<p>please tell me what some of your least favorite things at AU are.</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Parking: It’s ridiculous. Granted its better than any other school in the area…but thats not saying much. I realize it’s a city, and parking is expensive but approx. 1000$/9 months expensive? My car is gathering rust in my driveway back at home because I can’t afford to bring it. (Which is probably for the best – DC/MD/VA drivers scare me)</p></li>
<li><p>Dorms: AU keeps accepting large freshman classes, with the result that freshman can often be tripled against their will, but this doesn’t happen Sophomore year on up as more people move off campus. The dorms are air conditioned (YAY!) but for the air/heat to switch on – it requires something like 4 consective nights above/below a certain temp. Last spring that was horrible because there were multiple warm days but we kept missing the consecutive temp by a day.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>I have to disagree with calp on the course availability – but thats because I’m a Government major at the SPA and my big other interests are Spanish and IR – all of which offer massive course options.</p>
<p>My perspective is a little different, viewing AU 14 years after graduating.</p>
<p>Being completely honest:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>It is very expensive–much more so now than in the 1990s (even though it was relatively expensive then, too). If I had a college-aged child now, I would counsel him to think very hard about cost and be wary of taking on loans.</p></li>
<li><p>Name recognition is somewhat limited away from the east coast. I live in Dallas now–not many people know about AU. However, as you move on in your career, you will find that where you went to college is decreasingly important. Also, based on info I learned at a recent alumni event in Dallas, AU is beginning to undertake some programs to increase awareness.</p></li>
<li><p>AU can be bureaucratic/political–both the students and the administration. I think it’s a result of being in DC and, (with respect to the students) half of them think they’re going to be senators, so they’re inclined in this direction.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I would try to come in with some AP credits. S reports that his Gen Ed. courses this 1st semester are somewhat boring overviews. He’s also not thrilled with his University College course.</p>
<ol>
<li>Money!</li>
<li>The administration can make you jump through some hoops but is starting to get their act together.</li>
<li>I wish the gym was bigger.</li>
</ol>