Su
Because the student-professor ratio is quite small, professors generally know the names of each and every student which is very appreciated. My favorite class is (I'm not sure if I could say this is a class), but symphony orchestra because I get to learn really interesting new pieces and work with an amazing conductor. I think it is quite difficult for students to study in dorms because there is so much hormone fluctuations and people just running around, screaming and making way too much noise at 10pm. The competitiveness is not as crazy as other prestigious universities like UCLA or USC, but I feel that the music department is quite competitive. The School of Music, which I am a part of, is quite well-known and is comparable to the Thorton School of Music at USC. We have a great faculty including Marek Szpakiewicz (USC, cello), Michelle Jensen (USC, choral conducting), John Sutton (UCLA, choral conducting), Michael Kozubek (USC, guitar), and way too many more to mention. The faculty is loving and encouraging at all times. Professors at APU are more than willing to have coffee and just chat about personal stuff with the students. I went on lunch dates with a couple of my professors wanting more advice about life. Honestly, APU does not have a whole bunch of intelligent students but I can definitely tell you that the musicians here are downright talented.
Kendal
There are many benefits inherent with attending a relatively small school. Certainly, the professors know everyone's name, and many even remember details such as where a student works or is from. In the graduate social work program, classes sizes are small, and our cohort feels like its own little family. Indeed, the atmosphere is great, however, I do not believe that the academic requirements are all that challenging. Maybe I am an overachiever, but I anticipated feeling more pushed intellectually at this level. At times I am more stimulated by after class conversations held among curious students. Even though I do not feel I'm being stretched, I can see how the knowledge and experience I am gaining will benefit me when searching for a job. In social work, we are required to complete internships, and this gives us an awesome opportunity to integrate classroom learning with real world experience.
Emily
Since the school is small, the class sizes are also small. The professors are personal and know the students by name. My favorite class had about 15 students and the teacher knew us all. She cared a lot and took the time to get to know each of us personally. They encourage an environment where students would feel comfortable talking aloud. I like the fact we have to take a certain amount of bible classes. Some feel redundant but are good nonetheless. I feel like most of the classes are preparing me for the future.
Calli
The academics at our school is wonderful! Because we are a private school you are expected to engage a little more than a public school, however it helps a great deal when applying to grad schools. Our nursing program and science programs are great, but very extensive. The professors here are very approachable and are always willing to meet with you at any time. Because we are a Christian school, there are some biblical studies requirements, but nothing anyone can't handle. Overall, APU is very strong academically!