<p>Hey guys, so I’ve gone on a LOT of college visits over the past year, and I’ve come to the decision that the University of Alabama and Auburn University are my top choices. I’m pretty confident that I will get into both schools and I should receive out of state scholarship money based on my GPA and test scores. Alabama would be the cheaper option, BUT putting money aside, I need to figure out which one would be the better choice. My intended major is nursing, so I’m just wondering if anyone can give me some insight into the nursing schools at both Auburn and Alabama. Is one better that the other, or are they pretty equivalent? And any information/opinions on the schools overall would also be greatly appreciated! I think both campuses are beautiful and I have no doubt that I would be happy with either one, I’m just curious to hear opinions from people other than my family…</p>
<p>Regarding nursing schools, are you interested in an undergraduate degree (BSN), or do you think you will move on to graduate nursing studies? The undergraduate programs at most large universities (including AU and UA) are pretty much the same. I would talk to an advisor within each of these nursing schools who is familiar with the percentages of students who ultimately pass a national licensing exam and then find employment. Passing a board exam and job placement are your primary bellwethers. Inquiring about percentages of students who move on to graduate studies might also be helpful to you as well. If you are interested in graduate studies, graduate programs in nursing are ranked (see link below):
[Best</a> Nursing Programs | Top Nursing Schools | US News Best Graduate Schools](<a href=“http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/nursing-rankings]Best”>http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/nursing-rankings)
UAB is actually the highest ranked Alabama university (21st) for graduate nursing programs – it’s a GREAT school for health careers in general; very well respected. Neither UA or AU have highly ranked graduate programs, though UA is ranked higher than Auburn. Recently, UA has channeled more resources into improving both its graduate and undergraduate programs with expanded curriculum and new facilities. Basically, for undergrad studies, I would visit both nursing schools, talk to instructors, students, and see which one is the best fit for you, both academically, and personally. Good luck with your final decision – everyone on these threads knows that it’s a stressful, but exciting point in your life!</p>
<p>Both schools will give you the opportunity to succeed if you want to. It’s not really about the school at this point, but how hard you are willing to work. Where do you feel more comfortable?</p>
<p>Ask the Nursing School advisors at both schools if you are admitted directly to the nursing program and what you need to do to stay in the program. Because nursing instructors are hard to find, the programs tend to be smaller (even at big universities) and very competitive. At most Florida schools, you are in pre-nursing for two years taking pre reqs and then are considered to continue on to nursing junior year based on GPA. Sometimes this makes it difficult if you don’t make the cut and have to apply your credits to another major.</p>
<p>The flavor of both schools is different despite their common football mania. Have you visited both schools? Which one felt more “like you”? If you are a girl, UA has a reputation of necessitating being in a sorority (though sororities are also popular at AU). Is that something that appeals to you? What other things are important to you in a school that you could use to compare the two?</p>
<p>I know our daughter (currently an AU student) has a lot of friends in Pre-Nursing at Auburn. They all realize how competitive it is to get in the Nursing program and worked very hard to end the first year with 4.0 GPA’s. Auburn also does personal interviews In addition to the applications for each candidate. They take a small number each year. If you go to the AU Nursing school page or call I am sure they can offer more information.</p>