The University of Cincinnati

The more I've thought about it, the more I really enjoyed my experience at UC. I grew up in Cincinnati and sort of dreaded the idea of going to college in the same city. But, six years of the UC experience and two degrees later, I couldn't have been more happy looking back.

I've met world class professors, been engaged in life changing student activities and met ambitious and lifelong friends. In addition, the campus is simply amazing.

People will often say the surrounding area is unsafe and "ghetto". Those people didn't open their eyes much. Clifton is surrounded with awesome stuff (half a dozen Indian food restaurants for starters). The bars, coffee shops, stores and restaurants are among the best in the entire city of Cincinnati.

I always got the feeling that the University of Cincinnati was on the rise while I was there. It has a great energy to it and is developing a lot of pride within the students and faculty. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

I find it very interesting those that downgrade their experience at UC because my experience for both undergrad and grad school was exceptionally educational. I do not think it would have been possible for me to come out of any other school more prepared than I did coming out of UC. It must simply be that education is what you make it, but I do find that those I graduated with are also doing well in our chosen field so some of it must be that UC's Architecture programs are just that good. In a profession that requires an individual to complete a multiyear internship and pass 9 (recently changed to 7) exams, I was able to do so in almost record time due to the thoroughness with which I was prepared at UC. I was also able to jump right into work life with hardly any learning curve.

On a note outside of academics, the campus is absolutely wonderful now that they have completed a majority of the construction. It was actually named one of the most beautiful campuses in the world recently. The city of Cincinnati itself is culturally diverse and has a wealth of options for R&R and/or urban exploration. Again, it is what you make it, but I have found that those that delve into what Cincinnati has to offer fall in love with it. As for the issue of crime that some individuals try to make a bigger concern than what it actually is, if one is simply aware of their surroundings, then in most cases they will be fine. In my experience, living a sheltered life or being ignorant of how to live in such an urban context is usually what causes the most problems for people. But then again, I love the urban fabric that surrounds an individual while at UC.

Athletics at UC are great as well. And while there used to be problems with the men's basketball program academically, it has gotten much better. The UC football program on the other hand has for a great while been very good academically compared to other universities (higher grad rate, combined GPA, etc.). In addition to that, the football program is definitely on the rise athletically having just won back to back Big East titles.

For reference: BS Arch '04 (program ranked #2 in the country at the time) and MArch '06 (program ranked #1 in the country at the time)

I would definitely recommend UC to HS students wanting a complete education (both academic and social/cultural).

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

I am currently a fourth year accounting student. In my opinion, UC is the best choice for a college experience in the state of Ohio. UC offers the resources of a large University, without feeling overwhelmed (like I felt as soon as I stepped on OSU's campus). The most important aspect in determining whether or not you will have an enjoyable experience is if you commute or not. I highly encourage everyone to live on or near campus. The reason why UC's rating is so low on this site is because most of these posts are from commuters. Their experience at UC was a couple hours a day before they drove through terrible traffic to return home. They rarely experienced campus, football games, parties, and the general randomness that makes college an unforgettable experience. So go to UC, live on campus, and have four (or five) of the best years of your life.

4th Year Male -- Class 2011

Education Quality: A+, Individual Value: B-