Appalachian State University
Boone, NC, USA

Reviews

Appalachian State University

Lauren from Myrtle Beach , SC

a current student here
45 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Appalachian State is not your typical college learning experience. When I was searching for the right college I was really looking for a school that not only prepared me academically for life after college but also taught me things that aren't written in textbooks. At Appalachian you definitely get both learning experiences. The professors are great and actually care if you do well. Most of the fellow students are like-minded and similarly motivated to be well accomplished. Overall, Appalachian offers the perfect well-rounded college experience that prepares your for both the work force and life general.
Am enjoying being here
Being from the beach, I was a little worried about Appalachians' preceding reputation for cold weather. I was also concerned about the transition from a city to a more rural area. Needless to say, as soon as I arrived on the campus I felt immediately at home. There are plenty of fun recreational things to do in Boone. Hiking, skiing, snowboarding (I took that as a class last semester!) As for the cold, yes, it is very cold, but Ive decided if the only complaint I have about my college is the chilly weather, that makes me pretty lucky. Overall, the area is absolutely breath taking and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
Bang for the buck
Tuition, at any college is definitely a lot more expensive then it used to be. Being from out-of-state, there is no denying that Appalachian was the more expensive college choice of where I was accepted. However, I think that makes me very qualified to say that it is worth the extra money! For me, being happy and loving every day of college is well worth the difference in out-of-state tuition than settling for just any college.
Tips for prospective students
You will know if the college is right for you! I absolutely recommend taking a tour and/or even staying a night at all of your potential college choices. There is really no way to know for sure unless you give every option a chance to be the right choice. You will know where you feel comfortable and hopefully have as great an experience as I'm having.
Great for these types of students
The Appalachian community is a very laid-back, environmentally aware area. This college is great for students who enjoy the outdoors, cultural diversity, and the simple things in life.

Kristen from NC

a current student here
16 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors at Appalachian are great! They really care about the material they are teaching and about the students in the class. They are more than glad to answer questions and provide help both in and outside the glass. They really enjoy teaching, and it shows in the classroom.
Am enjoying being here
I absolutely love being at App State! The campus is so beautiful, and there are so many things to do. You can go to the Student Union and hang out in the coffee shop, or if it is an exceptionally pretty day, it's great just sitting outside enjoying the amazing Boone weather. At night, you can usually catch a movie for just a dollar or even go see great local bands and more at the on-campus night club, Legends. On Saturdays during the fall, you can go support the Mountaineers as they play football in Kidd Brewer Stadium or any of the other numerous sports team that App has during the year. And if you want to get off campus for a while, you are just a few minutes away from downtown Boone, which is a great little town in itself. You've got skiing and snowboarding close by during the winter, and you can always find somewhere to go sledding on a snow day! App also has some of the most amazing people. I have become friends with so many great people here. I don't think I would want to go anywhere but Appalachian!
Tips for prospective students
Apply for early registration and you have a better chance of getting in! With the amount of people applying growing every year, it's important to get your application in early, as well as any scholarships or financial aid through the university.
Great for these types of students
Anyone! Especially those that love the mountains or just want a great college experience!

Kyle from Matthews, NC

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Appalachian is a great learning community. The professors are incredibly dedicated to the students and are some of the best in their respected fields. At times they even know a bit too much but if you slow them down you'll be fine in the class. The classroom environment is great but the professors are not afraid to venture outside and use the campus and mountains to help students learning. With only three semesters in college so far at least three of my classes have had lessons outside.
Am enjoying being here
I love being at App. There is never a dull moment and tons of things to do. The football games are awesome, especially since we win so much, and are a great way to spend Saturdays. The location of the school alone promotes adventures from rock climbing to waterfall jumping to rafting down a river. Freshmen are very welcomed and in no time will have tons of friends. I have lived on campus two years and each floor is a small close community. There are more than one hundred clubs and the Greek life at App is a lot of fun!
Bang for the buck
By far and away Appalachian State is one of the cheapest schools in the state. To my knowledge it is second only to Chapel Hill. This is not to say that because it is a value it looks cheap or the education received is less than the rest of the schools in the state. App is a beautiful campus with the best conditions and every student receives an excellent education.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you take the tour. The guides are very knowledgable and you can learn so much about the school. Winters are not as bad as everyone claims. It does get cold and windy but as long as you have a quality coat you'll be fine. Just make sure you get involved and you'll have the best four years of your life.
Great for these types of students
No matter what type of person you are you will have a great group of friends and love the social life. There are a lot of people that love the environment but this is not to say every student goes hiking in their free time. The number of fraternities, sororities, clubs alone show how diverse the interests of the students are, and how any type of student will feel at home at App State.

