensible. Don't walk anywhere at night alone, or with your headphones in so you can't hear what is around you. There is a ride program you can call and someone will come pick you up. There are the usual blue light emergency stations throughout campus. I never see Campus Police myself, but I guess they are there.