In their 2015 edition of "The Best 379 Colleges," The Princeton Review named Auburn University the "#1 Jock School" based on the popularity of intercollegiate and intramural sports, as well as the Greek system. According to a press release from The Princeton Review, the rankings are determined by surveys from 130,000 students, an average of 343 participants per campus.
The survey consists of 80 questions about their school's academics, administration and student body.
David Soto, director of content development for The Princeton Review, said the rankings are helpful to future college students.
"I think the rankings provide a wide breadth of information for prospective students and parents that paints a broader picture of what they might want to look at in a potential school," Soto said.
The Princeton Review works with university administration to distribute the survey via mass email.
"For the administration, I think a positive ranking is seen as a badge of honor, while a negative title serves as an opportunity to help institute change or promote clubs or diversity on campus," Soto said.
The title received a mixed reception from Auburn students.
Cameran Collins, freshman in software engineering, said he disagrees with the ranking.
"It doesn't feel like a jock school to me, that seems more like Alabama," Collins said.
Jenn Martin, vice president of Auburn's women's club lacrosse team and senior in industrial and systems engineering, said the ranking's name might be misinterpreted.
"Jock is a subjective word, and it really depends on who you're talking to," Martin said. "I see it as someone who is athletic and active."
According to Martin, her team is close despite being from different locations and backgrounds. Martin said she made some of her closest friends through her involvement in athletics.
"We love our sports and we take lacrosse seriously," said Casie Claunch, sophomore in nursing and member of the women's club lacrosse team.
Eric Finch, vice president of Auburn's club handball team and junior in wireless engineering, said Auburn's student body overall seems healthier and more active than a typical campus.
Alex Devilliers, president of Auburn's club wrestling team and junior in business administration, said participating in sports has had a positive impact on his life.
"I feel like jock usually has a negative connotation, but if it means someone who is really active and healthy, then that would be accurate," Devilliers said.
Debo Crew, senior in civil engineering, said Auburn athletics is competitive.
"It doesn't surprise me at all," Crew said. "I've participated in intramural sports all five years at Auburn and it's something you've got to fight for."
Though many people are divided on the issue, some students remain neutral.
"I think any recognition for Auburn is great," said Spencer Bounphouansy, sophomore in computer science.
According to The Princeton Review, Auburn was also ranked seventh for "Most Conservative Students," 9th for "Students Pack the Stadium," 12th for "Most Religious Students," 13th for "LGBT-Unfriendly," 17th for "Best Quality of Life," and 20th for "Friendliest Students."
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