<p>First…I don’t understand why so many students here are averse to the idea of going to a “party school”, especially a large public research university that is very well-reputed (like Alabama). If you don’t like going to parties, just don’t go. You won’t be the only student there who doesn’t like parties. Also, why can’t students who like to party also be very serious about their futures and want to be successful? Your best friend may party Thursday through Sunday but be a straight-A student who interned at a top engineering firm in his summers.</p>
<p>People have stereotypes about Greek life. I did, too, before I started working with Greek students. They’re the same as every other student - some joined the Greek scene because they wanted a four-year party, but most joined because they wanted to have a unique kind of college experience with close bonds and a variety of activities. But there are a lot of serious, dedicated, ambitious Greek students. I’m pretty sure that the Greek GPA at UA is higher than the university’s overall average GPA.</p>
<p>Alabama is no more a “party school” than any other large state university, including UW. You’ll find just as many partiers and non partiers at both schools. Also, UW and UA have roughly the same acceptance rate (55% and 57% respectively) so Alabama is not, technically, easier to get into than UW. So both places would be about the same transition from your private high school.</p>
<p>Anyway</p>
<ol>
<li>No.</li>
<li>Yes, not to mention that you’ll probably be unable to get those loans, unless your parents are willing to cosign for you.</li>
<li>See above. UA is an excellent university. It’s also pretty well-known for engineering.</li>
<li>I was. I had a choice between a mid-ranked LAC (Spelman College) and Emory. The mid-ranked LAC gave me a full scholarship and Emory gave me virtually no aid. I chose the mid-ranked LAC. I had a blast (I was one of those work hard/play hard kids), graduated with honors, and am about to finish an Ivy League PhD program.</li>
</ol>