<p>I was just wondering what the +s and -s were for both universities and which would people most prefer? Both universities have my major (urban planning) Coming from Oregon where it rains a lot I love them both & I dont mind the heat either. I've been to both schools and originally I was set on going to U of A before my visit and now its deadeven. I was wondering if anyone could help me and give me some info about the two. Here are my thoughts about the two-
UA: nicer campus than asu, more traditional campus feel, tucson isn't as nice as tempe-phoenix
ASU: still a nice campus, everyone loox like an abercrombie model lol, more crowded yet has a cool vibe to the campus(ie mill ave etc), internships since its in phoenix compared to tucson</p>
<p>At ASU you get the best parties in the nation maybe next to Ohio State, UT-Austin, and Penn State. Girls Gone Wild is a regular visitor there. But Arizona gets very hot during the summer, so be sure to go home during the summer.</p>
<p>ASU, NAU, and U of A are so easy to get into as an Arizona resident that you might find yourself as an out-of-state person mingling with kids that are much less qualified than you. All you need is a 3.0 GPA OR a 1040 SAT composite, and you have unconditional admission as a resident. If you meet the SAT requirement, then you only need a 2.0, from what I understand. I guess there might be majors or specific areas of study which are more competitive or renowned, but I really don't know.</p>
<p>Kids around here seem to feel that U of A in Tucson is more of a place where smarter kids go (over ASU). Whenever I hear of an intelligent kid or valedictorian going to university, it's usually U of A. (I live in Arizona.) Both schools have honors colleges with SAT average of about 1280.</p>
<p>For the most part, I think that U of A is where the smarter kids go. That seems to be the overall trend in my school.</p>
<p>I heard U of A has a really nice research program for undergraduates which is why that's my top in-state school. I don't really want to go to a college in Phoenix because even thought Tuscon is also hot, I just think it will be a nicer experience in Tuscon rather than Phoenix.</p>
<p>ASU is a much bigger school, also a bigger party school.</p>
<p>I know nothing about the schools, but I've visited Tucson several times, once for as long as 2 weeks, and Phoenix twice, and I much preferred Tucson. Unless you want a big, big city, Tucson has many of the amenities most college kids would want, and would be a great college town. Also Phoenix is a very doable drive away, for big sporting events, concerts, etc. Did you realize there is skiing just outside Tucson?</p>
<p>There hasn't been much skiing on Mt. Lemon outside of Tucson for years due to a prolonged drought in AZ. My husband is a double grad of U of A and we know kids who have done really well there. If you can get into the honor's college at either school it's the best route. Anyone who is studious and seeks out extra opportunities and activities will do well both ASU and U of A. Like all big universities it's easy to party for a semester or two flunk out and completely waste your money and time, but that does not need to be the case. IMO neither is the place for a marginal student with little self motivation. Students that fit that description would be better served in the community college system. As far as ASU goes: I really like Tempe. It's a lively little city and there is no reason for an undergrad to have to venture out into the rest of the metropolis unless they want to. We live in central Phoenix and I'm always amazed at the growth of the suburbs when I have reason to drive out there but like most people we really live our lives in the corridor from downtown to wherever our kids go to school and wherever our hobbies and area attractions lead us. There is no reason to exclude ASU because the metropolitan area is larger. Generally Phoenicians like to go to Uo fo A because it is "away from home" but ASU has lots of competitive programs. I'd look into which has the stronger program for what you are interesed in studying. Good luck.</p>
<p>Both are good schools. Actually the honors college has higher SAT scores recently 1310 is the 25th percentile at ASU. There will be many bright kids at both schools from in state as both schools give absolutely amazing scholarships to the bright in-state students. They truly try to give incentives to keep kids in state. ASU gives free rides to merit scholars as well. If I were to pick an honors program I would pick ASU. For the regular school program probably U of A but the gap between them is closing and as path 1 said it does depend on your program. Tucson is greener, there is more concrete at ASU. Better concerts in Phoenix. Depends on your likes/needs.</p>
<p>Doesn't U of A give free tuition to merit scholars too? I thought I remembered getting a letter from them.</p>
<p>Okay this may be a dumb question, but how can you really find out which school has a stronger department in your prospective field? Besides asking around, is there a more concrete means of going about this?</p>
<p>UA also offers merit to top out-of-state kids, but the $$ are limited and go fast -- first come- first served. Thus, get you app into the rolling admissions pile.</p>
<p>You can usually find some worthwhile information about individual departments and programs on the university websites. Check the catalog for how many classes are offered in the department. If you have a specific interest within a department, do they do a good job of covering that? Do the classes generally look interesting to you? Both of these are big schools and will have some big classes, but can you tell if there will be many smaller classes in the departments you're interested in? Many schools will list faculty members in each department. How do the numbers compare? You may be able to click on a faculty name and find out their interests, what they've published lately, etc. It's a start.</p>
<p>Do these schools count freshman grades?</p>