A "is this a good college" thread for all college searchers...

[punkin]

I agree with you about law school, but both Criminal Justice and Business are common majors at bigger schools, Colorado College has neither one. They have typical liberal arts majors like German, and Classics, and anthroplogy. Wonderful things to study but not, I suspect, what my particular kid is going to choose.

Yes, you can go into the FBI or to buisiness school without a degree in either one, but my son has, thus far, enjoyed things more where there's a direct practical application than things that are more theoretical. Of course that can change, but if I had to guess right now he's going to pick a school that's more comprehensive (note: I didn't say better) than a tiny liberal arts school.

DD picked a tiny liberal arts school. She's very happy. Then again, this is the child who freaks out at any practical application of her beloved math theory. She's very strange. That's why it is so important to have the right FIT for your child and the school. There are some perfectly wonderful schools out there that are just not a good fit for a particular child. Luckily there are just as many wonderful schools that would be a good fit.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

http://www2.coloradocollege.edu/dept/EC/

Pre-professional Advising

allied health fields • business • law

Offering pre-professional advising isn't the same as offering a major. If you click on their business/econ link it's clear, for example, that their only major in that department is econ.

There is no criminal justice program, which at this point is what my DS talks about.

It is a school that serves 2,000 students. I'm sure it's fantastic but there's no way a school that size is going to fit every student, and I suspect that my kid is one it wouldn't fit.

Surely the Rocky Mountains have more than one school?

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

DD picked a tiny liberal arts school. She's very happy. Then again, this is the child who freaks out at any practical application of her beloved math theory. She's very strange. That's why it is so important to have the right FIT for your child and the school. There are some perfectly wonderful schools out there that are just not a good fit for a particular child. Luckily there are just as many wonderful schools that would be a good fit.

Than you for getting it!

I would have thrived at a tiny liberal arts school. I read the Colorado College website and thought "wow, I wish I was 18 and could pick this school". But my kid isn't me, and I think he'd do better with someplace a little bigger, with a little more emphasis on the practical.

Any suggestions for schools in areas with good skiing that have more than 3,000 kids, with some diversity, not super super competitive, with a Criminal Justice major? NE, Rocky Mountain States (or provinces, he'd totally go to Canada for school) Alaska . . . ?

 

[Becky2005]

Has she looked at NYU, Julliard and Marymount Manhattan? Excellent theatre and dance depts., MM is a small school so lots of attention and I don't quite see Maryland as the place to be if one is interested in theatre, heh.

I'm pretty sure Julliard is way out of her league at this point. She wasn't looking at Maryland at all. Massachuttes (probably spelled wrong!) is where Dean is. It's pretty close to New York and my sister lives about an hour away in CT. I had not heard of Marymount so will look at that.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Than you for getting it!

I would have thrived at a tiny liberal arts school. I read the Colorado College website and thought "wow, I wish I was 18 and could pick this school". But my kid isn't me, and I think he'd do better with someplace a little bigger, with a little more emphasis on the practical.

Any suggestions for schools in areas with good skiing that have more than 3,000 kids, with some diversity, not super super competitive, with a Criminal Justice major? NE, Rocky Mountain States (or provinces, he'd totally go to Canada for school) Alaska . . . ?

Quoting myself so that I can point out, again, that my son has been a 7th grader for all of 3 days at this point. I am not planning on deciding, on my own, without his input, what college he should go to based on the DIS and the DIS alone.

However, perhaps because what I do (work at an urban charter school where we talk about college all the time to counteract the fact that our kids don't hear about it elsewhere. Heck our preschool classes are named for college mascots!) I often have college on my mind. So, if there are options that might suit him and I'm vacationing in that area, for example, we might stop by.

Right now, at age 12, his wish list is skiing, girls (he is very adamantly against single sex schools, not sure why since he doesn't actually talk to girls as far as I can tell), and a Criminal Justice or Business major. He also talks about Maine or New Hampshire because my brother lives there and at 12 the idea of going too far away from family is kind of daunting. I assume that much of that will change.

 

[punkin]

Than you for getting it!

I would have thrived at a tiny liberal arts school. I read the Colorado College website and thought "wow, I wish I was 18 and could pick this school". But my kid isn't me, and I think he'd do better with someplace a little bigger, with a little more emphasis on the practical.

Any suggestions for schools in areas with good skiing that have more than 3,000 kids, with some diversity, not super super competitive, with a Criminal Justice major? NE, Rocky Mountain States (or provinces, he'd totally go to Canada for school) Alaska . . . ?

