UAB Undergraduate Admissions

✨ CURRENT STUDENT SPOTLIGHT ✨

My name is Abigail Kimm, a freshman here at UAB. Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to pursue medicine. Once I started thinking and applying to colleges, UAB seemed like the obvious answer. However, once I toured, I realized that UAB was not only the “obvious answer,” it was also a perfect fit. I fell in love with the urban environment and how convenient campus is to everything that I could imagine needing. I never would have imagined there would be a Punk Rock Flea Market only fifteen minutes away. On top of life off campus, UAB is so centrally located to different hospitals and clinics. I love volunteering and UAB makes it so convenient to do so. The amount of student organizations also stuck out to me. There are so many clubs to choose from regardless of your interests.
I am almost done with my freshman year and one lesson sticks out from the rest. It is okay to evolve in college. When I first started, I was so worried about my personality and the fact that I am introverted. However, after being here for a while, I realized I get to decide who I am. I am no longer surrounded by people who have known me for years that would notice if I was “acting different.” While I am still very much an introvert, I have come out of my shell and I have tried new things. College is a fresh start for everyone. You don’t have to want to be a certain type of person, you have the freedom to make that happen.

It’s been a busy March for UAB Admissions - from traveling for events, giving tours, attending conferences, and even playing a little volleyball, it seems like Blaze and our Admissions staff did it all this month 🏐🏃📚🎤🏌️💚
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Excited for another month as we wrap up our recruitment season and this semester. Want to take part in the fun? Visit the link in our bio to schedule a tour and get on campus to check out UAB!

✨ CLASS SPOTLIGHT ✨
Hear from Emily Dolan, a junior here at UAB, and her experience in our Literacy Ideas and Neurodivergence class.

I took this class to learn more about my interests in neurodiversity and how I could apply those interests in advocacy and research. Dr. Lariscy explored different kinds of neurodiversity through literature, film, and media that either displayed neurodiversity or were written by neurodiverse authors. These works connected our knowledge to issues affecting neurodivergent individuals, such as barriers to care, the harms of a neuronormative perspective, and how we can advocate and create space for neurodiversity in our communities, schools, and clinics.

As an undergraduate researcher and aspiring painter, I took this call to action in two directions. First, I worked with a team to present at the UAB Fall 2023 Expo, exploring how literature and media can increase awareness and reduce stigmatization. I took this approach literally at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research, where I created a painting of Dr. Kay Redfield in her journey of living with Bipolar Disorder in “An Unquiet Mind.”

✨CLASS SPOTLIGHT✨
Hear from Sai Garlanka, a junior here at UAB, and his experience in our Food Ethics Class.

I never thought I would be part of a class dissecting the ethics of tofu or debating whether octopuses have moral rights. My Food Ethics class at UAB has easily been one of my favorites, not just because we got to visit a new vegan restaurant near campus (pro tip: don’t knock vegan red velvet cake until you tried it), but because it’s challenged the way I think about food on a much deeper level. We’ve explored everything from factory farming and food insecurity to the rise of genetically modified crops and the ethics of diet culture. Turns out, what’s on our plate is about way more than just personal preference: it’s tied to global issues like sustainability, public health, and even social justice.
While I have no plans to become the next big food critic, I know that as a future physician, what people eat will be a massive part of the conversations I have with patients. But it’s not as simple as saying, “Just eat healthier.” Food is personal. It’s cultural, economic, and sometimes even political. Learning to see the bigger picture, why people make the choices they do, and how systemic factors influence access to nutritious food will help me be a better, more empathetic doctor.

