<p>Which colleges are best academically? University of Florida, Auburn University, Florida State University, or University of Colorado at Boulder? If you need a major to go by, then rank according to political science/international relations department. But also rank according to best overall academic education. Thank you!</p>
<p>UF>Auburn>FSU = UCB</p>
<p>Overall, by academics:
FSU=UF>Auburn No idea about UC Boulder.</p>
<p>By political science/IR:
FSU>>>>UF>>Auburn
Consider: <a href=“http://docs.google.com/gview?a=v&q=cache:pQvCOz7mSe4J:www.politicalstudies.org/pdf/psr/hix.pdf+ratings+political+science&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESiPDt_GbClFD6IfJqu_EFJR_g9nfSNRADes5Qh-qPHHRF8lxZPNrxVWq38DFU_5z8XPO6f0fTiMD0DMMoSswwUE7MEZbnp3LBAUCbwSWFlWcFVbZb-SnKyGUTHz4q1-g7s1KqeV&sig=AFQjCNHQz0yetapkqkXyNSDJqgjH8Eyf9g[/url]”>http://docs.google.com/gview?a=v&q=cache:pQvCOz7mSe4J:www.politicalstudies.org/pdf/psr/hix.pdf+ratings+political+science&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESiPDt_GbClFD6IfJqu_EFJR_g9nfSNRADes5Qh-qPHHRF8lxZPNrxVWq38DFU_5z8XPO6f0fTiMD0DMMoSswwUE7MEZbnp3LBAUCbwSWFlWcFVbZb-SnKyGUTHz4q1-g7s1KqeV&sig=AFQjCNHQz0yetapkqkXyNSDJqgjH8Eyf9g</a></p>
<p>University Of Florida Academics:
A top-tier research institute that “is full of bright students who still know how to have fun,” the University of Florida offers “an environment unparalleled by an other university in the world with its first-class amenities, athletics, academics, campus, and students,” enthusiastic students insist. The school “has excellent academic programs all across the board: You’re not limited to just a great engineering program or journalism program” here; the sciences (including premedical studies, which piggyback on “a strong teaching hospital on campus”), business, education, communications, and engineering are among the many standout offerings. In short, “UF is a great school” that’s “not expensive, even for out-of-state students. Plus, there is a great sense of family here: You really are a part of the Gator Nation!” It is, of course, a very large university that at times “runs more [like] a machine than a place that fosters learning and growth.” As one student reports, “The school never even knew I had a name. The first thing anyone ever asks you is ‘What’s your UF-ID?’” Also, students must be prepared for “the annoyance of the size of the more generalized prerequisite courses, e.g., lower-level courses required by two or three majors.” Still, "the professors are almost always wonderful: They are helpful and definitely know their stuff.</p>
<p>Auburn University Academics:
Auburn University, a school that “is about family, traditions, and education,” is the sort of place that inspires “a strong sense of pride in the past and future of [the school].” In fact, Auburn’s “traditions and sense of family continue even after graduation.” These traditions are numerous, beloved, and often involve football. The education offerings are strong also; Auburn numbers among its many academic assets “a good business school, one of the best vet schools, and one of the best architecture schools in the nation.” The school also excels in engineering, education, and communications. Students enrolled in Auburn’s honors program enjoy “priority registration [and] smaller classes” that are almost always taught by professors-not TAs. Speaking of Auburn’s professors, students appreciate that they are “readily available,” “super friendly,” and “always willing to help no matter what size the class.” They are “concerned with each student’s progress,” and “always willing to work with [students] to teach the curriculum and how it applies to [their] life.” Academically, "As with any school, you get out of it what you put into it. You can put in the bare minimum and be happy with your C, or you can go to class every day, study hard, and make an A. No one here is going to baby you. You won’t get reminders not to miss class, and teachers won’t hunt you down for make-ups.</p>
<p>University Of Colorado - Boulder Academics:
It is all about the total college experience at the University of Colorado; students enjoy both “excellent academics and a great social atmosphere.” “The University of Colorado is all about getting an education for five days and spending the other two in the mountains,” students repeatedly tell us, noting that “CU is an amazing place because you can find an array of challenges and opportunities whether your drive is research, the arts, sports, a job, or tough class work. However, at the same time, you can find a great social life outside of school being in an amazing place like Boulder.” The sciences “are a huge strength” here, with students singling out chemistry, biology, and engineering for praise. “As an undergraduate student at CU-Boulder, I am able to research in one of my professor’s labs while receiving a great education,” one student explains; another points out that “being in a class taught by a Nobel laureate is not something everyone gets to experience.” Business studies also excel. As at most large schools, CU has “a wide range when it comes to the quality of professors” but “for the most part [they are] very engaging in their lectures and encouraging of discussion. They are also very good about returning e-mails and [hanging] office hours.” The administration can be cumbersome, but students generally appreciate how "In a tough economic climate and a gross lack of state funding, CU’s administration does its best to make cuts without hurting the student body’s quality of education.</p>
<p>Florida State University Academics:
Florida State University, “a major research university in Florida’s capital city,” provides students “with lots of opportunities for experimentation” while “making pivotal career decisions.” Indeed, it’s difficult to imagine a school that provides more options; FSU offers excellent programs in everything from business, psychology, and education to music, graphic art, and creative writing to meteorology, professional golf management, and exercise science. The school even has a circus program! As at most big state schools, “Lecture classes are large and can be intimidating,” but “teachers are always willing to help outside of class,” and “taking advantage of this help can make or break your grade.” Professors “are hit-or-miss,” although “in general they are very nice and helpful and try to learn everyone’s name, even when the class is fairly large.” Those seeking a more personal experience should shoot for the honors program, “where class sizes are small” and “they really encourage research.” FSU works hard to stay up to date, building “state-of-the-art facilities” and embracing technologies that make it “as convenient as possible for students and professors to communicate and achieve success.” Partner campuses “in London, Valencia, Florence, and Panama with a variety of other programs across the world” facilitate wonderful study-abroad opportunities. As one student sums up, "Overall, if you’re looking for a school with endless possibilities and opportunities, FSU is the place to be.</p>