Opinions of each (SMU, Ohio State, Iowa, Alabama, Baylor)

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hey! I am down to my final 5 college choices to transfer into this spring. I have been accepted to Ohio State, Baylor, SMU, Iowa, and Alabama. I was wondering what everyone’s general perception of each school was and which they thought was the strongest overall. Money isn’t really an issue in my decision, and each school is more or less the same price for me anyway. I was just interested in hearing some opinions/suggestions about each school. I am planning on majoring in economics, but I am kinda looking for a better overall reputation rather than just for my particular field.</p>

<p>Also input on the college town/life would be awesome!</p>

2

<p>Based on overall rep</p>

<ol>
<li>Ohio St</li>
<li>SMU </li>
<li>Alabama</li>
<li>Iowa</li>
<li>Baylor</li>
</ol>

<p>Ohio St and SMU are in large cities whereas Baylor is in Waco</p>

3

<p>Ohio State and SMU are peers, but I would choose SMU if money isn’t an issue. Smaller, better student/faculty ratio, higher 4-year graduation rate, in a very nice suburban area with easy access/close proximity to Dallas.</p>

<ol>
<li>SMU</li>
<li>Ohio State</li>
<li>Baylor</li>
<li>Alabama</li>
<li>Iowa</li>
</ol>

<p>But, 1 & 2 are really close, and 3 4 & 5 are really close.</p>

4

<p>Ohio State president promotes faculty expansion</p>

<p>Updated: Monday, 22 Oct 2012, 8:24 AM EDT
Published : Monday, 22 Oct 2012, 8:24 AM EDT</p>

<p>COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The president of Ohio State University has reiterated the university’s commitment to expanding the size of its faculty by 8 to 10 percent over the next decade.</p>

<p>OSU President Gordon Gee says he recognizes that many departments have budgetary concerns and are uncertain how such growth will be accomplished.</p>

<p>But Gee also cautioned departments against focusing more on budgets than on finding ways to move the university, one of the country’s largest campuses, to the next level of excellence.</p>

<p>Gee noted in his annual address to faculty Thursday that the university’s new fundraising campaign will invest at least $400 million in an initiative to hire new faculty.</p>

<p>The goal of that campaign, unveiled earlier this month, is $2.5 billion.</p>

<p>Source: <a href=“Google”>Google;

<p>

</p>

<h1>2 in the nation!! :p</h1>

<p><a href=“http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703376504575491704156387646.html?mod=WSJ_PathToProfessions_TopLEADNewsCollection[/url]”>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703376504575491704156387646.html?mod=WSJ_PathToProfessions_TopLEADNewsCollection&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

5

<p>Thanks guys! I didn’t know Baylor wasn’t thought of well. I live in Dallas and it’s seen in the same light as SMU lol.</p>

<p>I’m kind of leaning toward Ohio State or Baylor lol.</p>

6

<p>any other opinions lol?</p>

7

<p>Baylor has good sports teams and ton of school spirit. I know a lot of kids there and they all really really like it…except for one newly declared athiest who doesn’t like that it’s Baptist.</p>

<p>I think both SMU and Baylor are a really good size…not too larg and not too small.</p>

<p>Can you get in-state tuition at Alabama?</p>

8

<p>Part of it depends on where you see yourself living. </p>

<p>You won’t find many people in Big Ten country that think Alabama, Baylor, or SMU are any better than Iowa. In fact, in much of the midwest, Baylor and SMU often generate very negative reactions…Baylor being a conservative Baptist place and SMU being a playground for rich underachievers. If you see yourself in Chicago or another midwest city, go to Iowa or OSU.</p>

<p>If you see yourself in the south, go to Alabama.</p>

<p>As a former west coaster, Big Ten schools(especially because of all the transplants) and SEC schools are far better known and often more respected than Baylor and SMU in the pacific coast.</p>

9

<p>I live in Houston and most non baptists see Baylor as a school that will accept anyone willing to pay the full tuition</p>

10

<p>hmmm. looks like Ohio State is generally thought of as the strongest around here lol.</p>

11

<p>They are all pretty much peer schools.</p>

<p>You’re a transfer student, right?</p>

<p>Have you visited any of them?</p>

<p>Go to the Bama forum here for more info about Bama…
[University</a> of Alabama - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-alabama/]University”>University of Alabama - College Confidential Forums)</p>

12

<p>I agree with Haystack. Go Big 10 or SEC.</p>

13

<p>Okay, I’m leaning toward the 3 state schools.</p>

<p>Would ya’ll agree that OSU has a better reputation than Iowa and Alabama?</p>

14

<p>I believe OSU would be considered the best of the three</p>

15

<p>Not true, unless you’re talking about the football team (and economics). :slight_smile: I think Iowa has it over OSU (and maybe Alabama) in the health sciences, accounting, journalism, and many other fields. Within the Big 10, it’s a relatively easy school to be admitted to, but tough to get good grades.</p>

<p>Go visit all 3 of them, and see which is the best fit.</p>

16

<p>OSU is a good school. Iowa is kind of in the middle of no where make sure you visit before you go there… </p>

<p>Bama is a beautiful campus. I would say the strongest of your choices is OSU…</p>

<p>between SMU and Baylor I would pick SMU.</p>

17

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<p>Ohio State has one of the top accounting programs in the nation.</p>

18

<p>I agree with Haystack as well. I’m in the midwest and I think of Baylor and SMU pretty negatively for the exact same reasons that Haystack cited.</p>

19

<ol>
<li>Alabama</li>
<li>Ohio State</li>
<li>Baylor</li>
<li>SMU</li>
<li>Iowa. </li>
</ol>

<p>I’m going to be a freshman next year at Alabama, and I’m SO excited. I applied to Baylor and Ohio State as well, but didn’t fall in love as much I did with Alabama. Amazing school, beautiful campus, helpful professors, people are so friendly, and the school pride is AWESOME. Ohio State was similar to that, but I think the campus is nicer at Alabama, plus it’s not as cold in Alabama as it is in Ohio</p>

20

<p>These are all big state schools, none of which are very prestigious and none of which are significantly better than the other for academics. These schools are more known for football academics, although they may be cheap if you are in-state. You should visit each and see which school you like the most.</p>