hello5

There hasn't been much written about Drew. What's it really like? How are the weekends--are there things to do ? A lot of commuters? Are the dorms as bad as some have said? What about the new prez? How's the PS/ IR dept?
Any info is appreciated!

Debruns

Hello5, if you want to PM me, I can give you some details, but everyone will have a different perspective. Some love it, some don't, but it does have certain strenghs and weaknesses. If you could visit, it might help. My son liked the strong connections with his professors, the small classes (none over 50) and easy access to NYC with a train within walking distance. The P.Science deptartment was always strong Department of Political Science at Drew University and they have some great internships and programs.
It can be quiet on the weekends, but different students have different views.Sometimes there is a lot going on, but not everything will please everyone. My son doens't think most students go home, but maybe in other circles, they feel differently. The do have a good number of students that aren't from NJ and if you aren't from the area, it is a plus to admissions. The freshman dorms or okay, one is pretty bad but being fixed up this summer, the others are basic rooms, but my son never felt cramped. They have sub-free and theme houses which some students find appealing.
Again, feel free to PM, but visiting and getting a feel for the campus/classes would be ideal.

cadbury

Hi hello5!

My D just finished freshman year at Drew. As is fairly typical, she had some tough moments this year (homesickness, mono, roommate issues, etc). But I think it's fair to say that she made a place for herself, which is one of the advantages of a smaller school. She has made friends from all racial/ethnic/cultural backgrounds. She worked on the literary mag and was involved with some other groups. She's planning to go to Argentina over intercession next year through Drew's International Seminar (very cool SUBSIDIZED option designed primarily for sophomores). She went over to NYC 7-8 times (the commuter train is free to students one week per semester; $15 round trip otherwise). And she's gonna be an RA next year.

Drew has a wonderful speaker series that should appeal to PoliSci students. This year they had Madeline Albright and Newt Gingrich, among others.

Incidentally, the campus is absolutely gorgeous - complete with deer and wild turkeys!

hello5

Thanks for getting back to me---I'm going to visit

Debruns

Let us know how it goes..good luck.

hello5

My son and I visited Drew on Friday. My son and I were very impressed with the campus. It seems to like it everywhere, however, so it can be difficult to really assess his interest. He'll (or I'll )do more research on the Poli Sci dept and probably do another visit in the fall.