Sun Devils? Lumberjacks? You meant, Wildcats! Beardown! While every student dreams of an ivy league school, University of Arizona is the closest Arizona has to a genuine school. Between the three most popular in-state universities, UA is clearly the best option for college.

Let’s begin with the history of the Wildcats. UA, the first university created in Arizona, was established in 1885. In 1926, motto “bear down” motivated the football team to put their best effort into the upcoming game. Now, the famous motto leads the Wildcats into sports victory.

In 2014, the Wildcats advanced to the Fiesta Bowl. Despite a devastating defeat, the Wildcats were able to channel their energy into March Madness.

Though not advancing farther, the Wildcats were able to advance into the sweet sixteen, where they were defeated by Wisconsin for a spot in the final four.

Alongside sports, UA has reputation throughout the nation. According to Forbes’ list of America’s top colleges, UA is ranked number 250, compared to Arizona State University, ranked 362, and Northern Arizona University, which was ranked 546.

UA is one of the premier public research institutes in the nation. The National Science Foundation has ranked UA 19 among public universities and 29 in overall research expenditures.

For a wide variety of students with different interests, UA offers more than three hundred majors.

Most students schools with high acceptance rate. UA has a 77% acceptance rate, just high enough to motivate students to apply. All students that apply are automatically considered for the Wildcat Excellence award, a renewable scholarship from UA that ranges from $1,500 to $10,000 per academic year.

Why become a Lumberjack or a Sun Devil when it is better to become a Wildcat? Bear down, Pumas!