<p>Hello College Confidential community! I'm a long-time lurker and first-time poster.</p>
<p>Most of the information I hear about Appalachian State relates to the social scene and weather. I've been accepted into the Honors College and I just received a mailing inviting me to the Scholars Day, so I wanted to know a bit more about the academics.</p>
<p>What are some of the strongest programs there? I have heard through the grapevine that the Business and Accounting programs are highly reputable, and I was hoping someone could shed some more light on that.</p>
<p>The intended major listed on my application is mathematics, but, being the highly uncertain soul that I am, that is likely to change. I'm also considering accounting, finance, or business. However, I truly am undecided; I'm hoping to pinpoint something I'd love to do within my first two years.</p>
<p>I am curious; how do you plan to use this information?</p>
<p>Because to me, you should choose your major based upon your actual interests, and not what are perceived as the strongest departments. If English was App State’s strongest department, but you hate analyzing literature; or political science is strong but that doesn’t interest you…why would that matter?</p>
<p>I think a better way to select your major is to take a few classes in majors you think you may be interested in during your first few semesters. See which ones you really enjoy, and which ones make you want to study further.</p>
<p>How did you get accepted to the Honors College at App State? What were your stats? GPA, School Rank, SAT/ACT, EC, etc? Did you have to apply to the Honors College? Are you from NC?</p>
<p>I was also accepted into the Honors College and received an invitation to the Scholars Day. All of this was done through completing the admission application by Nov 15 and the scholarship app by Dec 1. I am ranked 1st in my class, instate, and, I believe, have GREAT ECs, ie state leadership positions, 700+ hours of voluntary service, national awards, Governor’s School, etc. My only weakness I would see would be a lower than scholarship average SAT- R-690, M- 670, W- 720.</p>
<p>@julliet: I’m mainly just curious. My dad has been wondering also so I thought I’d ask for the both of us. All around me, people seem to center their opinion of a school based on its strongest department… or the one with the biggest reputation. “Oh, you want to be an engineer? Go to NC State.” or “Medicine? Wake Forest has a great program!” There isn’t much dialogue about Appalachian and my father and I just wanted to get a preliminary idea of its academic climate. I <em>try</em> not to give these types of departmental things much regard, but, as you can tell from this thread, I do like to know. I am, however, much more concerned about the overall academic atmosphere at all the schools I’ve applied to; I think conversations with current students would be much more suitable for that. But rest assured, I will definitely take full advantage of my early semesters – at wherever I end up at – to explore and find something I truly enjoy doing! Thanks for the advice!</p>
<p>@deskjet123: Hi. My rank is somewhere between 5-10 out of a class of about 170. I am in-state. SAT (highest scores): R-730, M-670, W-720. ACT: 33. GPA Weighted: 4.75 (probably slightly higher now that 1st semester grades are in), Unweighted: 4.00. My ECs are kinda lousy – one leadership position last year (bumped out this year), a few other clubs, no big awards, some volunteering but I’ve never really tracked hours (maybe 200-250ish? idk). I’ve done one summer program. I thought my Honors application essay was pretty good.</p>
<p>@Grandi ASU does have a very strong business and accounting programs. At one time, they had the highest percentage of graduates pass the CPA exam on the first try of any school around. They also have a strong teacher education program (I have both undergraduate and graduate degrees from ASU in Middle Grades Education; Math and ELA, and a Masters Degree in Library Science). Most love ASU’s atmosphere. It’s a good blend of high academic standards and fun. I have a son currently in the Honors College and a high school senior who has been accepted to the Honors College. The Honors College, in my humble opinion, is the best selling point. The relationships honors students have with their advisors and professors is amazing. Dr. Jones, the director, is incredible. I can’t say enough good things about her and the Honors College. There are LOTS of Honors College perks - early registration, better housing, interesting seminars. Please let me know if you have any other questions.</p>