Help an Aussie pick a US College please!

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I’m from Australia and probably going to be doing a year on exchange in USA next year. But I’m really stuck on where I should go! There are a lot of places to choose from and I just need some help honing in on some potential colleges I might go to. </p>

<p>So from the below list which one’s do you think are overall good institutions to probably look at. And obviously I want to have a good time and would prefer a ‘party uni’ lol. I want to make the most of my year there – so the bigger the social life the better. Any suggestions? Location would also be a factor. I’d like to see a fair bit, and start some prospective career networks going. But the college is the main thing.</p>

<p>But if you guys can give me some suggestions and outline some pros and cons it would help heaps! </p>

<p>List:
1. California State University - Long Beach
2. City University New York - Hunter College
3. Clemson University
4. Cornell University, School of Agriculture and Life Sciences
5. George Washington University
6. Iowa State University
7. ISEP
8. Kansas State University
9. Michigan State University
10. Old Dominion University</p>

<ol>
<li>Oregon University System</li>
<li>Eastern Oregon University</li>
<li>Oregon State University</li>
<li>Portland State University</li>
<li>Southern Oregon University</li>
<li>Western Oregon University</li>
<li><p>University of Oregon</p></li>
<li><p>Purdue University</p></li>
<li><p>San Diego State University</p></li>
<li><p>San Francisco State University</p></li>
<li><p>State University New York - Stony Brook</p></li>
<li><p>University of Massachusetts - Amherst, Massachusetts</p></li>
<li><p>University of Idaho</p></li>
<li><p>University of North Carolina at Greensboro</p></li>
<li><p>University of South Florida</p></li>
<li><p>University of Wisconsin - Whitewater</p></li>
<li><p>Western Michigan University</p></li>
</ol>

2

<p>You should visit the websites of each of these universities to get a general notion of what is offered. Follow any links to the student newspaper and information about the city where the university is located so that you can learn a bit more about what is available in the area. Take a look at a map of the US and figure out how close the institution may be to other places you’d like to visit. Remember, the continental US (not counting Alaska and Hawaii) is roughly the same size as Australia. This is a big place. You can’t easily pop over to New York City from Iowa State U just to see a show some weekend.</p>

<p>You may also want to consider weather. Some places have serious winters. Others don’t. Put the various city names into [National</a> and Local Weather Forecast, Hurricane, Radar and Report](<a href=“http://www.weather.com%5DNational”>http://www.weather.com) and read up on that too.</p>

<p>Wherever you do end up, you are certain to have a lot of adventures. Here’s wishing that they all are good ones!</p>

3

<p>Personally, I think as far as good location and the traditional American college experience I would go with the University of Oregon. The football team is one of the best in the Pac 12 and they played for the national championship last year. Euguene is a great college town. The weather is pretty rainy though and travel would limit it you to Northwest without a plane. </p>

<p>Michigan State is another great sports institution with a vibrant on campus social life. Michigan winters can be long and cold, so if weather is factor I think as far as party schools San Diego State may be one the best locations. You are right on the beach in a beautiful town. Less of a traditional college school spirit but fun in its own way. </p>

<p>Academically your best choices are Cornell by a long shot and then George Washington. Ithaca too has some crazy winters and probably is not the typical “party uni,” as far as career connections its the best on your list. GW is in DC which a fabulous place to be a student and allows you to travel around the North East fairly easily. If you are interested in politics at all I would go with DC. The social scene is more urban and club based, rather than large house parties you would see at state schools </p>

<p>Good luck! You have some great choices</p>

4

<p>I agree with University of Oregon. It has a beautiful campus, great reputation, great sports and decent weather (if you like rain).</p>