Academics
Clark Atlanta University, an HBCU that students describe as "one of the most prestigious historically black institutions in America," combines a commitment to professional training and a favorable location to help students advance along their career paths. The school excels in mass media, offering "a great program" that places students "close to downtown Atlanta" and so provides "a lot of opportunities for internships and to meet potential employers." Students are equally enthusiastic about the "outstanding" business program, which they say "sets higher standards for its students, and it shows in their work." No matter what they study, undergrads enjoy great "networking possibilities. There is no reason for a student to graduate from here without a job offer." CAU professors are "compassionate" although "hard at times, but I take it as them getting me ready for the real world that I will have to face." Administrators "can be unorganized at times" but "are student-oriented" and "easy to get in contact with." Most of all, students appreciate how the school works "to create and build a strong people who can and will be of better service to their community while working to uplift all. My school creates an atmosphere in which we, the students, are not afraid to be the best, and we become well aware of our strengths and abilities."
Student Body
Although "primarily African-American," the CAU student body also includes "students from different orientations here: Asian, white, Hispanic." Students tend to be "goal-oriented," "headstrong," and "involved in various activities," to the point that they "love to be seen and want to be in the middle of everything." Most are committed to success in academics "but usually will not do more than what is expected of them." They want to enjoy the entire college experience by "striking a balance between the academic and the social," and they appreciate their access to "Atlanta and its party scene."
Campus Life
Life on and around the CAU campus includes a lot of options, ranging from "hands-on experience such as clubs and organizations" "that actually take part in organizing and make efforts to serve the community" to "parties every week, movies playing in the student center, plenty of shopping malls to go to," and guest lectures. And, of course, there's also Atlanta, the South's major metropolis and home to a near-endless selection of restaurants, nightclubs, museums, sporting events, and outdoor activities. The variety of choices means students can be "very spirited in every area from sports to bookwork," and most are. On the downside, students complain that facilities can be spotty ("the residential life department really needs to revamp its efforts") and that campus safety could improve.