University of Arizona (UArizona)

The University of Arizona is a public university that blends a deep history with innovative, cutting-edge research. The school offers its 40,000 undergraduates more than 150 majors spread across 20 colleges (and even more specialized schools within), and students "can choose from a variety of majors and minors and structure your own studies" in any way they see fit. The school highly emphasizes "communicating with its students and keeping up to date with student life," a service that extends to graduates as well, thanks to a "supportive and large alumni network." Current enrollees looking for additional support will find tons of resources, whether that's free tutoring in most introductory level subjects or "Supplemental Instruction sessions, which are like bonus discussion sections if you want more practice."

Professors here run the gamut in terms of passion and presentation, but for the most part, they "really [care] about the material; [have] funny, interesting, or engaging lectures; and [are] extremely willing to meet outside class." Some professors use a "flipped classroom" approach, "which really [helps] create an active learning environment," and the sciences offer lab-based classes with "many hands-on activities that teach what presentations [alone] could not." Many professors "bring in guest lectors or have guest presentations," and "classrooms are often set up in a manner in which group discussion is encouraged."

Around 60* percent of students hail from Arizona in this diverse population that is "very passionate about what it means to Wildcat and [the] excessive amounts of school pride" that come with it. The university's sheer size means there are "people from all over the world studying hundreds of different things" and hence "there is a club, frat, sorority, [or] group to join for everyone to feel a part of something greater and get encouragement." An Arizona student "knows the importance of both studies and life experiences for a wellrounded college experience" and takes studying as seriously as the relaxing: "We all know that at the end of the day we're all here to get that degree, despite the fun we all have."

Amazing weather and a beautiful campus make for a happy, sunny time that is "full of life and fun." This is "a very active community [that uses] the gyms regularly," though there's plenty of exercise simply in traversing the sprawling campus via bike or foot. Arizona is "full of spirit" and sporting events (especially football and basketball) are popular; students describe hanging out in the raucous "ZonaZoo" to show support for their teams. Thanks to the centralized Mall, it's easy to find people to hang out with during the day, and clearly posted events speak to all types of nighttime entertainment, since "Some people love to party, some people love to study." The campus "has an extremely open, comfortable atmosphere," and because "some dorms cater to a certain audience with the in-hall communities," it's remarkably easy to find your niche. The community feel is a real bonus for students, who love that "it's a massive university, yet everyone knows everyone."