✨ CURRENT STUDENT SPOTLIGHT ✨
I chose the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) because of its diverse campus community and excellent opportunities for hands-on learning. As someone passionate about using music to help others, I knew UAB would provide the education and experiences necessary to prepare me for a career in music therapy. The university’s connection to the medical field and its commitment to research and service made it the perfect place for me to grow academically and personally. Additionally, UAB’s welcoming atmosphere and vibrant student life offered me a sense of belonging and opportunities to connect with others who share my interests.
So far, my freshman year at UAB has been filled with growth, challenges, and valuable lessons. Academically, I have learned how to manage my time better and balancing coursework with extracurricular activities like volunteering and music practice. Beyond academics, I have learned how to navigate college life independently, build meaningful relationships, and step out of my comfort zone. Through my involvement in campus activities, I have improved my leadership and communication skills while growing both personally and professionally. Overall, I am excited to continue learning, growing, and making a difference in the lives of others.

ignoring on tour? just look at these baby faces. 🥺

✨CURRENT STUDENT SPOTLIGHT✨
Meet Faith Craig, a freshman studying Theatre Performance here at UAB.
When I was first choosing where to attend college, I was nervous. There are so many incredible options out there I was terrified I would pick the wrong one. That was until I toured UAB’s campus. Everyone was immediately so welcoming and had great spirits. It ultimately made me realize I also wanted to sport the green and gold colors! It felt like after my long college search, I was finally home. Once I toured campus, I knew instantly this was where I wanted to spend at least the next four years of my journey. Something unique to UAB is the idea of “City as a Classroom.” I know that when I move on from college, I won’t be worried about living in a city atmosphere because UAB gives students an opportunity to live in a city area safely. It is also apparent every professor and staff member cares about their students on a mental and physical level and offers many programs advocating for the students’ health, as well as frequently checking in on their wellbeing. As a freshman, I have learned that there are so many wonderful opportunities to get involved in something you love. GreenTeam has been a great experience to get to know so many people I never would have talked to before, as well as Blazer Theatre Organization and the many events the Honors College hosts. UAB has truly become a place for me to find myself, and people are accepting of that. Since being a Blazer, I have had no regrets and I cannot wait to see what my future holds. Blaze on!

Green is our color for obvious reasons. 💚 Wishing everyone a lucky & happy St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀

✨CURRENT STUDENT SPOTLIGHT✨
Hey! My name is Sarah Vaughan, and I’m a Junior majoring in Neuroscience and getting my proficiency certificate through the Spanish for Specific Purposes Program at UAB. Last summer, I spent a month in Salamanca, Spain through a faculty lead study abroad trip. Without a doubt, my time in Salamanca has been the highlight of my experience at UAB. The trip allowed me to build my language skills, experience a new culture, and make friends from across the world. Between museums, concerts, delicious food, and fun excursions, the trip left me with unforgettable memories. I believe life is about relationships, so for me, Spanish is a tool to connect with more people.
From a career standpoint, Spanish is incredibly useful in the medical field. I am a pre-med student hoping to become a physician. As such, using my language skills in a clinical setting has been a natural fit. At UAB, I have taken several Medical Spanish classes to build my vocabulary. With this background, I have started volunteering as an interpreter for a free clinic. This role allows me to truly help patients feel comfortable and get the care they need. Spanish is an outlet for me to combine my passion for language and science with genuine care for those around me. I am so grateful for the support and experiences UAB has given me so far, and I’m excited for future opportunities learn, grow, and explore the world.

UAB Day? Already counting down the days until the next one 💚 We had the best time showing off campus and meeting prospective Blazers! Same time next year?

The deadline is quickly approaching to register for Transfer Preview Day happening on Friday, February 21st! Hear from current transfer student Alex Elizondo on his UAB story and why he ultimately chose to transfer to UAB:
After graduating from high school, I spent a year at Northeast Alabama Community College
(NACC) before transferring to UAB. I always planned to attend UAB because I was drawn to
its vibrant Birmingham environment, the diverse activities like concerts and amazing food,
and its proximity to home.
UAB’s central location and generous transfer scholarships made it the ideal choice for me.
In my first year here, I’ve taken on numerous leadership roles, serving as a Trailblazer (a
tour guide for the university), TSO Outreach Coordinator, and mentor for incoming
students. UAB’s supportive community and abundant resources in tutoring, on campus
jobs, and more have exceeded my expectations and made me proud to have become a
blazer!
Interested in hearing more stories just like this one and see your potential to have a UAB story of your own? Use the link in our bio to register for Transfer Preview Day now!

ITS OFFICIALLY UAB DAY (aka, one of our favorite days of the year)
We’re pumped for an (early) day full of sessions, tours, and meeting new Blazers. See you in Bartow soon!