I am considering Appalachian State University but I am worried about some of the reviews I have seen on niche and cappex saying that it is more of a commuter school. It seems like a very good school, I’m just worried that it won’t have that traditional college campus vibe, or that it will be made up of students from that area that all already know each other. If anyone has any insight towards this, or just Appalachian State in general that would be greatly appreciated.
ASU has over 18,000 students, so no worry about everybody knowing each other. About two thirds of students live off campus. Boone isn’t very big, with a population only about the same size as the ASU student body. It can get boring fast. Not much to choose from in the way of shopping, restaurants, entertainment, etcetera. It might be too isolated for some, the closest good-sized cities being Winston-Salem (about 1.5 hour drive), and Asheville and Charlotte (both about a 2 hour drive).
Academics are pretty good for a regional university. Football is hugely popular, their program being a respected one in NCAA Division I. Students from say California or Florida probably wouldn’t be thrilled with the mountain winters, but the winters wouldn’t bother those from the northeast or upper midwest at all.
Not a school one would want to select sight unseen. Anybody interested should definitely make at least one campus visit before deciding. Students who prefer an urban environment with plenty of shopping/restaurant/entertainment choices should definitely avoid. Overall though, a decent school.
App State is certainly not a commuter school. There isn’t enough local population to have that many commuters! Lots of kids who don’t live terribly far away may go home on weekends - but the folks I know whose kids have gone to App rarely even came home on breaks after Freshman year (we’re about 2 1/2 hours away).
App has a great vibe and lots of school spirit. Yes, it is more remote but it’s no Western Carolina! Admission has become more difficult over the years as it’s reputation has grown in the UNC system. Definitely visit, and be prepared for the winter weather. That’s often a surprise to kids who’ve grown up in middle or eastern NC.