Deep in the Blue Ridge mountains-- in the heart of Boone, North Carolina-- lies Appalachian State University, home of the Mountaineers. To be an App State Mountaineer means to bleed black and gold; it means that you drive on the parkway with your windows down and the music up; and it means that you go to the best school. Out of the millions of reasons to love App State, here's just a few on why it's the best.
1. Location.
Appalachian State University is in the heart of Boone, North Carolina. It's a perfect little college town where all of the locals support the University, and the University supports them. Walking along King Street, you'll get a taste of the fresh mountain air and plenty of mom-and-pop shops that you can only find here. Driving along the parkway, you'll endure breathtaking views and feel a sense of freedom. Bigger cities like Charlotte and Asheville are only a car ride away if you need to get into the city for a weekend, and the mountains are in your backyard if you're feeling a ski trip.
2. Size.
With over 18,000 students, App State is a pretty big school, but it can also be pretty small. It's big enough to know you're attending a University, plus great crowds during football games, but it's still small enough to where your professors will know your name. The classroom setting is smaller and more intimate. You'll know your professors, and you'll probably run into a few friends walking through Sanford mall, but it's still a pretty big place. It's the perfect in-the-middle size.
3. The Weather.
Here at App State, you truly get the best of every season, sometimes in the same day. From peak week in the fall, to blizzards in the winter, the colors you'll see are gorgeous. Bundle up in the winter and grab some hot chocolate because the wind is harsh, and the snow falls like rain. Then in the spring, take a leap into trashcan falls, or one of the many swimming holes around Boone, to cool off.
4. Game Days at the Rock.
Football season is great at any school, but there's something different about football season here in the high country. The town is covered in Black and Gold and the stadium is filled with roaring fans. You can tailgate then head on up to the rock to see Yosef before the game. Then once you're inside the stadium, it's impossible not to lose your voice. It could be because we're back to back Camellia Bowl Champions or #1 in North Carolina, or maybe it's just because we're such a supportive school.
5. The People.
Everyone here wants to be here. The teachers, the students, the locals, everyone loves Boone and loves App State. It's not like in high school where you dreaded going to class and spent the entire day complaining about your school. Everyone is so diverse. You'll find your people here.
6. The opportunity to get involved.
App State has over 400 clubs. That's right, 400. If you want to get involved just check out the club expo or online, and you'll find something that fits for you!
7. The Outdoors.
The Blue Ridge Parkway: hiking, swimming, camping, what's better than the great outdoors?
8. The school itself.
9. Student Discounts.
Who doesn't love good, cheap food when you're on a college budget, or any budget? The town of Boone understands that we're college students and we're broke and hungry, so they make accommodations for us. The TApp Room always has deals, from $1 tacos to 39 cent wings. Mellow Mushroom usually offers $2 a slice of Pizza, and Harris Teeter even has a deal on groceries. Oh, the power of an app card.
Could you really ask for a better school?