Catherine from Deland, FL

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Appalachian State has some of the best professors and teachers. They all truly know what they are talking about and they all have a passion for what they are teaching. I have learned more from them than I ever did in high school. You also have the ability to form lasting relationships with your professors which allows you to gain real world information and a perspective of what you can do with your major once you are out of school. I have learned so much in my first year at Appalachian and believe that I will continue to learn so much during my time there.
Am enjoying being here
Appalachian State has so much going on at all times. There are over 300 clubs on campus and there is always an event or concert going on. I love being in Boone as well. Its such a fun town where you can enjoy time downtown or just hang out. Overall its been a fun time living on campus the first year because they offer so much stuff for you to do or get involved in. As long as you find something that you enjoy doing you will have a great time!
Bang for the buck
I think I am getting everything I want from Appalachian and it is very worth the money. I am from out of state so I am paying more money but I think that its worth it. I am getting something that I know I couldn't get in Florida so it is worth it to me.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure that Appalachian is a place that you can see your self for 4 years. It is such a fantastic place but if it doesn't have the kind of things you like to do it will not be as fun for you. Just be sure that you get involved in all that the school has for you and you take all it offers to your advantage.
Great for these types of students
Its great for people who love the outdoors and the mountains. It has a lot of different majors but if you are looking for Recreation Management or things like that, it is a great school. Overall a great school that all types of people will love. However, if you don't like snow or cold weather I would not suggest Boone. Other than that it is a great school in a fun town that anyone will love.

Reece from Davidson, NC

accepted here and planning to attend soon
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
Since I have not started classes there yet, I can't speak for how much I will learn. However, at orientation the students who led us around on tours and helped advise us on our schedules talked only about how much they learned from their professors and how willing the professors and academic advisers were to make sure you succeeded. They especially emphasized personal responsibility- no one will help those who don't want to be helped. That stood out to me because I have always held myself accountable for my academics and extracurriculars.
Will enjoy being here
If you love the mountains, a large but intimate campus community, and a small college town with tons of opportunity to get involved on and off campus then ASU is perfect. I can't get enough of the mountains and the outlets they have for student employment or just hanging out and having a good time are tough to beat. It's just a very intimate community, very personable.
Bang for the buck
Had I applied when I should have for merit scholarships, it would have been easier. Don't miss those deadlines! Other than that, they're willing to work with you however they can.
Tips for prospective students
Don't miss scholarship deadlines :)
Don't wait until the last minute to sign up for orientation. They fill up quick, and the First Year Seminars (which are required) fill up too, so the late ones end up having to wait until second semester to take it.
Great for these types of students
People who love the mountains, people who want to pursue music, education, or exercise science (they have some of the most advanced research in that field). I'm not going for any of those majors, but I think that those have the most people. People who love large but intimate campus communities. People who can handle the cold :)

