I have been accepted into both schools. I would receive full tuition from Alabama and 8000 a year from auburn. I would be in the honors college in both. I’m wondering which school would be better for me. I want to major in biology or chemistry but I don’t know which school would provide more opportunities for me.
In terms of opportunities, both schools will have plenty–what is going to be important is for you to figure out whether the school’s opportunities line up with what you are looking for. Do you want to do research? Double major? Study abroad? Does the size of the city matter? These aren’t questions you need to answer here, but will be important for you when determining which school has the better opportunities for you.
Have you visited both schools? If you haven’t, try to visit. If you can’t visit, or even just before you visit, pore over the school’s websites. My DS didn’t look at Auburn, so I can’t speak to that, but I know Alabama’s website has tons of info. For example, if your biology/chemistry interest comes from wanting to go to medical school or have a medical career, check out https://mccolloughscholars.as.ua.edu. If you’re interested in research check out https://undergraduateresearch.ua.edu/emerging-scholars-program/ or https://honors.ua.edu/programs/randall-research-scholars-program/ (if you’re interested in this one don’t delay, the application deadline is coming up fast). If you are interested in smaller seminar-style liberal arts classes check out https://blount.as.ua.edu/
Those are just some of the opportunities I know about because of my son–there are many more.
If you visit Alabama contact their Honors College (or your regional recruiter) and let them know what you would be interested in learning about and they will put together a visit itinerary for you. My DS is a freshman at Alabama and when we visited his senior year he found out about research opportunities, living-learning communities, study abroad, talked to professors and even sat in on a class during our visit. He left campus with the information he needed to decide whether to attend.
Good luck!
My son took the Honors tour at Bama with their fantastic full tuition scholarship and the engineering to MBA offer, however, he was won over by Auburn in the end. You will have plenty of opportunity at either school as they both have the learning communities, study abroad, etc. Bama will recruit harder (like x 10), but the fit was just perfect at Auburn for my son. Check the companies that recruit at each in your field, typically a big fall and spring recruiting period. I know you’re not interested in engineering but you’ll see pretty much the same companies recruiting at GT, also recruit at Auburn - probably the same at Alabama. Good luck and War Eagle!
Didn’t Auburn beat Alabama? 
AU did beat UA in football this year. But…as an AU alumni, you can’t hang your hat on a single year of football. Football does rule the roost, but AU did make it to the Final 4 in Basketball (abnormal) and the final 4 in Baseball(again, abnormal).
AU is competitive in ALL sports. Every year.
When deciding on a a campus/university…understand that in the SECW, no one gets unlimited bragging rights.
if you decide to come to an SECW school, remember you have 5-6 competitive athletic schools that will bring it, to make your BBall, Baseball and Football season worth a heart-attack of bringing you to knees every week!!
This is the reason why the sports is significant.
I grew up pulling for the Dawgs because of my parents affiliations and history. You then learn that your path may be different and the Tigers of AU are you passion, your history and being an alum is great.
Coming from a split household (me an AU grad and my wife a grad of UA), it takes time to come to the realization…your DS/DD are individuals that may or may not follow in your footsteps. Our biggest hope/dream for our son…go to where you think and feel you will make an impact.
Our family is in midst of AU, GT, and LSU offers. The next few weeks are relevant. I’ve learned that my affiliation is just that, not his.
Good luck to all split households that are holding strong on their child’s decisions.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
WDE!!
ThreeofThree…please ping us for the opportunity for the boys to talk further. We are in North ATL
This brings back memories. I’m from the North but worked in Montgomery for a year. The first day I was called into the office with several higher ups. They sat me down and asked one question. “Roll Tide or War Eagle?”. I had no clue. I liked Auburn’s colors so I said “War Eagle”. Half were smiling and the other half questioned my mental abilities.
Both schools will provide opportunities. I don’t think you can go wrong either way. Visit both and choose.
Auburn if all things are equal in terms of your personal fit. Also if the tuition difference has no real impact on your family.