It's a little small (I think about 2500 students) but have you looked at Champlain College in Burlington. I am almost positive they have criminal justice and it is not competitive but fairly well regarded. Of course the skiing is pretty good.

 

[StephMK]

Than you for getting it!

I would have thrived at a tiny liberal arts school. I read the Colorado College website and thought "wow, I wish I was 18 and could pick this school". But my kid isn't me, and I think he'd do better with someplace a little bigger, with a little more emphasis on the practical.

Any suggestions for schools in areas with good skiing that have more than 3,000 kids, with some diversity, not super super competitive, with a Criminal Justice major? NE, Rocky Mountain States (or provinces, he'd totally go to Canada for school) Alaska . . . ?

How about Univ of WY? DH graduated w/a Criminal Justice degree from there, many years ago. It seems fairly affordable, even out of state and I don't think it's hugely competitive. Not sure about diversity though.

 

[StephMK]

Ok, I know it's a long shot but anyone have any good suggestions for an archaeology program? DD has a pretty narrow list since there aren't a ton of programs. Her dream school is Wash. U. in St. Louis. She has some state schools on her list but I'd love for her to add 1-2 more private schools to her list since I think they can offer better merit aid.

 

[golfgal]

Ok, I know it's a long shot but anyone have any good suggestions for an archaeology program? DD has a pretty narrow list since there aren't a ton of programs. Her dream school is Wash. U. in St. Louis. She has some state schools on her list but I'd love for her to add 1-2 more private schools to her list since I think they can offer better merit aid.

Is Paleontology close enough? http://sdmines.sdsmt.edu/sdsmt

Washington U is a great school, not in the best area of St. Louis though.

According to Collegeboards there are 10 schools in the "mid-west" that have archaeology programs. Cornell in Iowa is one, that is the school where you take one class at a time though, not sure if she would like that or not. There are a couple in Ohio, is that too far away? There is also one at the University of Evansville but you do NOT want to go there. PM me if you want specifics....

There are a few more schools out in California if she wants to go that far.

 

[ZuZugal]

Is Paleontology close enough? http://sdmines.sdsmt.edu/sdsmt

Washington U is a great school, not in the best area of St. Louis though.

Wash U and St. Louis U are both excellent schools and can get a very bad rap for "not being in the best part of town". Unless you visit them and walk the campus, you have not idea how beautiful and safe both campuses really are. I visit both frequently, and have had nieces and nephews attend both schools over the past few years with great success.

I would always take the "in a bad area" comments with a grain of salt until you speak to someone who is a current student or visit the campus yourself.

(This is not meant to knock GolfGal...it is just my opinion)

 

[golfgal]

Wash U and St. Louis U are both excellent schools and can get a very bad rap for "not being in the best part of town". Unless you visit them and walk the campus, you have not idea how beautiful and safe both campuses really are. I visit both frequently, and have had nieces and nephews attend both schools over the past few years with great success.

I would always take the "in a bad area" comments with a grain of salt until you speak to someone who is a current student or visit the campus yourself.

(This is not meant to knock GolfGal...it is just my opinion)

Been to both, the area around each campus is not all that nice...

 

[clh2]

DD, just started her senior year today...

She has taken an interest in actuarial sciences - which is GREAT. As in her jr year, she was really undecided. So - that is a huge step moving forward.

The not-so-short list of schools right now include:

UW-Madison (in-state tuition - ~$10K)
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (tuition reciprocity agreement between WI and MN, offers WI residents $13 K tuition)
University of St. Thomas - (St. Paul Mn) private - tuition is $32000/yr.
Bradley University (Peoria, IL, private tuition is ~25K)
Illinois State (out of state tuition is $20K per year)

She will be on campus -and room and board expenses for all practical purposes are pretty equal.

So - anyone familiar with these campuses? DD LOVED University of Minnesota when she toured there. She's been to UW Madison tons of times (alumni here), although not specifically done a campus admissions tour. We have plans to see Illinois State and Bradley in early October, and University of St Thomas and the UMinn again in late October.

Now - DD tosses Ohio St into the mix, which is ~$25K for tuition.

So....anyone have any experience at any of the above institutions?
Thank you!
Clh2

 

[golfgal]

DD, just started her senior year today...

She has taken an interest in actuarial sciences - which is GREAT. As in her jr year, she was really undecided. So - that is a huge step moving forward.

