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University of Arizona vs. Arizona State University vs. Northern Arizona University

Are you weighing the pros and cons of ASU vs U of A vs NAU? State universities in Arizona have so many pros – outstanding academics, vibrant communities, inspiring faculty and staff. It can be tough figuring where to go and where you belong. Here are some areas that the University of Arizona excels in.

You'll Love the University of Arizona

If You Want a Job

U of A is particularly strong in areas such as science, medicine, and the arts, including:

• Business: Eller College of Management is top-ranked.

• Research: The Wyant College of Optical Sciences is literally in charge of building the new internet. Safe to say, it’s one of the premier educational and research institutions worldwide. Have you ever heard of OSIRIS-REx? A big chunk of credit goes to the University of Arizona’s Astronomy department. STEM-focused Wildcats make a big impact – starting as soon as their first year.

• Dance: Among the top five dance programs in the country!

See all majors and degrees here.

See all graduate majors and degrees here.

If You Want “MD” After Your Name

The University of Arizona is the only medical school in Arizona. The University of Arizona is also the only graduate college that offers a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in Arizona. Whether you’re interested in labs or chocolate labs, the University of Arizona gets you there. 

If You Want Traditional Greek Life

A Greek row with sprawling sorority and fraternity houses right on campus, nearly 50 national sororities and fraternities, networking opportunities and social programming. There’s so much to love about going Greek!

If You Want A Movie Set-Worthy Campus

The University of Arizona is the traditional college campus you’ve dreamed about. Green grassy lawns, dorms that are in the center of the action, centuries-old historic red brick buildings mixed with modern structures, a community feel that you can only find by having one, one-square-mile campus in the heart of the city. 

Maybe it’s because the mall always has something fun going on. Maybe it’s because there are hundreds of student clubs and organizations so you’re bound to find people with your same interests. Maybe it’s because the entire city of Tucson loves and supports the Wildcats. 

Whatever magic is to blame, this is where you run into friends between classes, discover favorite trees to study beneath, and where you’ll feel at home. 

If You Want the City at Your Fingertips

Despite being Arizona’s second-largest city, Tucson retains a small-town feel – and the University of Arizona is at the center of it all. Hop on the Sun Link Streetcar to explore the city’s extremely walkable downtown and its treasure trove of history, art, and things to do. 

Ride your bike on hundreds of miles of car-free/shared use bike paths in the city, which have earned Tucson the title of one of the greatest and most bike-friendly big cities in the country! 

Nestled amidst stunning mountain ranges, Tucson offers endless outdoor activities to pursue and amazing wildlife to see, such as the Saguaro National Park and Arizona’s Sky Islands. 

Tucson is also brimming with incredible Mexican restaurants serving authentic cuisine from all over Mexico. Plus, what other Arizona city can say it has been designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy?

If You Have Dreams of Making it to the Final Four

Yup, we said it. Our women's and men's basketball teams are consistently nationally ranked and seriously fun to cheer on (shout out, ZonaZoo!). Become a student to see where our basketball teams will be seeded in the NCAA tournament. 

If You Want to Be Part of the Change for Good

The University of Arizona has been ranked as the number one school for astronomy and astrophysics for more than 35 years. This prestigious reputation isn't just for show – we turn cutting-edge ideas into groundbreaking discoveries. In fact, NASA entrusted us to lead the historic OSIRIS-REx mission, the first of its kind to snag a piece of an asteroid!  We're also part of the team that built the James Webb Telescope, peering deeper into the universe's secrets.

For decades, the University of Arizona has also been a leader in water resources research. Now, with water security, sustainability, and climate change becoming ever-more pressing issues, the university’s expertise is perfectly positioned to help make a difference. At Arizona, you’ll be part of the solution.

If You Want to be a Wildcat for Life!

Trust us, you do. 

Apply to the University of Arizona

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What’s the student section like at University of Arizona games?

Arizona’s legendary student section is oh-so bringing it to the Big 12 this season. The energy! The excitement! The highs, and admittedly the lows. It’s all part of the ZonaZoo experience, and knowing these unofficial rules and traditions will make it that much better. 

What to Know About ZonaZoo for Football Games

1. ZonaZoo Stays the Whole Game

Hail Marys, impossible comebacks, broken records, somersaults into the endzone (really) – some of the most jaw-dropping moments in University of Arizona football history happen when the game is in its final moments. Stay the whole game so you can tell your, “I was there when ________” story in the future. 

2. Keys at Kickoff

Add to the noise at Arizona Stadium. During kickoff, ZonaZoo Wildcats jingle their keys to add to the roar of more than 50,000 passionate fans. 

What to Know About ZonaZoo for Men’s Basketball Games

3. ZonaZoo always stands up.

I mean, you can sit down for a bit if you’re tired but the majority of the ZonaZoo section stands the whole game. As for the rest of McKale? They sit after the opposing team makes their first basket.

4. Yell “Nice shot, buddy. Do it again! ”

Just ZonaZoo’s way of being friendly if the opposing team misses their first free-throw!

5. Air out some clean (and dirty) laundry

Head's up for flying tees! Wildcat triples are punctuated with a tee shirt toss: tees for threes! Watch for a new tradition, where students read dirt sheets on the opposing team, rip them up, then toss 'em into the air after our first basket.

6. You can dance along with the band 

The Pride of Arizona Pep Band (they’re the ones in the red and white stripes) have a pretty simple hand-motion dance for whenever Darude – Sandstorm plays. Watch. Learn. Join in. 

