Feedback on these schools?

Question

I'm doing research on the schools I'd like to apply to for next Fall, I've gotten it narrowed down to these, would like to some feedback on the goods and bads of each if you know or have heard:

Texas Tech, Colorado State, Gonzaga, University of Tennessee, Colorado State, University of Connecticut, Syracuse, Purdue, and Villanova.

I know these aren't all great schools, truth is, neither are my academics, just being realistic here. Also, if it matters, I'm planning to major in journalism (photojournalism to be exact) and most likely will pick up a second major (undecided yet)

Any feedback is much appreciated

Answer 1

Academically, Villanova, Syracuse and Purdue are the best on your list -- and none are schools that you should be embarrassed about going to. I know Villanova has a Communications major now (they did not when I was there) -- but don't offer a major in journalism.

I used to joke that the most important thing to consider in choosing a school is if they have a pretty campus and good school colors. Villanova has both. If you go to Syracuse or Tennessee, you have to think about how good you look in orange.

Gonzaga and Villanova are both Catholic schools. You should think about if this is right for you. Of course, Catholic universities are not like many "Christian" schools where you are thrown out for having differing opinions.

Princeton Review has lots of information on universities. They also have a tool where you put in information on your background and interests and it spits out a list of colleges that are right for you. The link is below.

Answer 2

In case nobody else arrives with first-hand experience, I'll put in my two cents.

Have you checked out the types of cities that house these universities? Some totally decent schools are in really boring areas and towns. That makes a huge difference for some people. The social and cultural environment can either really support an academic atmosphere, or it can hinder it. Check out the towns, populations, climate, activities and things like that. It might help you narrow your options down even further. Connecticut, Tennessee, Texas and Colorado sound very different from one another in those regards.