As far as the GPA/Scholarship situation at UA goes- it really is a great opportunity for many academically minded students! My daughter was recruited pretty hard by UA, however she really felt it would put her under extreme pressure to try and maintain that GPA at a school like Bama with her chosen major. (too many FUN social distractions!!)
We do live in the south, and I graduated from a SEC school so it made sense, but she felt she didn't really want the pressure. (she did accept a very similar situation at a smaller university- where she felt she could be academically successful without so many distractions!)
I love the fact that UA is becoming more demographically diverse! I love the southern traditions- but I think some great OOS students can only improve things!
I also am excited for ALL of the young ladies who had a wonderful recruitment at Bama and AU-- especially my daughters friends! (several AGD, KD, Phi Mu, DG, Zeta, and ADPi pledges!)