Help me compare Boulder to u of AZ

[Anonymous]

My DS considered both as his safety school this year. DS decided in favor of Arizona over CU based on: (1) Club sport he wants to play is more active at Arizona; (2) Better program for his intended major (he has the beginning of a clue of what he wants to study); and (3) Preferred West Coast to Colorado. We liked his choice of Arizona over CU because merit made this a true safety for admission, program, and finances.

DS was accepted a week after applying with merit award.

Good luck to you

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Boulder is an acceptable school if you can afford it and can't get in anywhere better. Arizona is for kids who can get into better schools, but can't afford them.

Almost. AZ is for kids who can't get into better schools (85% acceptance rate is a safe bet for almost anyone)

Arizona is one of a number of red states (also including Kansas and Iowa) that do a really commendable job of making quality higher education accessible to all who are ready for it. It's precisely the sort of thing that liberals claim to support wholeheartedly...but then look down their noses at any place (excellent R1 institutions obviously included) actually walking the walk. It's exactly this kind of nonsense that's paving the way for Trump's return.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Boulder is an acceptable school if you can afford it and can't get in anywhere better. Arizona is for kids who can get into better schools, but can't afford them.

Almost. AZ is for kids who can't get into better schools (85% acceptance rate is a safe bet for almost anyone)

Arizona is one of a number of red states (also including Kansas and Iowa) that do a really commendable job of making quality higher education accessible to all who are ready for it. It's precisely the sort of thing that liberals claim to support wholeheartedly...but then look down their noses at any place (excellent R1 institutions obviously included) actually walking the walk. It's exactly this kind of nonsense that's paving the way for Trump's return.

When I was in college in the 90s, Arizona tuition was in the bottom third of all public universities and you could easily work your way through school if you were in state. And if you were in the top 5% of your high school class, tuition was waived. I’m sure all of the sorority girls from New Jersey were paying for my free education.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Colorado has more lay prestige back east.

More 1% types go there.

AZ has more Instagram models and girls chasing that look if that’s important to him.

What type of girls is he into and what type social activities?

If you can afford it, Colorado 10/10 times vs AZ

I'm not sure you understand what "prestige" means. If the name of the school doesn't give you an actual bump (and most don't), the school doesn't have it. If I see CU on a resume, I think, "This kid chased the snow." If I see Arizona, I think, "This kid chased the sun." Neither is a point for or against the kid; the schools are both solid. I care how they did there. A 3.5 at one carries the same weight as a 3.5 at the other (or at most other flagships); no more, no less.

if you think that some middle management type flipping through cover letters is the arbiter of prestige, i think it's actually you who "doesn't understand what 'prestige' means."

a rich kid choosing a school like CU (or UVM, or middlebury, or even brown, whatever) might not be seen as prestigious in and of itself but it certainly doesn't really detract from your prestige in the way going to AZ might. sort of like how it's fine and normal for a rich guy to drive a subaru or a toyota but not an infiniti.

[Anonymous]

I hate when people choose schools based on “prestige” and not on fit. What does your kid want to study? Which one has stronger program in that area? More opportunities? Does your child have interests more geared to one location than the other? Colorado for skiing, hiking, etc. Arizona for golf, tennis, etc. Also Tucson had an arts scene and amazing food.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Colorado has more lay prestige back east.

More 1% types go there.

AZ has more Instagram models and girls chasing that look if that’s important to him.

What type of girls is he into and what type social activities?

If you can afford it, Colorado 10/10 times vs AZ

I'm not sure you understand what "prestige" means. If the name of the school doesn't give you an actual bump (and most don't), the school doesn't have it. If I see CU on a resume, I think, "This kid chased the snow." If I see Arizona, I think, "This kid chased the sun." Neither is a point for or against the kid; the schools are both solid. I care how they did there. A 3.5 at one carries the same weight as a 3.5 at the other (or at most other flagships); no more, no less.

if you think that some middle management type flipping through cover letters is the arbiter of prestige, i think it's actually you who "doesn't understand what 'prestige' means."

a rich kid choosing a school like CU (or UVM, or middlebury, or even brown, whatever) might not be seen as prestigious in and of itself but it certainly doesn't really detract from your prestige in the way going to AZ might. sort of like how it's fine and normal for a rich guy to drive a subaru or a toyota but not an infiniti.

Yep, you've proved it: You have no idea what "prestige" means. But thanks for playing.

[Anonymous]

I went to CU Boulder and had a great experience. It’s a beautiful area with access to all kinds of outdoor recreation. The weather is nice. It’s in a bustling college town that has lots to do but feels safe. People are friendly and, because it’s a large school, there is a social crowd for everyone. I found people to be extremely friendly and laid back.

People bring up pot and skiing/snowboarding a lot with Boulder but I don’t do either (and didn’t in college) and had plenty to do while attending.

I have a couple friends who went to school in Arizona but I don’t think they fell in love with the area the way I did in Colorado. I’d visit both of you can but

[Anonymous]

If you can afford CU Boulder that is the obvious choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to CU Boulder and had a great experience. It’s a beautiful area with access to all kinds of outdoor recreation. The weather is nice. It’s in a bustling college town that has lots to do but feels safe. People are friendly and, because it’s a large school, there is a social crowd for everyone. I found people to be extremely friendly and laid back.

People bring up pot and skiing/snowboarding a lot with Boulder but I don’t do either (and didn’t in college) and had plenty to do while attending.

I have a couple friends who went to school in Arizona but I don’t think they fell in love with the area the way I did in Colorado. I’d visit both of you can but

sorry, submitted early! Was going to say: but what school is better really depends on his personality and interests

[Anonymous]

No reason not to apply to both schools and then make a decision once you see what your COA at each would be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Boulder is an acceptable school if you can afford it and can't get in anywhere better. Arizona is for kids who can get into better schools, but can't afford them.

Almost. AZ is for kids who can't get into better schools (85% acceptance rate is a safe bet for almost anyone)

Arizona is one of a number of red states (also including Kansas and Iowa) that do a really commendable job of making quality higher education accessible to all who are ready for it. It's precisely the sort of thing that liberals claim to support wholeheartedly...but then look down their noses at any place (excellent R1 institutions obviously included) actually walking the walk. It's exactly this kind of nonsense that's paving the way for Trump's return.

When I was in college in the 90s, Arizona tuition was in the bottom third of all public universities and you could easily work your way through school if you were in state. And if you were in the top 5% of your high school class, tuition was waived. I’m sure all of the sorority girls from New Jersey were paying for my free education.

Yep, same experience, but in state tuition in AZ today is nowhere near as generous. The out of state students were bottom of the barrel and did pull down instruction in general ed classes, but anyone who’s motivated can get an excellent education.

[Anonymous]

I'm from Phoenix and went to U of A. The school has a decent amount of school spirit - footballs games and definitely basketball - but not as crazy as other state schools. Greek life is present but not everything. Really good for some majors just ok for others. There are some really pretty areas of Tucson and I definitely left with a soft spot with the area (I live in DC now).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you can afford CU Boulder that is the obvious choice.

For whom?

[Anonymous]

I grew up in Arizona and I'll never go back. There is only one season, and I'm sick of it. I don't like Tucson as a city either - between Tucson and Tempe, I'd pick Tempe and go to ASU, although I left for college and never came back. I think Boulder is a much nicer town than Tucson, and you're in close proximity to skiing and hiking, which I assume is part of the draw.

[Anonymous]

I went to CU Boulder. I loved it so much I stayed in CO and am raising my kids here.

It’s a good school in a cute college town surrounded by natural beauty.