This past weekend I had a high school friend come visit me at Azusa Pacific University; and, while she was here, I helped her compile a pro/con list for APU compared to other schools she was looking at. The list turned out pretty funny and insightful into why the students of APU enjoy their college experience so much, so I decided to share it with the world. Hopefully this list will make you laugh, nod your head, and remind you of why you chose APU. So read on friends, I'll start with the cons and then move into the pros because we want to leave the best for last, right?
APU cons:
1. The weather. For those who are from more mild climates, the extreme heat in September and October can be pretty unbearable. Also, the drought is an issue. I'm pretty sure every student in Southern California misses the rain.
2. Tying into the previous con, it's not very green here in Southern California. For those of us from the good ol' PNW, this may drive you crazy. You may find yourself saying green is your favorite color or that you miss pine trees. (Or maybe that's just me.)
2. Most students who attend APU go in without any good friends. Unlike attending a state school where you may only know one or two, you most likely won't know any friends who are going to the school. But, this is actually a great way to establish new friendships and stretch you out of your comfort zone.
3. The tuition is expensive. But then again, so is the tuition of every private university. Also, APU offers some great merit based scholarships.
4. As much as I love Azusa, the city is not the safest. Despite that, Azusa has one of the cutest communities and most of the people you meet are really kind.
5. While this is more an out-of-state student issue, it can be hard to transport all your stuff here. And the travel expenses can add up.
Despite the minor cons of attending APU, going to this school is #worthit. And now on to the pros! (Which are totally more fun.)
APU pros:
1. In-n-Out, Chick-fil-A, acai bowls, Afters, and 21 Choices are in California. And, furthermore, Chick-fil-a is right across the street. I honestly don't think I could survive without their waffle fries.
2. We have a football team! Not very many other private Christian schools have football teams, so it is fun to be at a school that does.
3. Chapel is actually the best. Yeah, sometimes the requirement is annoying, but where else would we be able to here Francis Chan speak and worship alongside thousands of our peers?
4. There is so much to do in the LA area. There are beaches, Disneyland, Pasadena is nearby, and so much more. If you are adventurous, you can never get bored.
5. APU has a fabulous freshman experience. And sophomore. And junior. And senior. But really though, this school's first-year experience is ranked among the nation's best.
6. As much as you might not recognize it, the girl-to-guy ratio is better than a lot of private schools like APU. I know, I know, that pro might be a stretch, but let's be grateful shall we?
7. Sophomore year we actually have great on-campus living situations. At a lot of other schools you are required to live in the dorms again and have no kitchen. Which would be a nightmare.
8. Speaking of food, APU has so a variety of on-campus dining. I'm a personal fan of the teriyaki bowls at Umai, and the breakfast burritos at Mexicali.
9. California is a beautiful state. It has incredible sunsets, mountains, and beaches.
10. As much as the Four Cornerstones of APU are a little cliche, the school's emphasis on balancing Christ, service, scholarship, and community make APU a very unique school. I love the fact that I am at a school where I am getting a great education, where Jesus and faith are integrated into every conversation, having a servant's heart is valued, and I have met some of the best friends in the world. #iheartAPU