You can also chant along with the band. When the opposing team fouls us and the Wildcats go to free-throw shots, the band says “You, you, you, you, you, you, you, you, you, on you, that’s who!”

Important Things to Know for ZonaZoo

7. Get there early.

Seating is first-come, first-served, and if you want the best view in the house (and the most-likely chance to end up on ESPN – “hi, mom!”), you’ll want to line up long before game time. Grab your friends, bring a water bottle, and start hyping yourself and fellow fans up. 

Special note: For both men’s and women’s basketball games, if you get to McKale early you can win cool stuff such as t-shirts, rally towels, raffles, food and more!

8. Wear red and blue, of course!

Whether you’re going subtle with a ZonaZoo shirt or all-out with facepaint or a full-body spandex bodysuit (can you even see the game in those things?), represent the University of Arizona in our school colors. Watch for themes announced on our social media pages and join in for maximum effect!

9. Know how to throw the Wildcat symbol

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It looks like this ↗️

10. Bear Down with pride

We saved the most important rule for last. When you’re in the ZonaZoo, you’re an extension of the team and a representative of the University of Arizona. Follow Bear Down With Pride sportsmanship guidelines to ensure a safe, comfortable, and family-friendly sports and entertainment experience for everyone (including yourself!).

Learn More About ZonaZoo

See Upcoming Games

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What do you want to be when you grow up? It’s a question parents, teachers, strangers (?!) have asked you since you were in elementary school. For some of us, the answer’s easy. For others, not so much. 

Take a deep, calming breath. We’re here to tell you that it’s okay to not have it all figured out. 

And for those of you who are set on their future plans: listen up! It’s also okay to change your mind. Every student has their own path, just listen to a few current Wildcats:

Listen to Jessy

Jessy enrolled at the University of Arizona sure of her intentions and with her eye on a career in leukemia research. After new experiences and discovering new passions, Jessy’s plans evolved – in the most positive way. Watch this video for 2:37 of priceless advice. 

Majors Are Just One Piece of the Puzzle

When you graduate and list all your experiences on your resume, there’s going to be so much more than your major to add. There are hundreds of clubs and organizations on campus, dozens of skillbuilding opportunities, and interesting on-campus jobs and internships that, together with your major, make you a well-rounded candidate for a job – and person. 

Judgement-Free Zone

Almost one-third of first-time college students change their major. Some change it twice! While it might be tough to tell your mom that you don’t actually want to be a doctor, you’ll get nothing but support from the University of Arizona. 

Talk to your academic advisor, and together you can make a plan to switch gears and declare a major that leads to a career that you love. As for breaking the news to mom? We can only wish you the best of luck! 

Try New Things

Being undeclared is the best excuse you’ll ever have to try new things, meet new people, and figure it out as you go.

Of the 7,335 students who enrolled in fall 2020, 586 were undeclared. These are the students who we encourage to join clubs they’d never considered joining, attend virtual events that spark their interest, and take classes with thought-provoking subject matter. Sounds kind of fun, right? 

Check out The A Center, which specializes in helping undeclared, transitional, and pre-health and pre-law students stay on track. 

What’s important is that you find a place that feels like home. And now, it’s easier than ever to do that. 

Since 1885, the University of Arizona has experienced its fair share of Wildcats who have been unsure about their future. Remember: the university is made up of real people who want you to make the most of your time while you’re here. Start your journey by applying today.

Apply

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Resume Builders to Secure Your Dream Job

There’s so much to look forward to in college – learning more about a subject you’re passionate about, meeting interesting professors and fellow students, and perhaps even experiencing a new city.

Part of what makes the University of Arizona so impactful is the only-found-here resume builders you can take advantage of while you’re a student. Here are just a few examples:

Dream Job: Climate Expert

• Major: Environmental Studies
• Arizona Extracurriculars: Defend Our Future, Environmental Awareness Society, Harvest Cats
• Internship, Volunteer & Job Opportunities: Compost Cats, Watershed Management Group, The Nature Conservancy, Iskashitaa Refugee Network

Dream Job: Medical Professional

• Major: Biology (like Mariana!)
• Arizona Extracurriculars: American Medical Student Association, College of Medicine Wilderness Medicine Club, Cardiology Interest Group, Flying Samaritans, Mobile Medicats
• Internship, Volunteer & Job Opportunities: Clinica Amistad, Students Helping In-Need Elderly (SHINE), Tot Shots Vaccine Clinic

Dream Job: Media Mogul

• Major: Journalism
• Arizona Extracurriculars: Eller Social Media Club, American Marketing Association, Society of Professional Journalists
• Internship, Volunteer & Job Opportunities: The Daily Wildcat, UATV-3, the Arizona Daily Star

If You're Still Unsure...

If your focus at the moment is determining which major is the best fit, don’t worry. There are resources like Center for Career Readiness and your academic advisor that can help you align your interests with your ideal career. Plus, the A Center provides support and resources for Undeclared, Transitional, Pre-Health Professions, and Pre-Law students.

The A Center also offers an assessment tool called MyMajors that allows you to answer questions about your interests, skills, and values to find potential degree programs that may be a fit for you. Once you feel confident about that choice, revisit the idea of building your resume!

Start here. Dream big! Apply to the University of Arizona today.

Apply

Explore all majors at degreesearch.arizona.edu.