I attended ASU for two semesters, Spring and Fall of 2001. In the summer of 2001, I starting looking for a new school. Not that ASU is a completely terrible place, it isn't by any means, it's just not what I want or need, and I imagine the same is true for other students seeking an education worth their money (and you'll need a lot of green to attend ASU).


Academics:
First off, the academics are not all that lacking. The Professors that I met were all very nice and very helpful (when they got the chance to be). One on one insructor help is a very rare thing and their time is extremely limited, plus since the campus is so huge it's unlikely that you'll ever run across them on campus. However, ASU hires a large number of teaching asistants, which certainly helps out the professors, but beware...they aren't always as knowledable as the actual professor.

The good thing about the academics is that ASU offers a very large and board course catalog. They offer everything that you could possibly want to take for a major or minor, and lots of classes that you might find interesting beyond your academic goals. However, since there are so many students attending, good luck getting into those classes. Registration is a nightmare because the good classes fill up fast, make sure your pre-register as early as possible to get the classes and times that you want, also new sections are never opened, so if you don't get in, you won't get in until next semester (which can really get you behind).

Class size is also a problem, if you don't mind having well over a hundred students in one class, then ASU is for you, but if you prefer more one on one instruction, don't even apply. Studio classes (art, and advanced programs) are really the only small classes.


Campus:
The campus atmosphere (aside from the dorms, I'll explain later on) is very nice and peaceful. Palm trees, and scenic architecture surround the campus. Unfortunately, however, ASU is all about looks and not substance. It's very hard to not be able to get in, if you paid attention at all in high school and graduated...well, you're pretty much guaranteed entry. There's nothing wrong with that, in fact, I think it's great that you don't have to have stellar grades to get in, everyone needs college, whether they care about it or not. Also, the campus is known for it's beautiful people, if you know what I mean, it's very much a party school, and if you're good looking that you'll have a great time.

The campus is enormous. Even if you live on campus you should prepare for at least a 15 or 20 minute walk to class. If you're off campus avoid Lot 59 like the plague, walking a mile in the hot 120 degree weather, just to sit in a classroom surrounded by several hundred hot and sweaty people just like yourself is one of the most unpleasant experiences I have had to date. Plus, about 2/3's of each semester the temperatures are very warm, I for one don't enjoy swealtering weather every day, that never changes. Rainy days are almost nonexistent. It's always hot and sunny...which I find very boring and monotonous after a couple of weeks.


Residence Life:
Again, ASU is a party school, if you're interested in fraternities and sororities, then you'll love it. ASU may have the largest number of greek organizations in the country, at least it seems that way. Also, there are several normal dorms on campus, but they fill up quickly. The dorm that I was in was Sahuaro Hall, and it was actually very nice, a few cockroaches here and there, but otherwise perfectly fine. Don't expect many dorm activities though (that was fine with me, but it might bother you). Also I didn't know who my Resident Asistant was until I checked out. Of course the dorms are also very crowded, and parking is tight.

Plus, if you are coming to work instead of party you really shouldn't plan on going to ASU, but if you do it would probably serve you greatly to look for off-campus housing. There are several apartment complexes and houses with rooms for rent very near campus.

ASU is located in Tempe, and is adjacent to Mill Avenuse, the local hangout I guess. It's a great place to have a little fun after class. There are several bars and restaurants and such, if you live to party this is your place.


Expense:
This school really isn't worth it's pricetag, especially if you're out of state like I was. Tuition for one semester for an out of state student is around $6000, plus books, housing, food and such. It could easily cost you 9-10 thousand dollars just for one semester.

Financial aid is extremely hard to get, unless you were a brain in school (which you probably wouldn't come to ASU anyway) you won't get any financial help other than loans, and if you're really, really lucky you might get some work study, but it's very compeitive, so don't count on it.

It's a little easier for in state students to manage but I still don't believe you'll be getting the education that you deserve.


Overall:
If you're actually using your time and money to try and improve yourself and get your education, look elsewhere for enrollment. There are thousands of other schools worth a look before ASU, that are cheaper, have more financial aid, and have real academics.

If you're only looking to get away from home, waste your money, get drunk, meet beautiful people, and be almost completely unproductive and still pass, then you should look closer into ASU.

Recommended: No