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Free College Counseling:
Life On Campus... will I love it or hate it?Questions
Answers
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Question:
Dear College Counselor,
I need help on deciding which college is the best match for me. I have been accepted to both American University and the University of Mary Washington. There are lots of things I love about American- dc offers great connections for internships, there will always be something to do, somewhat diverse student body, and I am planning to study foreign language or political science which they have great programs for. However, I need to say that I really can't see myself as a type of person interested in clubbing and getting wasted a lot. But I read that AU kids mainly go to bars and clubs for thier social life. Now I know that in dc there are so many other things- museums, concerts, plays, resteraunts, shopping etc. But if like 85% of students just want to go clubbing on the weekend, I dont want to be a minority in that other 15% who doesn't. Now I know that at Mary Washington I wouldn't have this problem, but mary washington doesn't have all the other benefits of AU. So I really am just wondering about what percentage of students just go clubbing and drinking. Would i be such a minority If I'm not into that? Which school would be a better match?
Also, another concern is male/female ratio. Both schools are about the same, but do you think I would have an easier time meeting available guys at mary wash because there is a smaller gay population?
Wow, thanks a lot for any advice you can give me, I really appreciate it.
-Laura, Ramapo High School
Wyckoff, NJ
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Answer:
Laura,
If you like American that much more than Mary Washington as a school, then I would not worry about the social scene nearly so much. The reason is this: in DC, you will have more than enough to do. Even if your peers are all interested in partying?which I highly doubt, since you will probably find and surround yourself with those classmates who do not drink and smoke to have a ?good time,? and just because clubs and bars are there does not mean that all students go to them all the time?there are so many other things to do in the city that you will never be left alone in your dorm regretting your decision to stay sober and off the dance floor. This does not mean that you will be attending museums or art galleries by yourself either. American has tons of student groups in which you can become involved; plus, the city is filled with internship and job opportunities to keep you busy.
As for your concern about meeting boys, you may be able to meet a greater number of straight boys at your college if you were to attend Mary Washington. However, since American is located in a city along with several other colleges, there are many different populations from which you may be able to meet the guy of your dreams.
Therefore, if you sincerely believe that you will receive a better education at American than at Mary Washington, I would heartily recommend attending that college. Your social life will be what you make it, and like you said: DC has lots of resources.
Allison G.
College Prowler Counselor
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Question:
Dear College Prowler Counselor,
I got admitted into San Diego State University and I was wondering how good the school is in being open and an easy place to make friends because I mean you leave your niche of friends in high school and I heard that this school is like high school again but with older people...is that true? Like very superficial crowd. I mean I surf and skate but still dont want college to be high school all over again in terms of the crowd like intelligence wise and personality wise. So would you say that is true about SDSU and is it an easy school to make friends if your a new incoming freshman?
-Anand, Fremont High School
Cupertino, CA
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Answer:
Anand,
First, read what some students said in the College Prowler book about the guys and girls that attend San Diego State University from our sample page. From what the rest of the chapter says, it seems as though your assumption is correct: many students will be superficial or immature. However, I do not believe that this is any indication that college should be a continuation of high school.
There is so much more to do in college! There are many more resources and ways to find groups of people who share your same interests. Moreover, I am going to quote a student who spoke about his/her experience at San Diego State U. at the end of the book: ?I have had a great experience at this school. I always hear about SDSU?s bad reputation and about how it?s just a party school. But college is what you make of it. I am here to learn and get a degree. I have learned a lot and I have had some wonderful professors and mentors. I have gotten involved with a few activist groups on campus and met friends who share my drive. Other than that, my social life exists outside of campus, and that?s what I want.?
I couldn?t have said it better. Allison G.
College Prowler Counselor
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Question:
Dear College Counselor,
1.Do schools have special areas or special programs for gay and lesbians?
2.How can I find out if my school is gay-friendly?
-Xavier, University of South FL
Tampa, FL
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Answer:
Xavier,
In answer to your first question, yes, colleges do have programs for gays/lesbians. Many schools have Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies programs, and others have a variety of courses dedicated to these topics within their Humanities or Social Science departments.
Here is a really helpful site I found offering instructions for determining whether a college is gay/lesbian-friendly: http://lesbianlife.about.com/od/youth/a/College.htm. According to this site, the top five colleges where the gay community is accepted (from 2005) are:
1. Eugene Lang College (New York City)
2. New York University
3. Sarah Lawrence College (Bronxville, NY)
4. New College of Florida (Sarasota)
5. Brandies University (Boston)
Here is an online bulletin board concerning your topic, as well: http://www.collegeconfidential.com/cgi-bin/discus/show.cgi?4/3869.
It seems to me that location is key in determining the community atmosphere of a college. For instance, from these two cites, NYC seems to be a prime location that accepts gays/lesbians. From what I have heard and read, Washington D.C. is also another very accepting city. If you find a college that you are unsure of, your best bet is to visit it. A campus?s ?vibes? have been hailed as the ultimate deciding factor for many students, and this may prove true in your case, as well. Allison G.
College Prowler Counselor
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Question:
Dear College Counselor,
I am originally from Arizona and currently live in Atlanta, Georgia. I really would like to go to a well-known University that offers a true residential college experience within an Urban environment. I am interested in Business/Marketing and the best school for me that I have found is Northeastern in Boston, Ma. However, I am concerned about the weather. Is it something that could really affect me, would I get used to it? Also, what other colleges that meet my description may I have skipped over?
-Thomas, Grayson High School
Loganville, GA
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Answer:
Thomas,
I am not entirely sure what you mean by the weather ?affecting? you. Certainly, it will be different from what you are accustomed to, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. Perhaps you will enjoy the cold weather and the snow; you can?t possibly know until you have tried it.
Meanwhile, here are some other colleges that you may look at that fit your description (urban, offer business/marketing, match your scores): West Virginia University, Georgia State University, University of New Orleans, Temple University, Duquesne University, and Pace University.
Allison G.
College Prowler Counselor
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Question:
Dear College Prowler Counselor,
I know there are no fraternities at Georgetown University, but is there still a good social scene present on campus, such as parties and other forms of entertainment?
-John, Council Rock North
Newtown, PA
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Answer:
John,
I can tell you right off the bat that CollegeProwler rates Georgetown?s nightlife as an A-. Being located in D.C. is definitely a plus for nightlife, so despite the lack of fraternities/sororities, there is definitely a good deal to do on weekends including hopping between clubs and bars, as well as partying at other D.C. campuses.
If you want the full scoop, I recommend you check out our book on Georgetown. That way, you can read the full explanation as to why it rates A- in nightlife as well as A- for off-campus dining, A- for Girls, and B for Guys.
Allison G.
College Prowler Counselor
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