<p>Im currently looking at a variety of schools and wanted to know what any parents that read this forum could contribute to my knowledge and understanding of these schools</p>
<p>Colgate
Dickinson
Emory
Furman
HC
Kenyon
Lehigh
ND
Oberlin
Occidental
Pepperdine
Reed
Rhodes
Richmond
Sewanee
Skidmore
Union
Vanderbilt
WF
Whitman
Grinnell
Lafayette
Colby
Bard
Case
Davidson</p>
<p>Thanks, hope everyone he best in the new year.</p>
<p>It’s probably easiest if you tell us what you think you want in a college, and then people can try to give thoughts on how these schools match up with your desires. </p>
<p>What do you want to study? Do you have a preference of weather or region of the country? Is money an issue? Do you need merit aid as opposed to need-based aid? Can you describe any particular type of student body or atmosphere that you want (racially diverse, very liberal, intense, laid back, athletic, preppy, serious, politically active, etc.)? Do you have any plans for what you want to do after college? How close do you want the nearest city to be? What is your preference for size? How are your SAT scores and grades? Any information like that would be helpful, I think.</p>
<p>thanks -</p>
<p>I will be applying for fall 08 transfer admissions.
Sat 800-M, 620-V, 650-W
ACT - 33/34
GPA 3.3</p>
<p>I dont have a real preference for weather but being from the northeast, northeast winters do tend to get old. I would be applying for financial aid. I’m currently at a small school and love the small student body, but for several reason have decided to see what else is ther. However, I could see myself easily mixing into a larger school and enjoying myself. I dont really mind the student body whatever way it might come. I want to go to med school or law school. I dont really mind how close/far I am to the city. I would like to stay under 10,000. This is not important at all, but I would love to be at a school that has great sports programs - so I can play intramurals and watch something on the weekends. Thanks</p>
<p>Since you don’t seem to have any real preferences: what aspects of your current college do you dislike?</p>
<p>"I would be applying for financial aid. "
OK, this needs to be the FIRST thing you need to do research on with the colleges you have listed, as some colleges are not generous with financial aid for transfer students.
2nd. What year are you in college? Many colleges require freshman transfer applicants to submit their HS transcripts, as well as their college transcripts.</p>
<p>Hmmm, I don’t think of Franklin and Marshall when I think of pre-med. Just me, probably. “Larger than F&M with better sports teams” should be easy to find. Notre Dame certainly fills that bill, but financial aid there may be a problem. </p>
<p>Like MenloParkMom I’d suggest assembling a list based on likelihood of receiving an acceptable financial aid package. Because without that it seems all other issues appear moot. Good luck.</p>
<p>Aid is a concern and I know that I have to study to make sure that I can get a reasonable package. I believe that most schools on my list offer need based aid (how generous I do not know) I did look at the need based for freshmen admissions and most were 100% and I believe each of the schools listed is over 85% for that matter, SO im believing that most of the schools will help to make me able to go to school if I do get into the school. I am a sophmore in college and yes some schools will be looking at my HS record.</p>
<p>Problems with my current school -
Though F&M has been an amazing place it is not the right place for me to finish my undergraduate experience. Since leaving home and highschool I have changed dramatically due to my experience at F&M, that I could only have had through being at F&M. I am disappointed by the course selection, I am disappointed by the extracurricular activites (this does not necesarily mean I am whining about being at school that has bad sports and that I’m looking for a place that has DI sports that compete every year). I am disappointed by how my school does things often not telling its students things that directly affect their experience at college, how programs work, and several other administration dealings. I love the feel of small classes and the relationship with professors that comes with having a smaller student body. I do not want to be tought by a graduate student. I want a study body that takes academics very seriously but is also able to kick back and relax.</p>
<p>NewHope - it worries me that you do not know of F&M as a premed school. I do not know if it is because you do not know the school well, or because outside of F&M it simply is not a good premed school. The latter very much scares me because going to med school is definitely an option I want to be able to consider in more depth. </p>
<p>I want to say thanks to all who have contributed.</p>
<p>Well, I have no idea how good Vanderbilt is for financial aid for transfer students, but I will address a couple of the other issues you asked about.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Lots of sports to watch. Lots of students doing sports at club or intramural level.</p></li>
<li><p>Very mild winters.</p></li>
<li><p>Involved professors. Most classes will be small, especially since you would be transferring as upperclassman. </p></li>
<li><p>A lot of premed students. Vanderbilt has a highly ranked med school sharing the campus with undergraduates.</p></li>
<li><p>The campus is located one and a half miles from downtown. Lot of music on campus and in town if that interests you.</p></li>
<li><p>Almost all students live on campus. In theory, all students will be required to live in one of the on-campus living arrangements once the brand new freshman complex opens this fall. </p></li>
<li><p>It is a very nice-looking campus. Not terribly spread out, green, leafy and almost unbelievably quiet given its proximity to major roads.</p></li>
<li><p>Major airport not too far away. Direct flights to a lot of places. Buses also. Train service, no.</p></li>
<li><p>Undergraduate enrollment is about 6300. The campus also houses a law school and a med school and has graduate students, so the overall size of the campus is more like 12000–I think.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Occasionally some transfer students check in on the Vanderbilt CC boards. You might post a question about the availability of financial aid for transfer students there.</p>
<p>“I believe that most schools on my list offer need based aid (how generous I do not know) I did look at the need based for freshmen admissions and most were 100% and I believe each of the schools listed is over 85% for that matter, SO im believing that most of the schools will help to make me able to go to school if I do get into the school.”