Camille from China Grove, NC

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The rustic mountains make calling it home easier than I ever thought possible. The friendly atmosphere creates lasting and loving friendships for a lifetime. Lastly, but not least, the innovative thinkers that enter the classrooms each day give a lasting impression of how positive and bright the future can and will be!
Tips for prospective students
Go ahead and get in the habit of studying outside of class. Once you get in to college life, mom and dad aren't going to be telling you to do your homework everyday when you come home from school, so it is really important to start forming those good study habits ahead of time. Also, you can never have too much black and gold attire!
Academic Rigor
I've only taken General Education courses because I can't decide on a major; however, all of my classes have required my attention in studying outside of the classroom.
Dorm Life
I had a good experience with living in a dorm, however, I did have a problem with ants in my building and room during the spring semester. (YUCK!) There is a requirement for freshman to live on campus, but there is limited space so every room is full, no matter what time of year it is!
Food and Dining
I can't complain about the food, even though it tasted nothing like the homecooked meals I was accustomed to prior to attending ASU. The meal plans are set up like a debit card so that was really efficient, especially when I didn't feel like eating a whole lot in one day. I got to spend my meal plan at any of the food establishments on campus...kuddos for good planning Appalachian!
What to do for fun
There are several places to go hiking, waterfall jumping, swimming, rafting, and rock climbing in the mountains. I have always loved being outdoors, so this was a paradise for me! I will say that it really helps to have a car in order to get to all the best places! I even took a trip with the Outdoor Programs through the University and it was so much fun! I got in to rock climbing thanks to some really cool people I met while I was in Boone. The shopping variety isn't all that great, unless you go to the Tanger Outlets in Blowing Rock, but the outdoor adventures are numerous!
Bang for the buck
Appalachian is rated as one of the best values for an education in all of the nation. I can testify in approval of this ranking because I have received the benefits of this great deal of a university. All of the staff seem truly dedicated to the success of all the students, therefore, in my opinion, this school has more bang for it's buck than any high dollar ivy league school!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Although strange, the annual Polar Plunge is a fun event in which students dress up or down and come out to the infamous Duck Pond where they pay to jump in during the middle of winter. All proceeds go to a charity of the event staff's choice! It seems like a lot of fun! Not to mention, all of the food in Boone is DELICIOUS! It is a tradition to go eat at Black Cat after every outdoor adventure. You also must decide whether or not you will be a Los or Dos fan within your first week of attending the university.
Great for these types of students
If you enjoy opening your mind to new possibilities and if you can buckle down and be serious in the classroom, then this is the place for you. I also encourage anyone who knows how to have a good time to come on up the mountain to join the Mountaineer family, because there's nothing like celebrating another Mountaineer football victory with fun people!
Greek Life
There is no sorority housing at ASU, only fraternity's can live in houses off campus. The school has an old hotel in which it has given to the sororities to utilize as housing. There is an old Boone law that prevents more than 5 females to live in the same house if there is no blood relation, so just keep that in mind if you decide to rush.
Campus Safety
I have never felt threatened or unsafe while on the campus of Appalachian. The campus police do a great job at keeping everyone safe and sound.

happy@app

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
appalachian is an awesome school to go to, i love it! the atmosphere is very friendly and if you get the right professor then you will have a great class experience. the best part is that even though the campus is pretty big, you can get just about anywhere within ten minutes so that is nice.
Tips for prospective students
i definitely recommend going to ratemyprofessors.com before signing up for classes. it is an awesome website that will tell you what professors to take and they are spot on with accuracy. only take the teachers that have good reviews, or you will regret it. i also recommend using the library. the library is an awesome place to study and i actually get more work done in there than in my room. coffee is also a must-have!
Academic Rigor
college is definitely not easy by any aspects. although, in all honesty, if you work hard, study, and take lots of notes, then you will be fine. i definitely recommend keeping up by taking notes in the book, it will help you understand a lot more. also, make sure to go to class!! most classes do not take attendance so a lot of people just do not show up, but lecture is where you learn the most so even if it is boring, just go.
Dorm Life
dorm life is amazing and is a great experience to have. i most definitely recommend living in a dorm for at least your first year of college!! it is very convenient because you are always close to your classes and other on campus activities. i live in one of the smallest dorms and i still love it. i do not recommend rooming with your best friend from high school, because you will get sick of each other quick!
Food and Dining
the food at central (the main dining hall) is definitely the best. they have chick-fil-a everyday, who wouldn't like that?! but there is also a huge variety of other kinds of food, such as burritos, salads, pizza, subs, etc. mcalisters is definitely the most popular place to get food in my opinion. it had the best sandwiches and mac and cheese is delicious from there! trivette (the older, smaller dining hall) is pretty nasty except for breakfast and salads.
What to do for fun
there is so much to do for fun on campus! almost every week, they have a different movie playing from thursday-saturday in i.g. greer and it only costs $1 to go. the movies are always fairly recent too! there are also a lot of activities to get involved in on the floor of your dorm. for example, my floor has dance parties in the lobby about once a month. they are so fun! char is a club that a lot of people like to go to on thursday nights because that is college night. of course, there are also so many clubs to get involved in! if there is something you love, there is a club for it. also, intramural sports teams are so much fun. they have intramural teams for ton of different sports and a lot of people are involved in those.

