Lafayette Questions: Part II - Page 8

Han.Christine · 08-28-2007, 10:19 PM

Hello,
I see in a pamphlet that Environmental Geosciences is a "concentration" under Bachelor of Arts and Environmental Science is a minor. Environmental Science or Studies is definitely what I want to pursue, would these two programs be things that you would recommend? Are they any good and are there opportunities to take an accelerated program on Environmental Science or Studies afterwards?

candyman92486 · 08-28-2007, 10:59 PM

Han.Christine,

I would consider our program in Environmental Geosciences to be "good". It sounds like you need to do some serious research to learn more about the department. Please check out the Geology website at http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~geology/ and peruse the faculty webpages and course offerings. The lab facilities contain all of the modern scientific equipment you could imagine, so if you're into the subject, I'm sure you'd find yourself right at home.

There is no accelerated program in that department, or any department for that matter. If you are wondering if you could complete the major in three years, just know that it's a definite possibility.

- Justin

Han.Christine · 08-28-2007, 11:12 PM

thanks, I will definitely considering researching. Thank you again

SweetComedyGirl · 08-29-2007, 07:48 PM

Thanks for the tips guys! The website was extremely useful! Once I speak to my coach I'll decide weather I should email Jackie and the coach!

wackymother · 09-03-2007, 05:10 PM

How is Lafayette for computer science? I looked at the website and it seems like a very small department. Thanks for any help!

candyman92486 · 09-03-2007, 05:22 PM

wackymother,

This is a comment I posted previously (4/27/06) addressing a similar question from CC user mkw6:

<<< Even though I know very little about our program in Computer Science, I encourage you to visit the Lafayette website at http://www.lafayette.edu/admissions/...r_science.html for more information. Read through everything carefully. Make sure to click on the link to the left in blue (DEPARTMENT HOME PAGE) and do some exploring! Also be sure to check out the homepages of the individual Computer Science professors to learn more about them and the courses they teach.

You are correct that Computer Science is a smaller major at Lafayette, but think about the benefits of having a smaller program...small class sizes, close contact with professors who will get to know your son very well, etc. >>>

Just to add a few thoughts: as a Computer Science major, you are not limited to taking those courses designated "CS" for your major. You would be exposed quite extensively to our math and physics departments, both of which are highly touted.

So, yes, the department is smaller in terms of the number of professors who teach only Computer Science, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. After all, there'd be less students "competing" for the attention of the professors.

If you'd like to learn more about the department, definitely consider sending an email to the department head, Chun Wai Liew, at liew@cs.lafayette.edu.

- Justin

Olasco · 09-22-2007, 09:01 PM

Chance Me
My own dilemma is a serious one. My stats will show.
Firstly I am an International student. So look at my chances from that perspective.

SAT: 2020
Class Rank: 3/46
Math: 760 CR: 640 WR: 620
SAT 2: Yet to take but expect a 700 on each section
Recommendations I expect to be good
Transcripts well okay

Extra Curricular
Debate Club – Vice President
Maths Club-President
Soccer – House Team regular player
Science Club – Member
Chess Club – Public Relations officer

Awards
Represented school in national maths competition and came well 11th in my state
Selected for Global young Leaders conference
Member of one National Honors Society
Schools Quiz and debate champion for three years

Work
I have only worked as a store manager in my moms shop
Don’t have much opportunities in Nigeria

I also need a lot of financial aid.

Well what do u think about my chances

candyman92486 · 09-23-2007, 01:02 AM

Olasco,

Your SAT is above average, but keep in mind that you'll be in direct competition with other international applicants (many with higher scores).

How "okay" is your transcript? How difficult were the courses that you took? Since your transcript is the most important part of your application, and since you'll be competing with about 1,000 other int'l applicants for 100 acceptances, it must be stellar.

Your extracurriculars are average. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be any activity that would separate you from the pack.

Don't think for an instant that, because there are few work opportunities in your country, you will be penalized in any way. Admissions officers read each application in context, so if you could only work as a store manager, then that's just fine.

The fact that you need a lot of financial aid will not help you, but keep in mind that the majority of int'l applications are in similar financial situations. If you could afford a good portion of the education, then the College would be more inclined to admit you over an int'l applicant in need of serious $$$.

I say: if you are genuinely interested in Lafayette, do not hesitate to apply. You never know what admissions officers may see in your application. I'm sorry if I seem a little harsh with my evaluation, but applying for int'l admission to Lafayette is more competitive than gaining admission into an Ivy League school. That's just the reality of the situation, since there are a finite amount of resources to go around.

All the best,

- Justin

Basu · 09-24-2007, 09:42 PM

Olasco,
I think u should apply. I'm also an international student and am receiving a large amount of aid. I think your extracurriculars are good and will make up somewhat for your SATs. But I think u should seriously consider taking them again and trying for a better score (2100+).
I don't think u should worry too much about fin aid. Firstly it is something u cannot help and secondly, if Laf sees potential in you, they will give u enough aid, any other intl student here will tell u the same thing.
I suggest u take the SATs again, try to improve ur school transcripts and ask ur teachers to write sincere recommendations. And please write a good essay. I cannot stress enough the importance of a good essay, I believe it was an important factor in my getting admitted (my admission letter specifically mentioned it).
Good luck, work hard and look forward to seeing you next year.

hudsonvalley51 · 10-01-2007, 10:24 AM

My daughter will be applying to Lafayette this fall. She will most likely major in biology and has an interest in pursuing an MD or DVM down the road. She is also insistent that she must spend a semester overseas at some point during her college career. The admissions counselor she interviewed with last Spring assured her that this would be possible. Several other schools that she has interviewed at have been less encouraging of their pre-med students doing a semester abroad. Are you aware of other pre-med students at Lafayette who have studied abroad without it impacting their 4-year graduation timetable?

candyman92486 · 10-01-2007, 02:15 PM

hudsonvalley51,

Yes, students in our Pre-Med program have time to spend a semester abroad. Heck, even our B.S. Engineers can take a semester trip to Bremen! Lafayette is always encouraging students of all majors to take advantage of our extensive study abroad opportunities.

If I remember correctly, back in 2003-04, Lafayette was ranked 3rd among all colleges and universities in terms of the number of students studying abroad each year.

I'm a double major in English and Psychology, and I could have potentially traveled a whole year. I've since decided to take one of our May interim trips to Italy with a Lafayette professor who is a world-renowned expert on Italian Renaissance Art.

- Justin

hudsonvalley51 · 10-01-2007, 03:18 PM

Thanks very much Justin. You do a great "job" here on CC on behalf of your school. Your original thread caught my eye last year and was perhaps the primary reason why I suggested to my D that she check out Lafayette. She's visited twice and interviewed and hopes to do an overnight next semester.

candyman92486 · 10-01-2007, 03:57 PM

hudsonvalley51,

I'm glad to hear that. Feel free to direct any Lafayette-themed question my way from here on out.

- Justin

curlyqgrl6 · 10-03-2007, 03:59 PM

I am thinking of applying to Lafayette as a transfer in the spring as a sophomore. Do you know anything about transfers at Lafayette and how they have adjusted? Do you know anything about transferring?

candyman92486 · 10-03-2007, 04:23 PM

curlyqgrl6,

I honestly don't know too much about the transfer process. With that said, I still encourage you to check out the Admissions page for prospective transfer students at http://www.lafayette.edu/admissions/transfer.html. Be sure to read the student perspectives toward the bottom of the page. Also feel free to address specific questions to the Admissions Director in charge of transfer students, Ms. Joan Lichtenwalner, at lichtenj@lafayette.edu.

- Justin