Need to hear some positives

BobbyCT · 09-08-2009, 11:05 AM

DePauw is sending someone from their Admissions department to my D's school in Connecticut and D's GC suggested she set up a meeting with him. I only know that DePauw is a top 50 ranked LAC and was listed as having an excellent Psychology program. When I looked more into the school, the only thing I read were the negatives. The ones listed most often were the drinking (I know, it happens everywhere), the administrations attempt to boost diversity at the school, the freshman to sophomore retention rate and a polarizing Greek scene. Unfortunately, people complain the loudest about the negatives so I am trying to find the positives on the school. It is highly ranked and regarded on several levels so they must be doing most things right. Can someone provide some insight on the school to balance out the perception? D is interested in small classes that are discussion based, Psychology as a major and a friendly student body. She is not a party girl by any means. Any feedback welcome

BobbyCT · 09-17-2009, 03:11 PM

Wow, no positive comments? I did receive one positive and helpful comment via PM but I thought I would receive a few more on this thread. Any feedback appreciated

TrumpetDad · 09-17-2009, 11:33 PM

Current US News shows 89.8% retention.

If "CT" in your handle means Connecticut, and Psych is the main interest, is Clark U. on the list?

BobbyCT · 09-18-2009, 10:02 AM

I was worried about the retention rate but I thought it had increased above 90% in the recent class. I will double check. Yes, we are from Connecticut and there was some interest in Clark at first because of their Psych major but she did not like the campus or Worcester that much. Their neighbor, Holy Cross, has an outstanding Psych program and campus but D was not that interested. I think she may want to be a little further from home since since all her favorite schools so far require a flight to get to. DePauw was listed as having one of the better Psych programs and she is interested in small, discussion based classes. However, when I read the DePauw web site, I do not see anything that would make it stand out as having a top Psych program. I must be missing something. D will meet with their Admissions Rep at her high school at the end of October.

TrumpetDad · 09-18-2009, 11:06 AM

My daughter's very happy at Clark, though she's a History major. She grew up in a rather whitebread suburb, but found Clark's setting to be intriguing.

I found this video yesterday from a Boston TV station that showcases Clark's relationship with the local neighborhood: Video

They've got a lot going on this year Psych-related with it being the 100th anniversary of Freud's lecture series there: Freud Centennial | Clark University | Worcester MA

I'm interested in DePauw for my son, who's a music person. We have tentative plans to visit in June. So, if you do happen to visit before then, I'm all ears.

auntcc · 10-08-2009, 10:24 PM

I am a DPU alum and currently have a D looking at the school. I can't speak to the psychology program. However, you should know that the Depauw social life is totally centered around the greek system. This can be both a good and bad thing.

TrumpetDad · 10-08-2009, 10:57 PM

Would there be a music-oriented frat?

jah · 10-19-2009, 08:45 PM

I have a daughter who is a current junior at DPU--she is quite content even lthough Greencastle itself has very little to offer students. She is challenged academically, engaged with her profs and has made a great group of friends. We are from the northern suburbs of Chicago and there are a lot DPU alums around--and it is a very loyal group indeed.

The Greek Scene is THE scene--but, it seems there is a frat or a sor for everyone. As with many schools, the social life does revolve around frat parties--and there is plenty of drinking. However, it is my impression that kids are pretty accepting of an individual's choice to partake or not to partake. My daughter's freshman roommate does not drink, she is in a sorority, and my daughter sees her out and about at the frat parties on a regular basis.

I don't think there is a music frat, but I do think their music program is quite strong and attracts a certain number of kids for that reason alone.

The high school my D attended (highly competitive and rigorous) sends a good number of kids to DPU each year...and from what I hear, most love it.

The new Pres. Brian Casey seems to be winning praise from students, faculty and the academic world at large. He is very accessible to the students.

If you want to PM me with an additional inquiries, please feel free to do so.

TrumpetDad · 10-19-2009, 10:42 PM

Speaking of Brian Casey, there was some great NY Times press regarding his presidency recently:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/08/garden/08casey.html

A University Where the President Knows Everyone’s Name

RBC77 · 11-04-2009, 07:37 AM

Wow-nice article. My daughter is just now thinking about DePauw-she's very excited about it.

RSquare · 11-04-2009, 06:09 PM

We have been to campus twice in the last year or so...my son has attended classes and we have talked to faculty....that article 100% reflects the esteem both students and faculty seem to hold for Brian Casey. Everyone was glowing about him. A friend of mine who has a current student at DePauw told me he spoke to parents on Parent Visiting Day - and was so impressive.

BobbyCT · 11-14-2009, 04:46 PM

D and I have decided to visit DePauw. D had an off campus interview here in Connecticut and heard enough things that interested her that she asked to visit campus. We fly out tomorrow and she will do an overnight stay, take a Philosophy and Psychology course and meet with a Psychology professor. The visiting coordinator asked if there was anything else that D might be interested in and I mentioned that she might be interested in a sorority. I was surprised to see that she set D up to have lunch with members of one of the sororities and their sorority house. It was a nice touch. This is the last visit we are doing and then D has to make a decision, thank god. We are both looking forward to seeing DePauw since it is very different than most other colleges she has visited. She will either love it or hate it, I stopped guessing what she was thinking last year.

hbrad8002 · Today, 11:32 AM

sory, i'm an international student and I kinda don't understand the term 'retention rate'
could someone please help explain it to me?
does it mean that 90% of the student body couldn't get promoted to the next year or what?
i'm scared..

RSquare · Today, 01:12 PM

^Retention rate generally refers to the number of freshman students that end up returning for their second year (sophomore year) at a given school. If the retention rate is 90%, it means that 90% (9 of 10) students who were in the freshman class also came back for the 2nd year. What would prevent this from happening? Academics and students who for whatever reason decided to transfer out of a school would be the main factors. Hope this helps!

TrumpetDad · Today, 02:32 PM

I tend to use it as a quick index of student satisfaction. One of the most important stats, for me.