This is the official discussion thread for University of Alabama Class of 2029 applicants. Ask your questions and connect with fellow applicants.
Son admitted several months ago. Put down housing deposit in October. Still not 100% committed bc want to fully finish his admissions process at all schools but it’s looking increasingly likely that he will attend. Have not visited the school yet but plan to visit when they have events for accepted students. Very excited to see the school in person!
2 Likes
D25 is likely to commit to Alabama. We are waiting on Miami decisions this month then she will decide. We also have not visited the campus yet, but have heard the campus is beautiful and safe. I’m not sure if we can find time to visit soon, so we may wait for Bama Bound orientation to do that if worse comes to worse. For any parents that already have students attending Bama, do you have any positives and/or negatives to share about the campus or school before she decides this month?
I have two sons there, so I hope this is helpful.
We are out of state and my 1st son didn’t visit or fully commit until February of his high school senior year. We have two there now (Jr and Fresh, sons) and will probably be sending our third (daughter) next year.
Positives:
-Clean, visible campus (they keep shrubbery maintained as not to a safety hazard, my daughter and I did not feel safe at UGA with all the overgrown shrubbery that blocked views of walkways, etc.). Lots of cameras, decently lit campus.
-For the most part, campus is laid out well. Once students become familiar, this big campus seems small
-Responsive staff (administrative, professors)
-If student works hard, most professors go out of their way to help
-Most dorms are updated
-In the past 3 years, we have never seen homeless people on campus or surrounding shopping areas (UGA and Hawkeyes we had to walk around them when touring)
-Walking/running trails near by
-Friendly community
-Feels like home to us 
Negatives:
Most of the negatives are college campus negatives, not those solely of UA. That said, many of these comments are subjective as this is such a growth phase for young adults. Students get out of it what they put into it. Sell-advocating and safety is important no matter where your child goes.
-Limited support lining up internships (compared to small private schools)
-Need car or have to use bus to get to Target/Walmart if you don’t have car (can always order online thou), that said a car on campus isn’t really necessary
-Food is typical college campus food
-On campus housing mostly for Freshman, affordable housing is about .5-1 mile away, but almost all complexes have convenient bussing to campus
-Large Greek life presence
-No UA shuttle to airport (all private transportation)
-During breaks dining halls have very limited hours
I recommend that at least one parent attend Bama Bound, especially if this is your first at college or Bama. It is mandatory for students as this is when they register for classes. They do a good job of giving parents information on what to expect, how to handle situations, and who to call if you need to.
It is also a good idea to reach out to your recruiter to schedule a more personalized visit.
Good luck on your college journey!
3 Likes
Would you say that internship guidance varies between colleges/departments? Any insight re internships within sports management and or business schools?
I’m sure it does vary between colleges/ departments as well as different personalities and needs of students.
The most important step to getting an internship is to have meaningful activities on their resume. Start early. Get involved in clubs, connect with professors and participate in campus activities. Visit the Career Center.
UA frequently has job fairs. It’s good for students to experience one early on to see how it works and to be prepared before it is time for an internship/job. The first two years goes by fast and is a good time to fill up that resume and gain insight into what employers are looking for. Prospective employers/ internships will want that resume filled by Junior/Senior year.
UA does communicate all this information to students, but each student has to be proactive to utilize it.
If Dr. Blakey is still in charge of the sports management program and that is your interest, start following her now. I forget what platform she uses, but at a minimum find the U of A CHES pages and follow. If you haven’t already toured see if you can make an appointment with her. She is pretty impressive and does a lot to make it a successful respected program. You have to get very involved if this is your program. They have really built this program up.
2 Likes
Thanks! I will let my son know. He might want to double major with business and sports so I guess when we do tour, maybe he can visit both programs’ facilities etc.
1 Like
This is great! Thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback 
Happy to announce that my D25 has now committed to Bama! 
Roll Tide Roll!!
1 Like
We are OOS and I have heard great things about the campus and the school spirit. My son is not really wanted to be involved with the Greek life. Everyone says its a must unless you play a sport. My son loves to party and is very social but just does not want to pledge a fraternity. Is that really an issue? Love honest feedback as this is one of his final four schools.
Not an issue at all. The school is plenty big for all kinds of people. My son had a fantastic time socially and did not pledge. (graduated 2022) One of the advantages (I think) is that the student population has such a large OOS % that there are a lot of people looking to find new friends/experiences and it makes a huge difference.
2 Likes
Definitely not an issue. My son LOVES sports but had no intention of going Greek. His roommate pledged a frat so he went to a few events and even got a bid, but he turned it down. He has a very active social life and no issues whatsoever not being in a frat.
Anyone here have experience with the Blount Scholars program?
Anyone know if there there is another thread with more activity for students considering Alabama for Fall of 2025? This thread seems super quiet.
1 Like
I agree, but I can’t seem to find another list with any more activity. Did you?
Nope! Still looking. Seems like various facebook pages are more popular idk
what is the regular decision date of the Alabama University
Did you try signing up for Bama 24/7 they post a lot of game day stuff on there.