Admissions

Come prepared to experience a college not like any other.

Words of advice:
If you are up for the challenge of your life with hard course work, networking with faculty and other students, participating in fun-filled activities and programs, then pursue it! You will not be disappointed. I am currently a sophomore at UAB, and many people would say that after a year or so it gets boring. Well, it doesn't. There is always something new happening each day, which makes UAB so wonderful. That's what makes it so unique.

The most important thing I learned from my first semester is to get involved! Attend meetings, club organizations, and games. Getting involved will help you meet new people as well as become more aware about things happening on campus. They also look great on your resume! (Oh, and at all the events, there is usually free food and tshirts! I've gotten almost fifteen shirts since I have been here, and haven't had to buy any of them! That's always a great bonus.)

If I were to offer any tips they would have to be to make good friends that are going to have your back and support you. Friends will drag you to class and to study sessions even when you don't want to go, and trust me you will thank them later.

My tips for students who want to attend UAB are keep a positive attitude about everything, work hard, but have fun too, and prepare yourself because college is a lot of freedom all at rushing in at one time. I learned that talking to people about what to expect helped me a lot, but somethings I had to learn for myself. Explore the campus, get to know people, and enjoy this experience!!!!!!!!!!

Before you come to UAB, find out about all of the amazing services and opportunities available for you and all the other students at UAB. There are numerous organizations that you can research and join so you can make friends and become involved in UAB. A good place to start is at orientation. Part of the orientation is similar to a trade show – the different organizations have booths set up and you can walk around and talk to the representatives to find out more about what they do. Take this part seriously and find a group or groups that will work for you.
One more thing, read and follow the ‘list of what not to bring to campus’ which is on the UAB website! The rooms are small and you really don’t need to bring anything on this list.

Apply early ! For those who wish to apply for any of the four honors programs, you should definitely apply to the university ASAP because your Honors College applications will be accepted but will NOT be processed until you apply to the university itself. If you plan on applying for more than one honors program, you must keep in mind that there will be different essay topics for each of the programs. You definitely do not want to wait until the last minute to write them. Also, prospective students should ask for recommendations from their teachers well in advance of application deadlines. It is never a good idea to have your teacher write you a recommendation in a hurry. In-state students who want to apply for scholarships should understand that UAB has a different system than most universities. The higher your ACT/SAT score is, the lower your GPA has to be to qualify for a certain scholarship, but the lower your ACT/SAT score is, the higher your GPA has to be. For example, getting a 33 ACT with a 3.0 GPA will qualify you for consideration for the Presidential Scholarships (ranging from $7000-full tuition/require fees/housing), while a 32 ACT and a 3.7 GPA will only get you the Golden Excellence Award ($6,000/yr.) So my advice is -- STUDY HARD FOR THOSE SATs/ACTs and work hard on maintaining/raising your GPA by the end of junior year !

Come prepared and ready to work and earn your degree. It's not in the partying and trying to be most popular. I say use your first year wisely. Learn a routine get use to being away from and hold on the home teaching. It's very easy to get sidetracked by excitement of being on your own. Don't let no teacher nor friends tell you you're grown now. It's not true. You leave home to go to college and you're suddenly grown. You're dumber now than ever. Focus,pray,trust what you've learned and what's been instilled in you. Grip to family values as if it your very life. Finally go in with a winning attitude and come out great. With a degree you know you deserve because you know you've earnEd it.

Apply Early!
If you come from a long distance, make friends on face book beforehand! There are others just like you!
Be prepared to work!