Emma from Apex, NC

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I couldn't imagine being a college student at any other campus. I have made awesome friends, taken interesting classes and get to wake up in beautiful Boone everyday. Appalachian State has welcomed me with open arms and I feel right at home.
Tips for prospective students
1. Get involved! There is a club or activity for you, just ask!
2. Be open. College is a different world. You'll be surprised how much there is to take in.
3. Stay in touch. Keep up with friends back home while you make new friends at App.
Academic Rigor
Some of the sciences were labor and time intensive.
Most professors believe in your ability and will help you succeed.
Dorm Life
I am in my second dorm. I enjoyed my freshman roommate. It's important to communicate! I love my sophomore room assignment.
Food and Dining
I am vegan and my meal choices become somewhat mundane, but doable. I buy food at the market on campus, too.
Would like to see more plant-based meals.
What to do for fun
Hiking, Enoing, movies, downtown Boone, clubs, Snow tubing.
Bang for the buck
Appalachian is a great school. I feel very safe there. It's far enough away from home but not too far. Compared to other colleges, tuition is reasonable. Did I mention the views??
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Football Games, Halloween, riding the Appalcart, it's cold! It's pretty. Exploring the area, making good friends.
Great for these types of students
Casual, laid back, involved ( or wanting to be), academic, introverted, extroverted, social, friendly, open-minded.
Clubs and Activities
So many to choose from! There is something for everyone. If not, you are encouraged to bring a new one on campus.
Greek Life
I am not a part of Greek life but I hear good things.
Campus Safety
I feel very safe. There is a shuttle available to bring students to and from buildings. Call boxes are evident. It's always smart to travel with another when possible.

tate from greensboro, nc

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
appalachian state university is characterized by the level of care and compassion expressed its professors, and the devotion to success possessed by the students that call the university home. appalachian state may not be as well-known as some other schools, yet it is as healthy a learning environment as any. i would recommend this university to anyone seeking a quality education in a safe and beautiful environment.
Tips for prospective students
study hard, and do not waste time. enjoy yourself, but recognize that college isn't easy, and that only from hard work will you earn success.
Academic Rigor
there are some difficult classes offered at appalachian state, depending on your major. if you are looking for a class that will give you an easy-a, you will have a hard time finding it at app state.
Dorm Life
on-campus housing is phenomenal at app, with every dorm kept very clean. the resident assistants are helpful, and friendly, and housing staff is understanding of sudden room-changes, doing its best to make on-campus living at appalachian state univeristy as enjoyable as possible.
Food and Dining
the food at app state is nothing special. simply put, it's comparable to a food court at a shopping mall.

Gabrielle from Finksburg, MD

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Appalachian is such a beautiful campus with matching population. Everyone in the community is very accepting of each other and always willing to help. Going to App is worth the seven hour drive it takes to get there!
Tips for prospective students
Come to campus with an open mind and a friendly smile. It is really easy to make friends and talk to people because of how friendly everyone is.
Academic Rigor
The classes seem like average college course, but I personally have a major that require A LOT of time and work (I am majoring in Industrial Design with a concentration in Product Design). So be prepared for an average college workload, unless you are taking a specific major that will take a lot more of your time.
Dorm Life
I've only lived in one of the freshman dorms (Coltrane), and it was decent; the rooms were small, but that is to be expected with any dorm. All of the resident halls have study areas, laundry machines, and kitchens available to all residents. The staff does a really good job of keeping the living areas and bathrooms clean and the RA's and RD do a lot to really develop a community within the dorm.
Food and Dining
The coffee on campus is really good and we have a Chic fil a and McAllisters, which is great. But other than that, the food is too expensive for what you're getting (but again, that is to be expected on a college campus).
What to do for fun
There are so many great hiking areas in and around Boone, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is a short drive away. Many students eno and slackline on campus for fun, and we even have a rock-climbing wall in the Student Recreation Center. There are also concerts constantly going on with both famous and lesser know bands and artists at Legends.
Bang for the buck
If you're an in-state student, it doesn't get any better that Appalachian when it comes to Bang for Your Buck. Even for me, as an out-of-state student, I think that I am getting a great education and college experience for the tuition I am paying.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There are two tunnels that run under Rivers Street (the main road on campus) that are great for safety reasons, but they are also great because students are welcome to express themselves through graffiti and art on the walls of the tunnels.
Great for these types of students
Great for people who love the outdoors, helping people, friendly people, and an accepting community.
Clubs and Activities
There are lots of clubs on campus, and if you don't see something that you want, you can create your own club.
Greek Life
I am personally not in a sorority, but Greek Life is very accepted on App's campus.
Campus Safety
I always feel very safe on campus (being a five-foot tall female, that is very important to me). And I am confident that the school takes all safety situation and incidents very seriously.