rljtexas

Candyman/all,

My son is deciding between Lafayette, Villanova, Trinity University, Santa Clara (and hasn't yet let go of Colorado Boulder and Purdue, although he's leaning toward the smaller school environment). All four small schools offer admitted student visit opportunities on the same weekend! Engineering (likely computer). So many fine choices-he's confused, as am I.

We managed a visit/tour of Lafayette over Spring Break (loved the beautiful campus, but it was unfortunately deserted--your Spring Break too, so no real "read" on the student body/atmosphere, assuming that's really possible on any short visit). Lafayette has great marketing materials, and we're convinced it's a great school.

Plusses include small class size, individual attention, reasonably well known (esp. in engineering circles), great looking campus, good equipment (esp. for such a small school), undergraduate focus, No TAs/top qualifications of professors, liberal arts atmosphere (and "fall back" opportunity), residential (live on campus), and what appears to be good career/alumni networking. Not sure if the Greek life is a plus or minus.

Concerns include isolation (looks like life will be confined to campus, making small size a bigger issue), weather (we're from Texas, and Lafayette/Villanova/Purdue were late additions to a "warmer or at least sunnier" focus, based on their strong engineering programs), broader regional prejudices (sorry, but Easterners generally seem a bit cooler, less friendly and maybe more preppie/pretentious--likely an unfair generalization, but you do notice some "cultural" differences). Lists and rankings aside, Lafayette doesn't have as strong a national recognition as, say, Purdue, or even Villanova (or for that matter, Colorado, even though it may offer a somewhat superior undergraduate experience v. the large schools). A smaller school means a smaller alumni network. Small school undergrad/national research school for grad work makes a perfect formula, but I'm not certain that grad school is a given (seems less common among engineers, even these days).

Villanova is a close competitor--somewhat larger without being big, strong engineering, nice, residential campus (not as pretty, though!), etc., with a more appealing/less isolated location and good national recognition (Final Four no doubt helps that). The commitment to service and spiritual aspect of Villanova's Catholic roots is attractive, although we'd be happy to learn that Lafayette offers some of the same commitment to "whole person" development (does it?).

Why Lafayette? (over Villanova and any/all others named)--We'd love anyone/everyone's insights!! I know the answer is going to be: "whatever "'fits/feels" right", but we can't be the only ones out there who haven't felt the magic tingle (or to put it positively--we think all of these great schools would offer a great experience!). Anyone have a fresh angle/insight, or suggestion on triggering that tingle that don't involve a sleepover at each school? We scoured the internet for "student reviews" to supplement this site and the published materials, but were as likely to encounter superficial negative reports as positive ones, with little clue as to which experience would be his.

Again, Lafayette and the other schools have made the final cut--what's the best way to find true happiness and fulfillment (grasshopper)? Thanks!

candyman92486

rljtexas,

Well, it seems you’ve done the necessary research on Lafayette! As for Greek life, it’s a positive for those involved and a neutral factor for those who are not affiliated.

You’re right that Lafayette isn’t as well-known as those other schools you mention, but you obviously realize that a smaller school has its benefits.

Villanova isn’t as pretty? Really?!?! Oh, I beg to differ…then again, maybe I just have fond memories of past visits!

Sure, Lafayette’s all about creating well-rounded (‘liberal’) individuals. That occurs through class instruction and “extracurriculars” (studying abroad is STRONGLY encouraged, as is independent research, community service, involvement in student groups, etc.). I think anyone on campus would attest to the fact that most Lafayette students are overbooked, but in a good way.

As you say, “all of these great schools would offer a great experience.” So, where’s the issue? I think we need a five- or six-sided coin…

Seriously, though, your son really can’t lose. For a “fresh” insight, how about having your son contact a friend of mine who’s currently a senior from College Station, TX? She may be able to put things in perspective. Check your PM ("Private Message") inbox at the top right of the page for her contact information.

- Justin

baseball

We lived near Villanova for 10 years, doesn't have a campus feel for the school, but is a great school, close to Philly (lot more stuff to do), perhaps more culturally diverse, I dare say.

hudsonvalley51

Villanova and Lafayette are actually pretty similar in terms of cultural diversity. Percentage-wise, Villanova has slightly more hispancic and asian students, while Lafayette has a slightly larger percentage of African-American students. Internationals also represent a larger percentage of of the student body at Lafayette. In terms of numbers of URMs Villanova, being the larger school, has more students of color.

Glad your son is considering Lafayette rljtexas. The school would also benefit from a little greater geographic diversity, and that is indeed a goal of the admissions office. I think your son would feel very welcome in Easton.

lafparent

^^^^Also, our S graduates in May with a degree in electrical and computer engineering. The professors -- their accessibility and their counseling -- have been remarkable for him all 4 years. The academic preparation is top notch and prepared him for his next step.....In fact, the hands-on work that he has done at Lafayette was key in securing a great internship last summer and a very nice job upon graduation. Good luck to your son.

baseball

Candyman92486:
How many students are usually placed on the waiting list ? what is the percentage of students that are actually accepted out of the waiting list if any?

candyman92486

baseball,

I just answered this question in another thread. This is what I had to say:

<<< I don't have any information at this point on the number of applicants offered a place on the waitlist, nor how many have agreed to be placed on it. Of course, each year brings with it a different yield % of those accepted, so it's very difficult to say how likely one is to get accepted off the waitlist. >>>

I should add that we don't make the waitlist data from previous years readily available. Sorry I can't provide more concrete information, but that's just the nature of the game.

- Justin

Tromboneplayer91

would you happen to know anything about the music department (especially a wind ensemble and how it might compare to a larger school)

candyman92486

Tromboneplayer91,

While I have friends who are involved in the music dept. here at Lafayette, I'm not. For information on that dept.'s offerings, see their webpage: Department of Music at Lafayette College. The contact information of faculty members can also be obtained from that page -- feel free to direct any questions their way.

- Justin

lotsaluck

according to website, 48 waitlist students were accepted last year and 69 the year before

candyman92486

lotsaluck,

Thanks for keeping me in check -- I forgot that minimal waitlist data are contained within the Class of 2012 Profile.

I should add that admissions officers have been saying that they believe they'll be going to the waitlist fairly heavily this year due to the economic downturn. For the sake of those waiting it out, I hope that's true!

- Justin

Qtflt

thanks for giving us all a reason to be hopeful and perhaps seeing something positive during the gloomy economy!

smabe

Hey all,

My son was offered the $29,000/year tuition exchange scholarship at Lafayette and was also accepted at Cornell (among many schools, he's very popular this year!). We're not eligible for financial aid at Cornell (or Lafayette) but can't afford the Cornell tuition without significant loans. Will study engineering (civil/environmental). The other schools are out. Thoughts?

candyman92486

smabe,

It's not worth taking on an insurmountable amount of student/parent loans for an undergraduate education -- just my opinion.

If Cornell was the one offering the bucks, I'd say the same thing.

- Justin

smabe

Thanks Justin,

We're kind of feeling the same way. My son and I visited Lafayette last summer and fell in love - we both thought it was the perfect match for him. We also loved Cornell but never thought he had a prayer of getting in - but he did. We're coming back to Lafayette on Monday (the whole family this time). We've already registered for the Mondays at Lafayette, but I was wondering if someone could give a true engineering tour. Should I ask at the admissions office on Monday morning, or perhaps do you know someone from engineering who might? He's interested in civil/environmental in particular.

Thanks!
SMABE