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College Profiles
- University of Maryland, College Park - This state school has made tremendous leaps in the past five years completely changing the way that it is generally perceived. Until recently this institution was known as "Party Park" and was not well known for any type of academics. Since then it has done a complete turnaround and now could be jumping into the first tier. Although many students complain that the level of fun has decreased with increased standards, it still has a very enjoyable atmosphere! A lot of the campus life revolves around Greek life with Washington, DC close enough to be an option to those who do not want to join a fraternity or sorority. It is a very diverse school that boasts a well-rounded racial profile. The student profile has improved greatly. Average SAT scores have risen to between 1120-1310 with a 3.3 G.P.A. Although the size can be intimidating there are many on - campus organizations that can make adjusting a little smoother. Also the implementation of a very user-friendly computer system has made irritating tasks such as registering and paying parking tickets quite simple. However, there are a few drawbacks that students do complain about, such as a curriculum which requires students to take 9 courses that have little to nothing to do with their major. In the end though, it is a very reasonably priced school that has a lot to offer.
- Wesleyan University -
This small liberal arts institute in Middletown, Connecticut is very prestigious and boasts average SAT scores in the range of 1250-1400. Although it has a small population (2,700), it still manages to have quite a bit of diversity. It has many extracurricular activities to offer, such as political groups, radios stations, theater groups, etc. If you are looking to go to a school with a lot of parties then this is definitely the wrong place to go. There is a large amount of studying that occurs here with many students taking Saturday nights to hit the books. Also, because of the small campus size, professors are very accessible and easy to find. They are excellent and can give their undivided attention to many students because of the low student-professor ratio. Teaching assistants are much more flexible in allowing students to make up assignments because the size allows them to keep track of students with ease. The only complaints are the lack of school sprit and the town itself. Much of the town is closed by 9:30 and the closest city is New Haven. In other words there is a lack of a significant nightlife here. However, the academics are a huge upside, and many students are impressed by how intelligent and involved students are. Drawbacks to the school include a $24,000 price tag and the lack of a town. But if you are looking for a lot of personal attention and a challenging academic environment, you will not be disappointed.
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill -
UNC is a mid-sized school of 15,000 with a lot to offer. It is a very good academic institution boasting an average SAT range of 1270-1390 with many different programs to offer. The campus is very scenic and considered beautiful by many who attend the school. The town itself has drawn many compliments because it possesses activities while still retaining a small town feel. It has a very friendly down-South atmosphere with most people being very accessible. As for the social scene, fraternities and sororities are very popular, but do not dictate campus life because of town life. Sports also have a very high standing on campus with the following of men's basketball reaching feverish levels. Camping out for weeks in anticipation of the annual Duke-UNC game has become a tradition. The academics are very well regarded with nationally ranked business and journalism programs. While students complain about the large classes, they also noted that opportunities are still there if one takes the initiative to seek out professors. However, many of the lower level classes are run by teaching assistants which draws a few gripes. Although academics are nationally recognized and the campus is beautiful, there are still some drawbacks. One in particular is the strained race relations with many students commenting that African-Americans and whites are two separate communities with very little interaction. This is hopefully changing! With the $12,000 price tag and all the other attributes, many students find it a good choice.
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