Desert Sun Meets Bear Down Spirit and Opportunity
University of Arizona scores 85/100, placing it at the threshold of STRONG FIT/GOOD FIT. This is an excellent match for most of the student'...
AI Recommendation
University of Arizona scores 85/100, placing it at the threshold of STRONG FIT/GOOD FIT. This is an excellent match for most of the student's priorities: exceptional sunshine (350+ days), outstanding nature access with five mountain ranges, top-tier school spirit with Pac-12 athletics, vibrant non-commuter campus culture, strong business/marketing programs (#31 Eller College, top-25 Marketing), and solid programs across all five academic interests. The urban Tucson location provides city amenities while maintaining campus community. However, one significant concern prevents a full strong fit rating: large lower-division class sizes (50-300 students) directly contradict the student's stated need for 'teacher support and smaller classes.' While upper-division courses improve and academic support exists, the first two years will require proactive effort to get individualized attention. The 65% six-year graduation rate also suggests some students struggle. If the student can navigate large introductory classes and actively seek support services, this is an outstanding match. The dance team opportunity exists but is competitive, with good alternatives available.
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Performance vs. Average College
Score Breakdown
Top Strengths
5
- 1 Perfect climate and nature combination: 350+ sunny days with five surrounding mountain ranges offering year-round outdoor activities—exceptional match for student who loves sunshine and nature
- 2 Outstanding school spirit and non-commuter culture: 90%+ freshmen attend football games, 75% live on campus, Pac-12 athletics with deep Bear Down tradition—exactly the active social scene and school spirit desired
- 3 Strong business/marketing programs: Eller College ranked #31 nationally with top-25 Marketing program, 70%+ internship participation, and 85% employment rate within 6 months—excellent career preparation
- 4 Ideal urban location: Tucson (550,000 population) provides city amenities with distinct campus feel, adjacent entertainment district, and authentic Southwest culture
- 5 Comprehensive academic breadth: All five interests (marketing, business, pre-law, psychology, pre-PT) have nationally ranked or well-supported programs with strong advising
Things to Consider
5
- 1 Class size mismatch: Lower-division classes of 50-300 students directly contradict need for 'teacher support and smaller classes'—will require proactive effort to seek academic support in first two years
- 2 Below-average graduation rate: 65% six-year graduation rate suggests retention challenges; student must actively utilize support services (Think Tank tutoring, academic coaching, Supplemental Instruction) to stay on track
- 3 Competitive dance team: Arizona Pom Squad is 'highly competitive' with only 16-20 spots—walk-on opportunity exists but not guaranteed; Club Dance Team provides more accessible alternative
- 4 Distance from major hub: Phoenix is 2 hours away, limiting some internship accessibility during school year, though Tucson itself provides opportunities
- 5 Party school reputation: Strong drinking and party culture may require navigating social scene to find compatible friend groups, though diverse options exist
Detailed Research
Internships
Strong internship programs through Career Services and Eller Professional Development; partnerships with 500+ companies; Phoenix metro area (90 min away) provides abundant opportunities; 70%+ of business students complete internships
Avg Class Size
Lower-division classes range 50-300 students; upper-division business classes typically 25-40 students; Eller College emphasizes smaller sections for majors
Teaching Style
Mix of lecture-based and applied learning; Eller College emphasizes hands-on projects, case competitions, and consulting projects with real companies; Psychology offers research opportunities
Academic Support
Comprehensive support including Think Tank tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, writing skills center, SALT Center (fee-based program for learning differences), academic coaching, and major-specific advising
Career Placement
85% of Eller graduates employed or in graduate school within 6 months; average starting salary $58,000 for business majors
Program Rankings
- No specific pre-law major but strong Political Science (#44) and Philosophy programs; 76% law school acceptance rate for graduates
