University of Arizona : Class of 2028

[bcc1]

Thanks! We just got our honors app in so not sure how long it takes to hear? We heard great things about that dorm so thanks for the advice on the early deposit.

[M2324]

Last year, Honors decisions came out in March all in one batch.

Other things worth noting if U of A stays on the list are that a lot of communications from the school are triggered by filling out the “Next steps.” Due to FAFSA decisions last year, we pivoted last minute and received an influx of information all at once. I think my DD might have been more excited if she had completed the next steps sooner and received info throughout the year. Also, if you commit, look for an invitation from “ASUA” (Arizona student union association) regarding “Bear Down Camp” which has limited spots but lets freshman move in a week early. I think the application came out early summer. Very worth it. In the meantime, all the help desks at U of A are super helpful if you have questions.

[bcc1]

Thanks! I see on last year’s board there is some concern of programs being cut. I see they hve eliminated a few of the poli sci concentrations from last year to this year. Does this feel like a widespread issue or more targeted to less popular classes.

[M2324]

Having been there only a couple of months, and having limited experience as a freshman, my kid has not experienced any academic shortfalls. It is a big school with tons of programs and offers a range of classes, including in-person, hybrid or online (also tons of study abroad). There are lots of academic supports and she has had professors (as opposed to TAs) for every class. It’s easy to switch majors, and all the majors/minors my kid has explored have major maps posted. In psych for example, there are several choices, including B.A., B.S. and Cogsci/neurosci. I do know some of the performing arts majors were restructured recently, which is an example of a niche field that might be affected. I would say if you are going for a very specific or narrow major/program, contact the department and verify just to be safe. Otherwise, classes have been available. It’s also worth noting that U of A gave my kid more test credits from IB/AP than any other school, so she is taking major classes already and not just gen ed.

Others have expressed concern about how/whether annual cost will be affected due to budget issues. We are in-state, so not really an issue for us. The biggest issue has probably just been that a large freshman class was admitted, which puts pressure on availability of items such as housing, parking and game tickets. You do need to pay attention to deadlines and jump on things early. So far, my kid has secured everything she needed, but they do not guarantee these services to every student. It is very much a school where students who take initiative have a richer experience. It’s also worth checking into Tucson area housing prices while calculating cost, as second year housing is by lottery. Hope this helps.

[bcc1]

Thanks- this is really helpful. Also great to know about AP credits! So does the school facilitate the lottery for housing? Or is it up to kids to find apartments on their own?

[M2324]

Housing sends out very detailed emails about the housing lottery. Although upper class parents may be more helpful as I have not booked for next year yet, my impressions so far are:

1. A lot of kids don’t do the lottery, but you have a decent shot if you do. There are upper class only honors village apartments, which are reserved for honors students. The lottery this year starts in January.

2. There are many high rise apartments adjacent to campus which lease by person not by unit. (E.g., a four person apartment has four leases which typically include a private bed/bath with shared kitchen and living room. You can sign up together or separately). These are $$$ and you have to sign early to choose your roommates or can sign later if you go in blind.

3. Houses and smaller apartments on the transit line or within driving distance are less $ and can typically be reserved later if you don’t get picked in the lottery.

4. Greek houses have lower rent and include meal plans but spots can be competitive.

5. The Housing and Residential life office is really helpful. I think there’s also an off-campus life office of some sort. There are also lots of off-campus housing groups on Facebook for parents, and the kids tend to use Instagram to find roommates.

I’ll update later if real life experience proves different. My kid wants her own place where she can cook and have her own room and wants more time to choose roommates, so we are still evaluating.

[bcc1]

Thanks again. I am hearing from my sister that my niece had to commit for housing next year this month ( different school). So stressful when you are still making friends. Worth knowing so I can look online and get a realistic idea of costs.

[M2324]

One final note just to give a lifestyle snapshot. U of A is VERY social. Many consider it a “party school.” It has strong academics and programs, but parties are very available. That being said, quieter kids sometimes feel like they don’t meet their people right away amongst all the action. There are plenty of clubs and honoraries, professional clubs, and outdoor rec/ intramural opportunities that don’t involve parties/alcohol, but you will be surrounded by a strong social scene. Kids who have a hard time prioritizing studies should be aware of the temptations.

My DD has many friends at other schools who complain about how the doors stay closed and no one talks—- my DD laments that she could use more downtime now and then. The upside is that she isn’t overly concerned about ending up without a roommate and feels that it is easy to meet people. I don’t know east coast school culture at all, but the vibe is very similar to my Big 10 experience at MSU many moons ago.