Visit Report by StitchInTime (Member since January 03 2008 with 136 posts) Visit Date - March 2008
Visit to Miami University - Ohio in March 2008 by StitchInTime (Parent of Student, HS Class of 2010)
Visit Activities:
Admissions Interview:
No - Miami does not offer interviews. An admissions office representive explained that the school has to many applicants to offer interviews, but they will look very closely at essays and recommendations. Information Session:
Yes - Very good general information session handled by competent representative. She did a nice job of integrating commentary from alumni in the audience into her presentation. Campus Tour:
Yes - Very impressive, well laid out campus. Classroom Visit:
No - Art studio facilities could use a more ventilation to dissapate the paint chemicals.
A very nice graduate student invited us in to his private studio and we watched him work.
Miami University - Ohio Campus:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Students: 4 - Very Good -
Everyone we came in contact with was good.
The graduate student in the art department was very courteous when he invited us into his private studio. He would get a 5 (Excellent)
Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff: 5 - Excellent -
Staff was excellent considering the volume of accepted and spring-break visitors they were dealing with.
Appearance of Campus: 4 - Very Good -
The only thing that keeps Miami's campus from getting a 5 are a few of the streets with heavy traffic that run through it. Pedestrians to have right-of-way, but it can be daunting at times.
Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness: 4 - Very Good -
The attention to details on many facilities (student recreation, ice rink, garages) was very good. Maintenance was busy fixing the grounds preparing for spring and working on foot paths.
Dormitories: 3 - Good -
A sample dorm room was available in Scott Hall. The dorms relative location to classess is generally convenient. Student select dorms by 'themes' for their freshman year.
Security/Safety: 4 - Very Good -
Escort services and on/off campus transportation is available.
Overall Campus Impression: 4 - Very Good -
Quality of facilities, and overall look and feel leaves one with the impression that Miami is an exceptional value when all things are considered.
Off-Campus:
Area Immediately Around Campus: 3 - Good -
College transitions nicely into the surrounding areas. Students from urban areas with an open mind will appreciate the rural setting. For others, it might take a bit getting used to.
City/Town/Community: 3 - Good
Campus Visit Notes for Miami University - Ohio:
Visit Description:
The campus is large, but feels very intimate in several quads. Students do have to be careful crossing the streets in some areas because of the heavy traffic. It's not Midtown Manhattan congested, but certain times of the day you will have a peak of activity. If you cross at the designated areas and you're patient, you shouldn't have any problems.
The student recreation center is a very popular, well appointed hub of activity. The swimming facilities are top notch.
A professor in the Fine Arts school conducting an introductory drawing class invited us to look over her student's shoulders as they worked on their projects. There were about 15 students in the studio, which conformed roughly to the 16 to 1 student ratio the school advertises. (Your mileage may vary for more popular introductory classes.) The atmosphere was relaxed and professional with nice mood music playing in the background. BTW, the Fine Arts school has to be applied to separately and in addition to the university.
Our tour guide pointed out the Engineering School which was established about 15 years ago. The school is housed in a new facility which has yet to be named.
Miami is a very good school, rich in tradition and an excellent value in amongst the publics whether you're an Ohio or OOS student.
Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):
Parking was ample. Be sure to have your parking stub validated by admissions.
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Everyone we came in contact with was good.
The graduate student in the art department was very courteous when he invited us into his private studio. He would get a 5 (Excellent)
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Staff was excellent considering the volume of accepted and spring-break visitors they were dealing with.
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A sample dorm room was available in Scott Hall. The dorms relative location to classess is generally convenient. Student select dorms by 'themes' for their freshman year.