<p>Hi everyone,
I'm trying to decide on a safety school and it's come down to either University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa) and University of Oklahoma. I've been looking at their websites and they both look pretty similar, although I find Alabama's website easier to use. I did tour Alabama and thought it was nice, but probably won't have a chance to look at Oklahoma. And barring an Academic Elite scholarship from Alabama (highly unlikely), the prices are going to be virtually the same.
Has anyone toured both or know much about how they compare? I asked my college counselor and she said that they're pretty similar and can't give me a suggestion either way. I appreciate any advice.</p>
<p>About me: Unweighted 3.96/4.3 GPA, 35 ACT, 2170 SAT (1530 CR+M), likely National Merit Finalist, some ECs but nothing overly impressive.</p>
<p>With your stats, it is highly unlikely that you will need a safety school. Having said that, it’s good that you are thinking about one. My advise would be to apply to both along with your reaches and matches. Then let the process play out. IF you find yourself in the situation that you have to choose between the two schools at that point, then worry about the differences. This way your not wasting valuable time thinking about something that probably isn’t going to happen.</p>
<p>It’s more of a financial safety than admission; my family is in the range where we won’t get any aid, but with three other siblings, cannot afford Vanderbilt or SMU’s 60k total cost (my two top choices). Alabama and Oklahoma aren’t my first choices, but they are on the top of my list when I cut off the ones to which I will need a full-tuition scholarship to attend.</p>
<p>I’m trying to compare the overall experiences of the two, but specifically their honors colleges (class sizes; helpful teachers and staff; driven students; preparedness for what you want to do, in my case the MCAT/med school) and what they have to do outside of class (social events on campus, clubs/intramural teams/etc.)</p>
<p>Why not apply to both? There’s no harm in having 2 safeties. It’s actually a good idea.</p>
<p>What is your major?</p>
<p>Did you visit the Honors College while at Bama? </p>
<p>My son majored in ChemE at Bama and is now in med school. Bama’s acceptance rate to med school is very high, and Bama does write Committee Letters and does Mock Interviews. It also brings in actual med school interviewers to provide further practice.</p>
<p>Did you know that Bama has increased its NMF scholarship?</p>
<p>I actually have one safety already, Truman. I could apply to both to make it 3 safeties, but I’m trying to make this as easy on my counselor as possible–she writes a different letter for each school and if I keep both Alabama and Oklahoma, that makes 9.</p>
<p>I’m not certain of my exact major, but I think it will be something along the lines of biochemistry or biomedical engineering, and a minor in Spanish.</p>
<p>I was just passing through and did not have a chance to visit the Honors College, but from what I hear it is very good.</p>
<p>I didn’t know about the mock interviews, that sounds really helpful. And when did the NMF scholarship increase? I did look at it toward the end if last year but haven’t checked since.</p>
<p>It sounds like Bama has a lot to offer. Did it seem like your son enjoyed it? And I’m taking it that you thought it was a good place for him?</p>
<p>The NMF scholarship increased in July, I believe.</p>
<p>It’s too bad that you didn’t get to have the Honors College arrange your tour…with meetings with profs, honors faculty, visiting honors dorms, etc. </p>
<p>Your GC doesn’t have to write any letter to Bama. Bama doesn’t ask for one. Bama admits by test scores, GPA, and HS curriculum from transcript. </p>
<p>I think Bama offered my son a lot. He loved his four years there. It was a good mix of academics and college life.</p>
<p>What state are you in?
If you won’t qualify for need-based aid but are trying to keep costs down, the in-state public flagship often is a good safety/match choice for students with high stats.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the advice. And I’m in Missouri, Truman is going to be my other safety. I’m really hoping for some merit scholarships elsewhere but I do want to have other options.</p>