<p>OK! I’m a volleyball player and I have been deciding between what schools I want to attend. I live in California and I plan to be a nursing major. I have been offered full athletic scholarships to Gonzaga University and the University of Alabama-birmingham. </p>
<p>Gonzaga University
Pros: good volleyball, closer to home, and they are offering me a chance to redshirt if I want and get 5 full years of education paid for including my masters degree.
Cons: no diversity WHATSOEVER, (I’m black), weather.
I Dont really care that it is a small school</p>
<p>University of Alabama-Birmingham
Pros: Phenomenal nursing program, great weather, good coaches, weather, Diversity, guaranteed seat in nursing program.
Cons: Distance from home, They Dont want me to redshirt because they need someone to play right away so I ll only get my undergrad paid for, they don’t play in California either. </p>
<p>I really really wanted to attend UC Davis because i LOVED the general area and the towns laidback attitude but they dont have an undergrad nursing major…i really dont know which to pick. Also does anyone know about the party scene at either of these schools? Socially, i am a very reserved person. I dont really party a lot and I am very studious. I will go out sometimes but theres no drinking involved so i am worried i wont fit in at a party school. A part of me wants to attend Gonzaga and another wants to attend UAB. What do u suggest? </p>
<p>My gut tells me Gonzaga is less a party school. Jesuit universities are really nice, whole person oriented education philosophy. That 5th year paid for seems huge to me. 1% black, whaaa? Boy are they going to be happy to get you. But overall 25% non-white, so some multi/other who knows. Gonzaga has an 80% grad rate compared to 45% UAB, seems more suited to studious.</p>
<p>UAB is not a party school. My son is a med student there. </p>
<p>For a nursing major, UAB is fab…and also has the racial diversity you would like. </p>
<p>UAB is excellent for Health Sciences careers. Among the best in the southeast and nationally. Birmingham is not Paris but is it a major city. Yes, the diversity is significant at UAB, specifically regarding African Americans. Being an athlete, I wouldn’t be surprised if you were able to find some way to wrangle funds for the master’s degree at UAB.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t knock Gonzaga based on the demographics. For example, the mens basketball team has recruited Black athletes from abroad for many years, particularly from the Caribbean; LA Laker Rony Turiaf, among others. Spokane can seem like the far side of the moon for some people of color, and Eastern Washington is very, very different from Seattle and the Puget Sound area, but Gonzaga is a fine school.</p>
<p>so you would suggest i went there instead? even though i am not getting my masters program paid for? i loved the atmosphere @mom2collegekids</p>
<p>@LakeWashington i visited UAB and i liked the general area and the girls on the team. and the nursing program is amazing. according to NCAA rules., they are only allowed to pay for a fifth year for me if i redshirt and they do not want to redshirt me. they need someone to play right away. Gonzaga on the other hand is a very good school and i loved the area too but i fear that the race thing wouldnt let me have a good experience. </p>
<p>Well, the financial angle complicates the decision but it sounds like your leaning towards UAB. Comfort level is very important when considering a college. Is there a possibility of an employer-sponsored Master’s degree when your return to California (or elsewhere)?</p>
<p>What is your career goal with a grad degree? </p>
<p>IF going to UAB grad school for ? is your goal, then after you get your BSN, work for a year and get residency. Then the cost goes down considerably.</p>
<p>Do you want to become a Nurse Practitioner? </p>
<p>I think it sounds like UAB is a better fit for you.</p>
<p>@mom2collegekids yes I want to be a nurse practitioner…</p>
<p>@LakeWashington um I’m not really sure how that works. I didn’t want to rely on that but I’m not really leaning towards UAB. I’m really just very confused haha</p>
<p>Go to UAB, enjoy yourself, get the BSN. If you decide to stay in Alabama, get a job (easier said, I know) then take M2CK’s advice and apply as a Alabama resident to one of the state programs. I promise I’ll watch UAB volleyball whenever it’s on TV. LOL.</p>
<p>It’s not hard to get a job in the UAB area. </p>
<p>Do you have other concerns about UAB? It really is perfect for a future nurse practitioner. </p>