<p>I have to comment that Quinnipiac is not in an urban environment. It is literally across the street from Sleeping Giant State Park - a state park with woods, hiking trails, scenic views and a mountain range. That was the attraction for my husband many years ago and , even with the recent campus building, I would barely call it suburban. It is a really nice setting. The engineering program is new and if they focus on it like they do with their allied health and law programs, it will develop into something good. Our neighbor teaches physics there. It still is a party school but it certainly a good option for the B student in certain majors.</p>
<p>Thank you for all the comments on Quinnipiac. It remains on my dd’s list and she really liked it overall. I did not see the school, but it sounds really nice, clean and growing. A bit concerned about the party school comment, but I think most schools have lots of parties on campus. My dd is not a real partier, so I hope she would be able to meet others like her. Now I have to get her to complete those essays and submit her applications. I noticed that they have a Hillel program as well as a Jewish frat on campus. Maybe there are some good programs on campus for the kids. I will most likely have my dd check it out in the winter, so she can make sure she really wants to go to a school that is on the east coast and has all of the four seasons! She is applying to several schools in the western US, but this is one that she really liked.</p>
<p>Nervedoctor, there are some good schools in your region that are score optional. Maybe one of these will be a good fit:
[SAT/ACT</a> Optional 4-Year Universities | FairTest](<a href=“http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional/state]SAT/ACT”>http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional/state)</p>
<p>Woot woot, the new Reform Judaism Insider’s Guide to College Life issue is up!</p>
<p>[Reform</a> Judaism Magazine - 7th Annual RJ Insider’s Guide to College Life](<a href=“http://reformjudaismmag.org/fall_2012/college/index.cfm?]Reform”>http://reformjudaismmag.org/fall_2012/college/index.cfm?)</p>
<p>CCC, has your son looked at Miami University in Ohio, or the University of Cincinnati. Both are good schools for B students with decent Jewish life.</p>
<p>Boysx,</p>
<p>We looked at Miami, Ohio for D2. We visited the school over the passover holiday. Even stopped by the Seder. Both my D and i felt that the jewish population was very small. We had many conversations with students, including one we knew prior, and the genral sentiment was the jewish thing was not happening. Beautiful campus…felt very preppy…</p>
<p>^^^Hi Socaldad!</p>
<p>How’s UDel going for D2?</p>
<p>Boysx3: Thank you so much for your suggestions. I’m going to pass on them, however, since we are really concentrating on just New England and New York colleges at this time. Thank you for thinking of us though. :)</p>
<p>CCC, </p>
<p>So far, so great. Loves her dorm, her floor, her new friends, and her classes. No a bad moment. Hoping the school is not too tough on her. She is optimistic about that.
She really seems to be engaged. Taking exercise classes, joining a couple of groups, and having a great time. I am impressed with all that I hear. Thanks for asking…</p>
<p>Hi Socaldad - great to hear that things are progressing so well for your D.</p>
<p>socaldad–great news!!!</p>
<p>So - I asked S2 about his plans for the High Holidays at Elon - they are having dinner and services Sunday evening and services Monday and Tuesday - so far - he has signed up for the dinner! Well, it’s a start!</p>
<p>Interesting article on how various colleges treat the Jewish holidays:</p>
<p>[Calendar</a> Conflict: When High Holidays Coincide With College Classes | Jewish & Israel News Algemeiner.com](<a href=“http://www.algemeiner.com/2012/09/12/calendar-conflict-when-high-holidays-coincide-with-college-classes/]Calendar”>Calendar Conflict: When High Holidays Coincide With College Classes - Algemeiner.com)</p>
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</p>
<p>RVM: I’m afraid to ask DD! Her priority was going to a school with a large Jewish population (it wasn’t just my idea) and she is a Jewish studies minor. Last year, she went to a frat party instead of Kol Nidre services. (“But it was a Jewish fraternity, mom.”) I know she signed up for a Koach event tonight (pre HHD) - saw it on her FB page - I hope she goes. Not saying a word about it though, nor am I asking about the HHD services. She will hopefully volunteer this information. Nothing I can do about it anyway.</p>
<p>Makes me wonder why the frat had a party that night. Sounds like a miserable start to a fast. I agree it is hard to let go and wonder how they will observe the HHD away from home. Hopefully they will take their upbringing into their own homes one day.</p>
<p>In our area we have always had classes during the HHD unless they fall on a weekend. It’s hard on our kids when the classes get demanding. They are excused, but they still have to make up the work. If they fast on YK, they are too drained to do it in the evening after break fast. I agree that they can’t give special treatment to any one religion- or they would never have school. If anyone asks me though, I tell them it’s like having homework on Christmas.</p>
<p>Some updated info on the Zach Tennen case:</p>
<p><a href=“Private Site”>Private Site;
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<p>My daughter is apparently leading kabbalat shabbat tomorrow night at Hillel and reading Torah at services Monday. She really seems to like the Hillel people. I will note, though, that she seems to have jumped ship to the conservative service. There are about half a dozen other kids from her URJ camp (at least four who were on staff with her this summer) and at least some of them seem to favor the reform service, so I’m not sure her one-person referendum is much to go on.</p>
<p>DP, one or the other of my sons often goes to the Conservative service so I bet our kids know one another. S3 has mentioned that a lot of his friends are coming back to his apartment for a “brunchy lunchy” after services on Monday morning. He called for recipes because he is going grocery shopping…he is hoping he can find my “home made " (frozen) gefilte fish. I always made one log just for him, and one for the rest of us it is his favorite thing, and he can really put it away…he is almost 6’3” (and weighs only 155–not fair!).</p>
<p>As long as we are getting in the mood for the High Holidays, this just came up on my Facebook newsfeed. Enjoy!</p>
<p>[Rosh</a> Hashanah Rock Anthem - YouTube](<a href=“Rosh Hashanah Rock Anthem - YouTube”>Rosh Hashanah Rock Anthem - YouTube)</p>
<p>My daughter loves gefilte fish, too…a shidduch in the making?</p>
<p>Tell him if he likes the look of the girl who reads the first aliyah Monday…we can introduce them. (I’m pretty sure she has the first.)</p>
<p>If you’re a Rankings Junkie, the US News 2013 lists are out!</p>
<p>[US</a> News Education | Best Colleges | Best Graduate Schools | Online Schools](<a href=“http://www.usnews.com/education]US”>http://www.usnews.com/education)</p>