<p>DS is a junior. He loves schools with warm weather and good football teams. He does not know what he wants to major in. He likes to play trumpet and ultimate Frisbee. He wants to be sure to get a chance to study abroad. (He's a high school athlete looking forward to intramural sports in college.)</p>
<p>Here is our tentative itinerary for a mom and DS trip to look at Auburn and Alabama over DS's four-day President's Day weekend. (I like to plan ahead.) DH may join us on Fri or Mon if he can make it the extension of a business trip.</p>
<p>Thurs Feb 17 - fly to Montgomery after school. Pick up rental car.
Fri Feb 18 - tour of Auburn
Sat Feb 19 - a little more time in Auburn, with lunch/brunch. Then drive to Tuscaloosa.
Sun Feb 20 - r and r in Tuscaloosa. Maybe go to the football museum.
Mon Feb 21 - be part of their special "University Days" college visit
Monday at 4 or so - drive to Birmingham
Monday at 7 or so - fly home to Ohio</p>
<p>Alamo is not hitting us with a surcharge for picking the car up in Montgomery and dropping it off in Birmingham, which is nice because DS is too young to drive a rental car and I hate driving. I don't know if we will stay in Montgomery Thursday night or drive right to Auburn. Our plane lands at about 9 if it is on time so the drive from Montgomery to Auburn at 9:30 or so at night does not sound bad.</p>
<p>I was thinking for Auburn we'd say at the Holiday Inn Express near campus and for Alabama we'd stay at the university's hotel on campus, unless you all tell me this is a terrible idea.
We are open to any suggestion of things to be sure to see, ideas for Friday night in Auburn or Saturday night and Sunday night in Tuscaloosa.</p>
<p>I have been to Birmingham twice for work meetings but only seen the airport and UAB. DS has never been to Alabama. DS had a friend who was at Alabama and loved it but I don't think we have known anyone who went to Auburn. This will be interesting.</p>
<p>These are great questions and it’s a good idea to plan the trip. Many people think 'Bama and Auburn are interchangeable…just those SEC schools. They are good schools that offer good out of state merit aid, but like any other school they have departments that are stronger than others. One campus may simply feel better to your son.
One big change in out of state merit aid this year was the top tier for Auburn now covers 2/3 oos tuition only, along with money for a computer and study abroad. Alabama’s top tier oos merit aid still covers full out of state tuition, and a few other things. Honors college housing is great at both schools.
Be aware that the change in awards was not announced until 6/1 of this year for the current admissions cycle, so any questions you may have would be answered with current information that may or may not change.
This may not be a deciding factor for your student. I know it has been a tipping point for several students.
You may do well to post your question on both the Alabama boards (be ready for LOTS of responses as they are an active group), and the Auburn board (who are not as active, but love their school).
Also, find out who his area representative is prior to your visit and send an email letting him know your interest and that you’ll be visiting.
Best of luck!</p>
<p>MidwestMom2Kids: Please come and visit us on the University of Alabama’s board, we are a very friendly bunch. I am sure you will feel welcome.</p>
<p>In the meantime I will try to answer some of your concerns.</p>
<p>The itinerary that you posted seems like a good idea to me. I have visited both schools with my son. He is currently a University of Alabama freshman and is loving it.</p>
<p>Auburn is a nice school, in a more small town/rural area.
The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, which has a small city feel. </p>
<p>If your son likes warm weather, he will definitely like Alabama. And as far as football teams go, you can’t ask for a better team than UA’s champions. This year’s season has been very good and students get to buy a ticket package for just a few dollars.</p>
<p>I don’t know what your son’s stats are but Blueiguana is right about Auburn’s recent changes to their scholarships. Bama’s scholarships are still terrific and you can use your scholarship to study abroad. </p>
<p>I don’t know about the hotel near Auburn, but the Hotel Capstone located on UA’s campus is very nice. Make your reservations as soon as possible though, it books up very early whenever there are campus activities.</p>
<p>I am not familiar with activities around the Auburn area, perhaps someone else can chime in.</p>
<p>Tuscaloosa has many restaurants you may enjoy and there is a Bear Bryant Museum. We have some interesting threads about restaurants on our board.</p>
<p>Any other questions?</p>