Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Introduction
Rutgers University its one of the most unique schools in the country. With the size of 40,000 students, the university is made up the most diverse student population. I chose Rutgers because of the great academic reputation, location, price, and collective social scene. Students who have trouble being independent should stay away from this school. Rutgers Univeristy is very large and requires students to always be on top of things on their own, with very little direction from any type of advisory team.

Campus Life and Social Life
Rutgers social life is very much different then the typical large unversity. I feel that RU has something for everyone. There are many things within walking distance that aren't exactly considered "on-campus". If you are underage and not ready for the intense bar scene that is lined up going down Easton Ave. (parellel to College Ave.) consisting of more then 10 college bars, there is usually a fair amount of house parties in the area. Anyone looking to really experience college life can even get involved in greek life with a decent amount of fraternity and sororities on campus. When feeling classy and mature, the upscale part of town, downtown New Brunswick is just a 5-10 minute walk away where 21+ students can enjoy fine dining, martini bars, and night clubs. Advertisement
Academics
Independence, persistance, and organization is key to succeed here at Rutgers. It is easy to get lost in the shuffle if you do not stay on track with your course load and try to somehow find time to meet professors or TA's in office hours. Each department differs and certain majors are classified by a seperate school that students need to apply to seperately (ie: business school, communication school, engineering school, etc.). Classes tend to be on the larger side for underclassmen, but once you get further into your major course load, the classes become smaller and professors become more personable. Most students are familiar with the RU screw considering requirements for classes are always changing without notice to students. Grading is competitive and each professor has their own scale and decision to curve each class. Rutgers Unversity has prestigious pharmacy, business, engineering, and theater arts programs.

Student Body
Students range in ages starting from right out of high school, all the way up to 45 year olds who wish to return to college and finish their education. All types of ethnicities, religions, and nationalities are present at RU along with the majority of students enrolled being New Jersey residents. Rutgers has a large commuter population, but also takes over the city of New Brunswick with a large number of students living both on and off-campus. The city of New Brunswick gives Rutgers a certain image, allowing a small city life style but still having the typical "college life".

In Closing...
Rutgers University is a great school that prepares you for the the real world where things aren't just handed to you. It is a place where personal growth can spur and where you can meet just about any type of person there is to meet. It is a huge transition if you are coming straight out of high school, but if on track students will soon catch the gist of things and learn how to survive on their own.