UA Named to Princeton Review List

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas was once again the only public university in Arkansas to be included in the Princeton Review’s annual guide to higher education, The Best 361 Colleges. Only about 15 percent of the four-year colleges in the United States were chosen to be profiled in the 2007 edition of the book.

“It’s always satisfying when the University of Arkansas is recognized as among the best schools in the nation,” said Chancellor John A. White. “I was pleased to note the recognition given to the Honors College and accomplishments of our students in national academic competition.”

In a two-page profile, each college and university in the book was rated in the categories quality of life, fire safety, academics, selectivity and financial aid. Each school was rated on a scale of 60 to 99, but they weren’t ranked in comparison to each other. The University of Arkansas’ ratings fell in the middle of the scale, with its highest rating an 84 in quality of life, while academics and financial aid both were rated at 72.

"We chose schools for this book primarily for their outstanding academics,” said Robert Franek, the Princeton Review vice president for publishing. “We evaluated them based on institutional data we collect about the schools, feedback from students attending them, and our visits to schools over the years. We also consider the opinions of independent college counselors, students and parents we hear from and survey year-long.”

About 300 students at each school were surveyed for the Review. The UA students overall agreed that the university’s library and athletic facilities are “great,” that students “love” Fayetteville and the Razorbacks, and that there’s “lots of beer drinking.” Not enough, however, to get the University of Arkansas listed among the “Top 20 Party Schools” in the Review.

In fact this year the university did not make any of the 60 or so “Top 20” lists, either the positive or the negative. Instead, the profile primarily used student quotes to create a generally attractive picture of the university.

“It can be an academic haven or a party paradise. Whichever route a student chooses, Fayetteville and the university offer plenty of tools to ensure success,” one student said.

Discussing campus life students said, “There are lots of activities on the U of A campus . over 250 student organizations and sports clubs providing something for almost everyone. And it’s really easy to get involved.”

 On the academic side several programs were praised, and students reported “there are tons of scholarships for study abroad and grad school.”

The 361 Best Colleges is intended as a tool to help high school students decide where they want to apply to college, according to the guide. The full survey can be found on the Princeton Review Web site, www.PrincetonReview.com.