Reader's Choice: Appalachian State University
A periodic report in which we showcase our readers’ top choices among Kiplinger’s 100 best values in public colleges and universities.
By Jane Bennett Clark, Senior Associate Editor, Kiplinger's Personal Finance
May 2009
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We use hard statistics to produce Kiplinger’s annual rankings for best values in public colleges and universities, and we’re proud of the results. Now, we’re giving our readers’ favorites a chance to brag a little, by letting a student fill us in on what’s fun, cool, quirky and just plain great on campus and nearby.
This week we feature Appalachian State University. Jennifer Mixter, a senior exercise science major (pictured left), gives us 12 insider tips. Stay tuned in the weeks ahead for more student-written profiles of the favorites in our reader survey.
LOCATION: Boone, N.C
UNDERGRADUTE ENROLLMENT: 13,997
BEST ON-CAMPUS FEATURE:
All student services are within close proximity of each other, so it’s pretty simple to seek assistance for issues we might face. Students can receive academic support, such as tutoring through the Learning Assistance Program, or help with a writing assignment or research paper through the Writing Center. And, of course, the professors are readily available through office hours with their academic departments.
BEST OFF-CAMPUS FEATURE:
Hands-down, the location itself. Our campus is nestled in the small town of Boone, North Carolina, which is located in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. No matter what time of year it is, there is always something to do outside in the Blue Ridge Mountains; from hiking to snow skiing and from climbing to kayaking--you name it, we’ve got it.
WHERE SENIORS WANT TO LIVE:
Winkler Residence Hall, an apartment-style building. Within each apartment, there are four rooms, two full bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. Winkler Hall is located on west side of campus, so it is also a very convenient location.
MOST UNUSUAL CAMPUS TRADITION:
One spontaneous and favorite tradition of many students is the use of the cafeteria trays as sleds during the big snows in Boone. The trays travel much faster than normal sleds, so it’s an extreme ride!
BEST PLACE TO STUDY DURING FINALS WEEK:
My favorite place to study is on the top floor of the library. Not that many students think to go up there, so it is always very quiet and calm. Also, I love the view. The fourth floor of the library overlooks the entire Appalachian campus and the town of Boone.
MOST CROWDED SPOT ON THE FIRST NICE DAY:
Definitely Sanford Mall, our central green space on campus. On warm, sunny days you’ll find students throwing Frisbees, reading, socializing, or having lunch on the lawn.
BEST PLACE TO EAT WHEN THE DINING HALL WON'T DO:
Black Cat Burrito --this locally-owned restaurant/bar is located in downtown Boone, which is just a couple of minutes’ walking distance from campus. My friends and I often choose to go to Black Cat Burrito if we want to eat off campus for lunch or dinner. (I think that the “Chicken-Wing” burrito is the best!)
WHERE YOU WANT TO BE ON A SATURDAY NIGHT:
I often find myself visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway with my friends on really clear nights during the weekend to stargaze. The conversations shared between friends under the starry sky make some of the greatest memories.
WHAT WE WON'T LEARN ON THE CAMPUS TOUR:
The bond that each student, faculty member and staff member shares as part of the “Appalachian Family.” For example, I was in New York City last year, wearing an Appalachian shirt, and a stranger came up to me just to tell me about her “wonderful” experience at Appalachian as a student ten years ago. She shared with me her business card and said that if I ever needed anything while visiting New York City, I could call her. That was a special moment that proved to me that the “Appalachian Family” really does exist.
CLASS THAT GETS STUDENTS TALKING:
In my experience as a pre-medicine major, the class that every student in the pre-med program talks about and looks forward to is the Anatomy-Physiology lab. Appalachian has the privilege of having a cadaver lab in the Health, Leisure and Exercise Science department. Each week in the A&P lab, students get to dissect and study a real human body, so you can imagine some of the experiences that are shared between students.
BEST WEEKEND FOR FRIENDS TO VISIT:
I love inviting my friends to come visit during fall weekends for home football games. The atmosphere around the entire campus is energetic and upbeat, which is very contagious. Appalachian fans are so much fun to be around that by the end of the weekend, if my friends weren’t Mountaineer fans before, they are when they leave Boone. It’s an experience they’re sure to remember!
SIX WORDS ABOUT YOUR COLLEGE THAT SAY IT ALL:
Captivating. Unique. Motivating. Serene. Inviting. Home.
Appalachian State University
Reader Comments (9)
Posted by: Mo Roland at 05/25/2009 06:15:18 PM
I grew up near Boone and graduated from App in 1984. It is truly a great education in God's country.
Posted by: Terry at 05/26/2009 08:38:23 AM
I graduated from two other universities in WNC, but had the privilege of attending ASU for 3 summer institutes. The academic support from instructors at ASU can't be compared. It far surpassed any that I received from the universities where I received my B.A.,and my M.A. Basing a decision on quality instruction, and a genuine desire to see students succeed, I would recommend ASU far above any other univeristy in NC.
Posted by: HolleysLives! at 05/26/2009 08:55:29 AM
In 1973, my buddies and I matriculated to ASU almost on a whim. Somehow, someway it turned out to be one of the best decisions of our lives. In the years since, I have had 3 sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, and a son to graduate from there. My daughter and nephew are currently enrolled at App. It was a magical place in 1973 and continues to be so today. The "Appalachian Family" is indeed very real!
Posted by: Becky at 05/26/2009 10:36:58 AM
I went to Boone as a traditional student way back when, and now I'm back as an older student. ASU (and Boone) get in your blood, and no matter where you go, you always want to come back. App students are definitely family, and ASU is the "smallest" large University ever.
Posted by: Seth at 05/26/2009 03:59:47 PM
When I saw Appalachian State on Kiplinger's list of best values for out of state students in 1998, I put it on my list. When I visited, I fell in love with the campus, the town and the Appalachian Family, it really is true. As a product of the suburbs in Western Michigan, I traveled 800 miles to go to a school where I knew absolutely no one, but went on to start a fraternity and find the best friends a guy could ask for. I wouldn't have gone anywhere else or changed my college experience one bit. GO APPS!
Posted by: Brian at 05/26/2009 06:56:32 PM
My wife and I both graduated from ASU and still live in Boone today. Not only does/did ASU provide a first class education for its students, it provides wonderful community support for all the area residents. It holds Appalachian Summer, a series of arts events through the summer months and many other activities for the community. Many universities just use local land to teach students, ASU is part of the community and we're lucky to have it.
Posted by: Kevin 1978 at 05/26/2009 07:36:33 PM
I have been an alumni for over 30 years,and the magic of the university is still there.From football to classroom,there is none better. A true university experience.
Posted by: App State is awesome at 05/27/2009 09:07:52 AM
This article is right in so many ways. Appalachian is a place where you can live and learn in a great environment. App State provided me with two degrees (B.S. & M.A.) and I think the university is head and shoulders above any of the other UNC institutions. I hope everyone has an opportunity to attend a school like Appalachian. Go APPS!
Posted by: jim at 05/27/2009 04:25:20 PM
Appalachian is a special place. The alums work closely with the faculty and staff in the business school to land interships and JOBS for the students. The business school offers a practical course experience that employers appreciate! The campus is compact and walkable in a true college town. Good athletic program..awesome football program...GO APPS!