The University of Akron

Date: Apr 04 2005
Major: Accounting (This Major's Salary over time)
I admit, I had FUN in college. I didn't study very hard and got through with a 3.0. I belonged to TWO fraternities (1 social, 1 professional). I made great friends that still play an important role in my life. I have stories to tell.

That said, Akron can be boring (it was sometimes ironically called Action U or Apathy U by students) as it has a high concentration of commuters, either young adults living at home with parents or adults returning for training. You won't generally find the close knit, club atmosphere here. It can be a diploma mill. So many people go home at the end of the day. Even quite a few dormies went home on weekends. The "College Experience" can still be had (I had it), but it isn't widespread. Sometimes the commuter students thought us Greeks and on-campus people were useless rah-rah types. Lots of practical, pragmatic types go to Akron.

It does have good programs. Choose wisely and go with the strong programs (i.e.: engineering, yes; teaching, go to Kent).

It is very much a "DIY" school. No one is going to teach you self-discipline. There is no over-riding philosophy to the school and it can be driven my economic concerns. Many in attendance are "credentializing" so that they may pass through the next filter of hiring for their job.

Good professors over-all for a state university in the mid-West. Administration can be less than desireable - it seemed that for a while the university president changed more frequently than a firstie changes majors. It looked like Akron was just a stepping stone until they got that presidency at Big Name U.

I went back for grad school there and still had a great time. I still get involved in alumni functions with my franternities. And the campus has seen a LOT of building in the last 4 years,

Build it and they will come.

I hope it works for them. It sure looks nice. Maybe that cold practicality will melt a little with more on-campus living.

I freely admit that I am not one to give advice. I am in general not ambitious and have no plans to take over the world or even be the CEO of my company. BUT if you already have some self-discipline and are on a limited budget with time and/or money, it can be a good bargain and you CAN make something of it. Don't bag your classes and you're almost guaranteed a C. Get to campus WAY ahead of time to find parking or live within walking distance. Housing was not too expensive (I lived in a fraternity house - whole other subject).

I still live in Akron and have high hopes that the U will continue to improve as I believe it is and will continue to be an important part of the community. I still like the place. And really, if I had gone somewhere else, would I really have done better? Or just been dismissed?

And I just can't resist: Go Zips!