American University

Date: Jun 11 2003
Major: Other (This Major's Salary over time)
I was an School of International Service student and graduated summa cum laude in the Summer of 2000. American University is overpriced. I joke that I know what my tuition went to my last two years of my education: An increase in the President's salary and a new school song that no one ended up learning anyhow (why a school would not use their own Music department to develop their school song is beyond me!).

The advisors and faculty are generally helpful. However, I had a nasty experience when a professor was suddenly unavailable for a class and a substitute was used. The substitute knew little about the topic (Russian Cultural History) and she did not review her choices of background material until she expected them read, leading to disasters in the classroom (one article was so mistranslated and horrible written, it was a waste of class). In other words, when straps on resources cause strains on the faculty, the backup system is much poorer in quality.

Some students might find certain professors intimidating at first impression (Drs. Duncan Clarke and William Kincade come to mind), but if you take the time to visit with them during their hours the intimidation can be overcome. Even the substitute mentioned above and I got along in the end.

Also, the administration at AU is horribly disorganized. I used to work in the admissions office and witnessed shocking things of which I dare not mention here. The lines at the Registrar and Bookstore can be very long, unnecessarily, indeed.

Also avoid the university if you are allergic to cigarette smoke. During the periods of nice weather, the amount of smoke generated on campus is enormous and forms a haze over the quad in front of the library and student center. Non-smokers beware.

Also, one aspect of AU that I did not like was their admissions policy of only looking at international students' applications (looking, mind you) if they could first prove that they could afford to attend the school. Although it makes some sort of cold economic sense, the result is that you have a significant number of international students that are simply rich dummies. That should be changed.

Good faculty, overpriced, resources are strained, and there are problems with administration. That sums it up.