The not-so-short list of schools right now include:

UW-Madison (in-state tuition - ~$10K)
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (tuition reciprocity agreement between WI and MN, offers WI residents $13 K tuition)
University of St. Thomas - (St. Paul Mn) private - tuition is $32000/yr.
Bradley University (Peoria, IL, private tuition is ~25K)
Illinois State (out of state tuition is $20K per year)

She will be on campus -and room and board expenses for all practical purposes are pretty equal.

So - anyone familiar with these campuses? DD LOVED University of Minnesota when she toured there. She's been to UW Madison tons of times (alumni here), although not specifically done a campus admissions tour. We have plans to see Illinois State and Bradley in early October, and University of St Thomas and the UMinn again in late October.

Now - DD tosses Ohio St into the mix, which is ~$25K for tuition.

So....anyone have any experience at any of the above institutions?
Thank you!
Clh2

DS16 is also thinking actuarial science. You CAN just get a math degree for this as well so keep that in mind. Madison would be her "best" option for an actual Actuarial degree and a LOT of insurance companies recruit on campus there but none of the actuaries I know actually graduated from there so it isn't limited by any means.

St. Thomas is a nice campus right "in" St. Paul. It's pretty much a commuter school now, especially after freshman year. There are a lot of apartments/houses to rent NEAR campus but it isn't a place where kids live on campus all 4 years or anything like that. It is a well respected school though. Overall costs at St. Thomas are going to be closer to $43K, but then again, they have a HUGE endowment fund and give away lots of money too.

Is she leaning toward larger schools or doesn't it matter?

 

[LBAK]

Can anyone tell me about Va Tech? I know it's a great academic school with great school spirit but I was wondering if there's a ton of things to do in the surrounding area?
My DD would be coming from a very suburban area. I am looking to see if most stay on campus on weekends and what the surrounding area is like.

 

[NCRedding]

Can anyone tell me about Va Tech? I know it's a great academic school with great school spirit but I was wondering if there's a ton of things to do in the surrounding area?
My DD would be coming from a very suburban area. I am looking to see if most stay on campus on weekends and what the surrounding area is like.

It is a beautiful school set in the mountains of Virgina. Blacksburg isn't a huge city, and it isn't located near a huge city, but there is alot to do in the area. Most students do stay on campus for the weekends, as there are parties, football games, campus activities. It's a short drive to Roanoke which has some concerts, etc. It's also not too far from Charlottesville where UVA is located. The mountains are great for hiking, exploring. Lots of history in the area too. Lots to do, just not in an urban area.

 

[kbeverina]

Can anyone tell me about Va Tech? I know it's a great academic school with great school spirit but I was wondering if there's a ton of things to do in the surrounding area?
My DD would be coming from a very suburban area. I am looking to see if most stay on campus on weekends and what the surrounding area is like.

I went to Tech and loved it. I don't think I ever left campus the first two years, other than places we could walk to in the town of Blacksburg and to come home. Junior and Senior year one of my roommates had a boyfriend in Roanoke so we occasionally did things there, but mostly stayed in Blacksburg. I'm from the DC area and didn't miss it while I was down there, though did enjoy coming back and having all the local shopping. Everyone is different, but I never really wanted to get out of the campus area so didn't really miss what had been available at home.

Also, worrying about the neighborhood surrounding Wash U is kind of like worrying about Georgetown being in DC. It's too good a school to let that stop you.

 

[NotUrsula]

Wash U and St. Louis U are both excellent schools and can get a very bad rap for "not being in the best part of town". Unless you visit them and walk the campus, you have not idea how beautiful and safe both campuses really are. I visit both frequently, and have had nieces and nephews attend both schools over the past few years with great success.

I would always take the "in a bad area" comments with a grain of salt until you speak to someone who is a current student or visit the campus yourself.

(This is not meant to knock GolfGal...it is just my opinion)

Been to both, the area around each campus is not all that nice...

SLU is in midtown, and has traditionally defined itself as an "urban campus". The neighborhood used to be quite rough, but Father Biondi has completely transformed the campus in the past 20 years, and these days if you are on campus you are pretty safe, as it is pretty much walled off from the surrounding neighborhoods now. Walking off campus in the daytime is quite safe; at night it can be a tad iffy. There used to be a homeless problem, but Campus security is ruthless about that now.

