Coming out of high school, I knew I wanted to be challenged and to grow as an individual. I just didn't know where that would be. I looked around the country and applied at a variety of schools, yet was unaware of Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State, until Dean Mark Jacobs came to my high school. His presentation opened my eyes to a potential home for the following four years. Not only was it a prestigious honors college, but it was a school inside of a school. It had everything I wanted and more. Looking back on it now, I couldn't have made a better choice. I love Barrett and here is why...
1. The Feel
At Barrett, we have the best of both worlds; call us Miley Cyrus if you will. We take advantage of what a Research I, Pac-12 environment has to offer while living in a community of motivated students. All that is ASU is at your disposal while your true foundation is this honors college. President Michael Crow puts Barrett this way, "Whereas Swarthmore College is a mature, private, stand-alone institution located in the Northeast, Barrett, Honors College is still in its infancy, is public and is embedded in a comprehensive research university located in the Southwest. What the two have in common is that both are liberal arts colleges of the highest quality."
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I love Barrett because it meshes what you traditionally envision of college, a huge school like ASU, with an Ivy League top-of-the-line education vibe.
2. The Location
In my opinion, Barrett is prime real estate on the Tempe campus. It is close to several things you might use daily: the Memorial Union, the SDFC Gym and SRC Fields, the P.O.D. Market, Domino's, Jimmy John's, Taco Bell, and last but not least, the Barrett Dining Hall. It's only a short walk or bike ride to all athletic events on the northern side of campus, and close to several pools. Barrett itself is also the cream of the crop when it comes to facilities and security.
3. The Community
Barrett was named “Best Honors College” in the nation by Reader's Digest, and deservingly so. This residential community has more National Merit Scholars than MIT, Duke, Brown, Stanford or the University of California-Berkeley. The best part of Barrett is that everyone is driven and passionate about excelling throughout their college career. That doesn't mean we are bland or unsociable, but rather eclectic as a community. The people you meet in Barrett get you, and you realize how special the honors experience is the first day you step foot on campus. In addition, there are exclusive Barrett organizations and perks only these students have access to. Call me a nerd all you want, but I'll embrace it.
4. The Amenities
The $140 million dollar Barrett Complex is the nation’s first four-year community of scholars where upper-class students live in a community that allows them to mentor first-year students, and therefore co-creating the honors experience. It is also fairly new, being less than 10 years old. I lived in the dorms my freshman year, and I loved having a variety of ages and interests in one community. The Barrett Complex on the Tempe Campus has a very open interior with five uniquely landscaped courtyard spaces. Additional outdoor spaces include a secluded amphitheater, a volleyball court, and a freestanding fireplace gathering area. All Barrett offices (deans, staff, and faculty) are conveniently located in the complex to facilitate advising, mentoring, and educational exercises. My favorite part is Barrett's Honors Hall, which serves as the central hub. This building contains a bistro café, computer lounge, writing lab, 24-hour gym, and several private meeting rooms. As well, the dining hall...
5. The Dining Hall
Yes, Barrett Dining Hall needs its own section. Out of all dining halls on campus it is widely known that Barrett is the most exquisite. They have pretty much anything and everything. Let me give you the run down: stir fry station, salad bar, deli, wood-fired pizza oven, grill, two home-cooked meal stations with main entrees, and the ever so popular gelato and ice cream bar right when you enter. It's deadly; I gained the freshman 15, but I couldn't be happier that I could take advantage of the best dining hall on campus.
6. The Perks
There are a lot. All of these points are perks, but I will share some of the smaller perks that make a difference as a student. As a Barrett student, you get personalized attention, dedication and access to deans, and roughly twenty-five faculty fellows and about twenty-five staff whose sole focus is on the student to whom they are assigned. In addition, Barrett students get one week early priority registration. It makes a world of a difference because you don't have to stress about classes being full. As well, there are Barrett specific events that happen throughout the year. Most of them have catered free food too!
7. The Faculty
Barrett students work with over 1,800 honors faculty across the university, which represents better than a 4:1 student to faculty ratio. That's astounding to me as a student. Within this distinguished group are Nobel Laureates, members of the National Academy of Science, National Academy of Engineers, and American Academy of Arts and Sciences. My favorite part thus far has been how close I have been able to work with faculty closely on research and creative projects, collaborate on honors enrichment work in courses, and build bridges to communities around Barrett and ASU as a greater whole.
8. The Coursework
Barrett curriculum is designed to develop habits that enhance learning, problem solving, and participating. Barrett prioritizes small classes and seminars, generally limited to 25 students. Next, multi-disciplinary team taught courses and other engaged modes of learning, as well as the development of critical reading, discussion, and writing skills. That last initiative comes to life in "The Human Event." Every freshman takes this two-semester sequence their first year. It is challenging, but you truly foster your growth as a scholar. This course focuses on the key social and intellectual currents underlying the development of humanity. I really liked this class because it challenged me to open my mind to the opinions of others while formulating my own.
9. The Honors Thesis
Before you graduate from Barrett, you must conduct and successfully present a creative project. Your thesis is entirely up to you, and it really sets you apart as a scholar and hopeful graduate. Plus, you get to work side by side with professors. Upon completing, you can say that you have not only performed research and compiled data pertaining to your interests, but defended your own work in front of peers and faculty. I'm looking forward to this project. Just don't wait until you're a senior to start.
Some people hate on Barrett students because of the privileges we receive or the exclusivity of our community. For me, my identity is a Sun Devil; however, I am one of the lucky few that get an enhanced experience because of Barrett. This doesn't mean I am better than any other student or have more to offer. It means I'm passionate about succeeding in my four years here. To put it simply, Barrett is rad. My advice is to seriously consider what it has to offer, and if it fits your interest, throw up your pitchfork and hop on for the ride. You won't regret it.
