App vs other schools on academics

[McLeansvilleAppFan]

I know we are App to the core on this board but serious question here. Knowing the academic reputation of App versus a few other schools listed below would you have gone to App over the other schools if you had been accepted to the other schools. For a bonus point, can you sell App over the other schools. Money would be an issue but assume they would all cost the same.

App or
Davidson
Duke
Georgetown
UNCA
UNCG
UNCW
Virginia

Public Policy could be one major or maybe Psychology could be a major or something with environmental sciences.. ACT in the 95% or even 99% range. SAT a tad lower but still in the general percentile.

[DaphneUrquhart]

I can sell App easily from an academic viewpoint. I usually start with discussing the difference between a research and teaching university. Obviously Appalachian State is a teaching university. It's for students who want to work and live in a real world rather than in the ivory tower of academia. I would gladly hire an Appalachian graduate over a graduate of any of the other schools listed simply because that Appalachian graduate has likely had interactions with professors that have made him or her more able to work in the real world.

When I combine the classroom expectations with the real interactions with professors, Appalachian comes out far and away above the other universities. Go Apps!

[AppDawg]

Hands down would have chose App over the others and did in with some on that list.

The Academic selling point, small class sizes - even in general classes. It allows you to get to know your professors personally.

Outside of the majors you mention, is that our Accounting department has historically been one of the best in the Southeast and has garnered national recognition. The department routinely places graduates with top accounting firms at a high rate.

[EastHallApp]

I'll put it this way: When my son is ready to look at colleges (still many years off), I'd certainly be happy for him to attend App. But it's more important for him to find the best opportunity than to satisfy my pride in the ol' alma mater.

As far as "selling" App vs. other schools, the pitch would vary depending on the competition. For peer UNC system schools, I can make a good case: We're stronger academically than most. We have a great campus in a great college town (this was a major factor in my decision). If you're into football, obviously you're missing out at those schools. It's also nice to be able to walk from just about anywhere on campus to anywhere else in 15 minutes.

The pitches vs. UVA and the private schools are tougher. Distance from home could be a factor for the out-of-state schools. Social atmosphere might be a drawback depending on the student's personality.

Frankly, taking cost out of the equation removes one of our biggest advantages, as App's low tuition is one of the main reasons we're always making those Best Value lists.

[appst89]

I grew up in Virginia. I was accepted to Virginia Tech and Virginia. I chose App because it felt like home to me and none of the other schools I visited had that feel.

[Capt. Ed]

I will forever cherish my alma mater and hold my head high proclaiming that's where I graduated. My brother, sister, and my first cousins are App grads. For us, App offered the only affordable option and gave us lower income kids a chance to make something of ourselves.

Fast forward and all of our children graduated from UGA, Tennessee (Magna Cum Laude), and NC State.

Now, my grandkids are next. While I have little to say about their choices, I've made sure they know about App and the wonderful school it is. I'll be very proud if they decide to go there. However, if they wanted to go to Duke or UVA, the decision is easy for obvious reasons and I would do all I could to help them make that a reality.

Just as we desire to "Move Up" in our athletics, so do I want the same thing for my offspring.

[App74]

I was the first in the family to go to college, my wife (younger and I met 10 years later) went to App two years and transferred to Carolina for a dental related degree (she does not own any blue clothing), my brother and sister-in-law went to App, my other sister-in-law, my son, my daughter and my soon to be son-in-law....all went to App. We all have careers, my kids secured good jobs right out of school.

I can't say that my time at App in the early 70's was all great, it being in the Vietnam era, me with a low draft number and staying in ROTC, I found it difficult to establish many friendships. There weren't many students that wanted to hang out with a guy that sported a military haircut.

Today, I have more App friends than I had back then. For that I am blessed and I would not change a thing. I'm proud to be a Mountaineer.

[t4pizza]

I think a big thing to keep in mind is where the person intends to live, or thinks they do at this point in their life. If they plan to stay in North Carolina then App is obviously a good choice but if there is any interest to live in other states, then the Duke, Georgetown, UVA choices seem far better suited. Those schools obviously have recognized names that go a long way in the real world. I live out of state, Florida, and can categorically say that an App grad would be at a disadvantage over Duke, Georgetown, UVA grads or even in state school grads. That's not a knock on App at all, just the reality of regional teaching schools. My approach is go to the best school that you are accepted to and can afford (I did not use this approach on my own school decisions but have refined it over years of parenting). My oldest went to Dartmouth and not only is there a night and day difference to any state schools that I know in terms of academics, but the relationships and connections that are made at those schools last a lifetime. Its the same at Duke, Georgetown and other top notch non ivy privates (I don't consider Davidson in that group at all), you will meet people that are in a greater position to advance your career goals than at a regional teaching school.