Is American challenging enough? Interesting enough?

Colleges and Universities A-Z American University
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<p>So I got accepted to American a few weeks ago with a Deans scholarship for 20K a year. But a few days ago, I also got accepted to my dream school, Middlebury College in Vermont. Middlebury has no merit-based aid (not that I would get any regardless).</p>

<p>I REALLY want to go to Middlebury–I love the size, the international studies program, the fact that they have a geography department, the class size, the academic rigor and student body, all of that–but I would have to pay full sticker price because my parents EFC means that we don’t qualify for aid.</p>

<p>What I want to know is from current students at AU, particularly those who were accepted at more prestigious schools with better academic quality, whether or not they find the classes challenging and if the students tend to care much at all about their academics. Also any information about class size and whether it is discussion or lecture based would be great. I’m just worried that I am jeopardizing my future when it comes to not reaching for my full potential.</p>

<p>I’m not trying to offend anyone at AU and I’m not saying anything bad about the school, I’m just wondering whether or not it would be a good choice for me. Thanks a lot, I really do appreciate it.</p>

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<p>I think I can shed some light on your situation.</p>

<p>American University was at the bottom of my list when applying to colleges. I had my heart set on Georgetown and the Ivies and when I got waitlisted American University became a real option. I arrived at the school with pretty low expectations, but I truly feel like I have been able to challenge myself while I am here, and I am confident that I am graduating with an education comparable to any other competitive college.</p>

<p>I believe the quality of your undergraduate education is going to be relatively similar to a number of other schools. Like other colleges, American University is as challenging as you want it to be. I have a sister who attends Columbia, and when she speaks about classes similar to those I have taken I never notice any gaps or striking differences between the two. </p>

<p>I have had a number of really good professors, and then a few who I really felt wasted my time. However, I have been extremely happy with my two majors (Economics and SIS) and the opportunities that I have pursued while in school. </p>

<p>As for classes, a strong point for AU is that no classes are ever taught by TAs (or at least I have never heard of any), class sizes are small outside of freshman seminars (which average around 80), and my experience in classrooms has been that they are mostly discussion oriented. I feel for the most part that my professors are always willing and eager to help their students, and my classes have been really rewarding.</p>

<p>I will say that I believe part of the reason I have been so happy at AU is that my work experiences in DC have been excellent, and I know I will graduate from college with enough experiences on my resume to put me well ahead of many other students. However, this is just me.</p>

<p>Of course, there are students at AU that make me wonder how we could have possibly been accepted to the same institution, but I am sure this isn't unique to AU. I believe the experience at AU is truly the amount of effort you are willing to put into it, your independence, and the people you surround yourself with.</p>

<p>If Middlebury is really your dream school and it seems like a better fit, then I would spend significant time comparing the programs you want to pursue, at both campuses. And if you haven't already, spend some time on campus speaking with students, tours aren't exactly always the best way to choose the place in which you will spend the next four years of your life...</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

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<p>Bigp I'm in the same boat as you, kind of. I got into Northwestern, which I feel has a little more prestige than American, but I got enough from AU to make it cost as much as my high school presently does. I just don't want to kick myself for following money instead of academic rigor. Are there any current AU students that can add anything to the previous reply that might persuade me?</p>

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<p>I was in the same boat as Britty512. When I didn't get into any of the Ivies I wanted to, I wasn't excited to go to AU. People hardly knew about it in my area and all my friends going to top tier schools seemed to have it made for life. I think it really depends on the major you want to get a degree in. Yes, if you want to be pre-med or physicist, AU is probably not the place for you. But if you have any interest in IR or Poli Sci or Economics, I really think AU can't be beat. I've found myself really challenged in my poli sci classes and the professors I've had have surprised me with their connections and knowledge. I work in Congress as an intern and was looking over the list of interns for the summer when I noticed a girl I graduated with, who is attending harvard, was applying for my position. My boss told me the office doesn't like to hire Ivy kids and actually prefers hiring kids from AU and GW because they feel we have more of a work ethic. Unfair? Probably, but still great for us. Yes, not everyone respects AU, and essentially, it is a specialized school. But if your interests are in the areas I've described, AU is a wonderful place to get an in-depth education and impressive internships. Anyway, you will get the same basic general education for your first two years everywhere. If you really hate AU, take the scholarship, go two years, and then transfer to an Ivy. Your GPA and Internships will make you a shoo-in</p>

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<p>Aupolikid makes a good point. If you come to AU and realize its not for you, you will leave with a heck of a resume if you put some effort in. Its very easy to get jobs on the hill or in Capitol Hill and if you can't earn a GPA above a 3.8 then you are clearly not putting in any effort. I personally have been rather bored with the academics here and the lack of difficulty, but everyone is different. </p>

<p>Good luck at Middlebury, or at AU. Don't worry if you need to transfer. Tons of kids transfer in and out of AU, so its not uncommon. In fact, I thought i read somewhere that over 40% of college kids transfer at some point. Can't source it, though.</p>

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<p>i don't know if this helps but i was not really considering AU very seriously... and then i went on this special accepted students honors day and i was absolutely beyond impressed with their presentation. it seems like you really get to meet your professors and get to know them and the academics far exceeded my expectations. I definitely think you should visit the campus. I met the woman who would be my academic adviser next year, professors, and maybe 5 different deans. and they were all very engaging and friendly. i went into the day thinking, ah whatever i'll give it a chance but now 'm completely reconsidering where I want to be. you should check out their internship opportunities they're really incredible. Good luck wherever you end up next year and congratulations on being accepted to both schools!</p>

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<p>Students here absoluely care about academics. Just because it is not an Ivy or liberal arts does not mean that students are not academic focused. Most are extremely career oriented- almost all of my friends intern on top of a full schedule. As for class size- I have had classes ranging from 8 to 50 students- most fall around 20, however there are several large lecture classes, especially for low-level general education classes. In my experience, the small class size has allowed for engaging discussions during each class meeting.</p>

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<p>nice post, lb! this is exactly what my d's experience is.</p>

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<p>I don't particularly find classes here challenging. PM me if you want more info. I don't want people arguing with me for providing honest opinions.</p>

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<p>no one should argue with anyone for providing honest opinions, especially if we all realize that's all we can do for anyone..provide (hopefully) honest experiences.</p>