<p>Weenie,
I think we may have been there on the same VERY HOT late July day! Just a few minor things to add from our visit:</p>
<p>I was also very disappointed in the general information session. Our speaker was obviously new, and appeared uncomfortable, and uninformed! The presentation was also very dry. However, our tour guide was just the opposite, so it helped to balance our experience.</p>
<p>It appeared that many of NE classes may be large. The stats we were given was that 50% of the classes have less than 20 people. Most other schools on our whirlwind visit this summer listed that about 80 - 90% of their classes were under 25 or so students.</p>
<p>NE was the only school we have visited that suggested that a student NOT list “undecided” as their major on their application. Most other schools admitted that was okay, and quite common. NE said that it would reduce chances for admission, because you get placed in a different (and more competitive?) pool of students. At the same time, they stressed that it is easy to cross register, and take classes from many different departments. So, they advised to declare what you think you might be interested in studying, and that changes were possible later.</p>
<p>Our D. is one of those “undecided” students. We’re looking for a school with a good mix in her general areas of interest. One possibility is visual design (graphic design, visual communications, etc). Another “new” interest is Architecture. We were hopeful with NE, because they had it all. We were told that even if majoring in Architecture, it is quite easy to experiment with other classes. However, when we saw the outline of suggested courses for an architecture major, there appeared little room left for other options. This is not unusual, and in general, NE architecture program (on paper), with it’s co-op component was impressive. We did not see the facilities, as it was locked by the time we were free to explore on our own.</p>
<p>As you mentioned, housing was guaranteed for 3 (of the 5) years. The third year is the “middler” year. Junior and Seniors are technically the 4th & 5th year because of the co-op system. They also stated that they accomodate about 2/3 of the junior and seniors who want on-campus housing (with a lottery system). </p>
<p>One surprise is that higher AP scores not only give you credit, they actually boosts your college GPA! Some colleges only use AP for placement (no credit). Most give credit depending on the class and score. NE was the only school we have heard of, who actually gives you a grade with your credit which is factored into your college transcript!</p>
<p>Our D. loved Boston… who doesn’t 
and the NE campus was a nice surprise. It is in a very convenient location. While does not have the typical college “greens”, it does have a campus feel. It also appeared meticulously maintained and manicured.</p>