- Eller College of Management ranked #31 nationally (U.S. News 2024); Marketing program particularly strong, ranked in top 25; Entrepreneurship ranked #14
- Marketing major within Eller College; known for applied learning and industry connections in Southwest region
- Psychology department ranked #28 nationally for research; strong undergraduate program with multiple specializations
- Doctor of Physical Therapy program ranked #44; strong pre-PT advising through Health Professions Advising Office
Student Faculty Ratio
15:1
Greek Life
Approximately 18% of students in Greek life (3,000+ members); 50+ chapters; significant but not dominant social presence; Greek life influences social scene but many alternatives exist
Social Scene
Very vibrant and diverse; major college town atmosphere; mix of party culture, outdoor recreation, arts scene, and cultural activities; Tucson's 4th Avenue entertainment district adjacent to campus
School Spirit
EXCEPTIONAL - Pac-12 athletics (moving to Big 12 in 2024); Arizona Stadium seats 50,800; McKale Center consistently sells out for basketball; Bear Down tradition deeply embedded; 90%+ of freshmen attend football games; one of top party schools with strong athletic culture
Retention Rate
85% freshman retention rate
Graduation Rate
65% six-year graduation rate
Weekend Activity
Very active campus - NOT a commuter school; 75% of freshmen live on campus; vibrant weekend scene with sports, Greek events, outdoor activities, and Tucson nightlife on 4th Avenue and University Boulevard
Political Climate
Moderate to liberal campus in purple state; active political engagement across spectrum; diverse viewpoints represented; Tucson itself leans liberal
Setting
Urban campus in Tucson (population 550,000); 392-acre main campus integrated into city but distinct campus feel; second-largest city in Arizona
Sunny Days
350+ sunny days per year; desert climate with mild winters (60s-70s°F) and hot summers (100+°F); minimal rain; perfect for outdoor activities year-round
Nature Access
EXCEPTIONAL - Surrounded by five mountain ranges; Sabino Canyon (20 min), Mount Lemmon (45 min, skiing available), Saguaro National Park (30 min), Catalina State Park (40 min); abundant hiking, biking, rock climbing; Sonoran Desert landscape
Transportation
Free SunTran bus service with student ID; Sun Link streetcar connects campus to downtown; bike-friendly campus and city; Uber/Lyft available; car helpful but not essential; free campus shuttles
Nearest Airport
Tucson International Airport - 15 minutes from campus; Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport - 2 hours (larger hub with more flight options)
Surrounding Area
Tucson is authentic Southwest city with Hispanic cultural influence; 4th Avenue entertainment district, downtown arts scene, excellent Mexican food, quirky local businesses; college town atmosphere blended with urban amenities; less expensive than Phoenix
Dance Team
Arizona Pom Squad - Spirit squad for basketball and football games; tryouts held in spring (April/May); open to all students including walk-ons; highly competitive but accepts 16-20 members annually; also Club Dance Team (less competitive, multiple styles) and various cultural dance groups
Recreation
Excellent facilities including Student Recreation Center (230,000 sq ft, renovated), climbing wall, two pools, outdoor adventure programs (AORE), intramural sports (40+ offerings), club sports (50+ teams), bike rentals, outdoor equipment rentals for hiking/camping
Food Quality
Above average; 20+ dining locations; meal plans flexible; highlights include Harvest restaurant, Cactus Grill, Panda Express, Chick-fil-A, Einstein Bros; recent dining hall renovations; strong off-campus food scene on University Blvd
Campus Beauty
Beautiful desert campus with red brick buildings, palm trees, and mountain views in all directions; iconic Old Main building; modern facilities mixed with historic architecture; lush landscaping despite desert setting; stunning sunsets
Housing Quality
Variable quality; newer honors dorms (Arbol de la Vida, Likins) are excellent; traditional dorms older but functional; apartment-style options available; most freshmen in traditional residence halls; strong living-learning communities; housing guaranteed for freshmen
Dance Team Contact
Spirit Squad Coach contact through Arizona Athletics: spiritsquad@arizona.edu or (520) 621-2287; Arizona Pom Line Instagram: @arizonapomline
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