<p>Based on academics, social scene, and overall quality of the school</p>
<p>I want to major in either psychology or journalism.</p>
<p>I have a 3.6 GPA and 1220 (on the m + v)</p>
<p>The schools I’m interested in are
Arizona State
Florida State
Oregon State
Michigan State
UC Riverside
UC Santa Cruz
University of Arizona
University of Iowa
University of Colorado
University of Oklahoma
University of Oregon
University of Washington</p>
<p>Dont quote me on this but i would rank them in the following order</p>
<p>UC Riverside
UC Santa Cruz
University of Iowa
University of Washington
University of Oregon
Michigan State University
Florida State University
University of Colorado
University of Arizona</p>
<p>No idea where to put oregon state or university of oklahoma</p>
<p>University of Washington is probably the most prestigious overall. But I don’t think it makes sense to try to rate according to “overall quality” in such large institutions. You need to focus on the programs you’re most interested to decide which university is the best fit. </p>
<p>Also, what type of social scene do you want? The really really big football scene (FL State, U Oklahoma) or something more subdued than that.</p>
<p>Personally, I like the smaller state unis better. UOregon (which has a good journalism program), Iowa (known for writing program) and UC Santa Cruz would be high on my list. </p>
<p>Oregon State is relatively small, but I think it’s known more for engineering and sciences. </p>
<p>Of the others on your list, my personal preference would be: Washington, then Colorado, then Michigan State. I don’t know enough about the strengths of FSU, Oklahoma, or the two Arizona unis to place them in any kind of order. UC Riverside would be last among that list due to its location alone.</p>
<p>Washington/Iowa/FSU
MSU/CU/Oklahoma/Oregon/UCSC
Arizona/Arizona State/UCR
Oregon State</p>
<p>Florida State does not have a Journalism program, but the Psychology Department is good and the oldest program in Florida. The College of Communication may have something you want: [FSU</a> Highlights](<a href=“Rankings | Florida State University”>Rankings | Florida State University)</p>
<p>The most recent Fall SAT average at FSU for committed students is 1265.</p>
<p>See: [FSU</a> Psychology Department](<a href=“http://www.psy.fsu.edu/]FSU”>http://www.psy.fsu.edu/)</p>
<p>and: [FSU</a> Highlights](<a href=“http://www.fsu.edu/highlights/students.html]FSU”>Strong Students and Outcomes | Florida State University)</p>
<p>Forget any “ranking” and decide what features of a particular school appeal to you.</p>
<p>U of O has a great Journalism program, it is usually ranked very high.</p>
<p>I’m in a lousy position to compare those schools, as obviously I’d rank Michigan State at the very top. Especially if school spirit/good sports teams, a beautiful campus, and a traditional college experience is important to you. The people are incredibly friendly and there’s loads to do on campus (parties etc). The journalism program is also highly touted</p>
<p>I’m an oregon resident, and although I’m biased towards UO (parents went there), both UO and OSU are relatively equal. OSU has more engineering/forestry/agriculture programs, and UO has more liberal artsy stuff. Both are great schools, and I think they’re about the same size.</p>
<p>
Here’s how academics rate them according to US News “Peer Assessment” score:
Washington (3.9)
Iowa/Arizona (3.6)
Michigan State/Colorado (3.5)
Oregon/Arizona State (3.3)
UC Santa Cruz (3.2)
UC Riverside (3.1)
Oklahoma/Florida State (3.0)
Oregon State (2.9)</p>
<p>Note: the UCs aren’t going to have the big sports environment that your other colleges will have.</p>
<p>I’ll rank the biggest party schools for you:
<p>Just to let you know what you might be getting yourself into. ;)</p>
<p>^ Hell yeah…Go ASU!!!</p>
<p>Look at their new dorms…
[Developments</a> : Free Tanning, Movie Theaters, Pool: Dorm Life for the McMansion Generation](<a href=“http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2008/07/23/free-tanning-movie-theaters-pool-dorm-life-for-the-mcmansion-generation/]Developments”>http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2008/07/23/free-tanning-movie-theaters-pool-dorm-life-for-the-mcmansion-generation/)</p>
<p>^ Ah, how beautiful. Both ASU and U of A are under budget crises right about now and have to eliminate 50 mil from their budgets, but at the same time, they and Northern Arizona have to construct these buildings worth $1 billion.</p>
<p>I surely hope it’s worth the debt.</p>