WashU, otoh, is on top of some of the priciest real estate in town. Yeah, it's U.City, but it's not really U.City -- the Danforth Campus (formerly Hilltop Campus) is situated right between Forest Park and Clayton; it's a high-rent area. Where WU gets iffy is in the off-campus housing that is north of campus in U.City proper -- the University is not always the best landlord that it can be, and some of the buildings that they own are not secure. (Most of these are rented by grad students, however, not undergrads.) There is no homeless problem whatsoever on the Danforth Campus. I'm at WU at night all the time, and it is perfectly safe to walk the campus and the areas surrounding it on the south and west sides. Forest Park (to the east) is not part of campus and is in the City's jurisdiction -- it is also the nation's second largest urban park (right after Griffith, and nearly 400 acres larger than that OTHER F.L. Olmstead park ) Naturally, if you go into the woods in the wee hours, you may meet some folks who are up to no good, but that is just common sense.

 

[ZuZugal]

SLU is in midtown, and has traditionally defined itself as an "urban campus". The neighborhood used to be quite rough, but Father Biondi has completely transformed the campus in the past 20 years, and these days if you are on campus you are pretty safe, as it is pretty much walled off from the surrounding neighborhoods now. Walking off campus in the daytime is quite safe; at night it can be a tad iffy. There used to be a homeless problem, but Campus security is ruthless about that now.

WashU, otoh, is on top of some of the priciest real estate in town. Yeah, it's U.City, but it's not really U.City -- the Danforth Campus (formerly Hilltop Campus) is situated right between Forest Park and Clayton; it's a high-rent area. Where WU gets iffy is in the off-campus housing that is north of campus in U.City proper -- the University is not always the best landlord that it can be, and some of the buildings that they own are not secure. (Most of these are rented by grad students, however, not undergrads.) There is no homeless problem whatsoever on the Danforth Campus. I'm at WU at night all the time, and it is perfectly safe to walk the campus and the areas surrounding it on the south and west sides. Forest Park (to the east) is not part of campus and is in the City's jurisdiction -- it is also the nation's second largest urban park (right after Griffith, and nearly 400 acres larger than that OTHER F.L. Olmstead park ) Naturally, if you go into the woods in the wee hours, you may meet some folks who are up to no good, but that is just common sense.

Thank you for bringing up Forest Park. So many students utilize the park for running/walking/golf/baseball as well as going to the zoo, attending the Muny, etc. A simple visit to the campus as I mentioned is probably not even enough to give a proper "bigger picture" of SLU or Wash U.

 

[StephMK]

Is Paleontology close enough? http://sdmines.sdsmt.edu/sdsmt

Washington U is a great school, not in the best area of St. Louis though.

According to Collegeboards there are 10 schools in the "mid-west" that have archaeology programs. Cornell in Iowa is one, that is the school where you take one class at a time though, not sure if she would like that or not. There are a couple in Ohio, is that too far away? There is also one at the University of Evansville but you do NOT want to go there. PM me if you want specifics....

There are a few more schools out in California if she wants to go that far.

I'm not worried about the area and DH is trying to take her for a visit this fall. We are from the DC area & agree w/the G-town reference, not worried about off campus as much for a great school. I'm trying to get her to look more East Coast so we can move back East too! My SIL lives outside St. Louis, which would be nice.

We visited Cornell but were not really impressed. The arch prof was supposed to contact her and never did. While there were pluses & minuses to the type of program, we really didn't see her there. She gets along w/everyone but didn't really seem to be her crowd there. Nice campus & small town but not for her.

She also likes UW-La Crosse, maybe U Chicago, KSU - though I'd like to see her somewhere w/a bigger program & UNL, SMU in TX, UVA or William & Mary but last 2 are probably out of our range with little chance of OOS merit aid there.

 

[golfgal]

I'm not worried about the area and DH is trying to take her for a visit this fall. We are from the DC area & agree w/the G-town reference, not worried about off campus as much for a great school. I'm trying to get her to look more East Coast so we can move back East too! My SIL lives outside St. Louis, which would be nice.

We visited Cornell but were not really impressed. The arch prof was supposed to contact her and never did. While there were pluses & minuses to the type of program, we really didn't see her there. She gets along w/everyone but didn't really seem to be her crowd there. Nice campus & small town but not for her.

She also likes UW-La Crosse, maybe U Chicago, KSU - though I'd like to see her somewhere w/a bigger program & UNL, SMU in TX, UVA or William & Mary but last 2 are probably out of our range with little chance of OOS merit aid there.

Ok, a search of NE and Mid-Atlantic schools pulls up Boston College, Brown, the REAL Cornell in NY, and George Washington in DC. There are others too, I but I haven't heard of them .