I’m saying BE SURE that the schools state they offer financial aid for transfers, because some may treat transfer applicants very differently than freshman.</p>
<p>Although ALL of the schools you’ve listed are terrific, your list has a lot of extremes on it. If you’re currently at F&M, here are some broad comparisons for you. Please understand that no two schools are exactly the same, so I will be making some broad categorizations. (Please folks, don’t flame me - I think these are all great schools, just different)</p>
<p>The schools that have the most similar campus cultures and student body to F&M would be: Dickinson, Lafayette, Richmond, Kenyon, Colby and Union. While no two schools are exactly the same, you’re likely to find life at these four very similar to life at F&M, both in and out of the classroom. I would also say that Whitman, WF, Sewannee, Davidson, Lehigh, Vanderbilt and perhaps Emory will have enough similarities to F&M to feel similar to you. You’ll find lots of career focused students at all of these schools, and to some extent a similar social scene as F&M. Obviously, WF, Emory & Vandy are larger, so that will give you a little broader feel, but they have a lot of similarities to F&M in terms of how they feel and what the social life is like. If you generally like F&M but just want a change of scene, these schools would all be good options. If you’re looking for something totally different, these might be too similar. If you also want to take the biggest step up in terms of academic challenge, focus on Vandy, Emory, Davidson, Colby, and Wake Forest. (But the academics at all of these schools are very, very good and definitely not a step down from F&M -please folks, no flames!)</p>
<p>The schools that would be the most unlike F&M in terms of campus culture and student bodies are: Bard, Reed, Oberlin and, to a lesser extent, Grinnell and Skidmore. These schools tend to attract students who march to a different drummer, and who are a bit on the quirky side. If you want something completely different than F&M, you’ll find it at these schools to one degree or another. Make sure it is what you want, however, as they are all fairly small and Bard, Oberlin and Grinnell are relatively isolated compared to what you are used to at F&M. In terms of taking the biggest step up in terms of the challenge of academics from F&M, Reed, Oberlin and Grinnell would be the ones to focus on, although, as I said above, the academics of all of these schools are also very good and in now way inferior to F&M. With Bard and Reed, be sure to check out their thesis requirement for graduation. At Reed, transfers are also strongly encouraged to take the same year long course looking at the history, thought, literature, and culture of ancient rome and greece that is required of freshmen. Additionally, Reed also requires all students to pass a comprehensive exam in their major at the end of junior year, before they can start their thesis. The workload is very heavy, so pay close attention to what is required.</p>
<p>While Pepperdine’s Malibu location is neat, you should keep in mind that Pepperdine’s adminstration is conservative and sees its primary mission as religious. Some things you should know as you consider Pepperdine: there are requirements for attendance at weekly convocation, while the school tries to downplay the religious nature of convocation, I would suggest you do a search on their website (look under campus ministry) for the recordings they have of some of their recent convocation speakers. If you wouldn’t object to having to attend (they take attendance, by the way), great. If not, Pepperdine might not be a fit. (By the way, members of the opposite sex are also not allowed to visit in the dorms. By that I mean, no male hormones can cross the female dorm door and vice versa, even on admissions tours. Another interesting fact is that Pepperdine’s administration just started allowing dancing on campus within the past ten years.) However, if you are looking for a school where there are a sizable body of more conservative and religious students, and a dry campus, Pepperdine may be for you. Another thing to keep in mind about Pepperdine: they can be stingy with financial aid and heavy on student loans. Also, admissions has a preference for students who have been actively involved with their churches.</p>
<p>As an aside, I can’t imagine the same person being happy at both Pepperdine and Reed. Reed’s unofficial motto is Atheism, Communism and Free Love. :)</p>
<p>Notre Dame and Holy Cross obviously are also religiously-affiliated. Of the two, Notre Dame tends to be a little more conservative, but the school spirit is very attractive to many students. Holy Cross is a great school, and can be a little more accepting of liberal leanings than Notre Dame (again, folks, I am generalizing - please no flames!)</p>
<p>Furman is more like Pepperdine than the other schools on your list. Great school and doesn’t have the religious bent, but students will tend to be more conservative there. If that is a fit for you, it is a wonderful place. </p>
<p>This is getting long, and I know I didn’t cover all of them, but hopefully I have given you some food for thought in terms of thinking more about why you want to transfer and what you want your next college to be like. My advice would be to go to live journal or face book and find current students at these various schools. Don’t be shy about asking questions. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Carolyn -</p>
<p>I want to say thanks your post is probably one of the most informative posts I’ve received. It seems that you know a great deal about the schools you discussed. If possible I would love to hear any other comments you might have about any schools you didnt mention in name in your original post.</p>
<p>I loved several things about F&M, but in the end decided that I had to leave. This does not mean that I do not think that F&M is an incredible place, it is just not the place for me to be. F&M has changed me in a positive way that only being at F&M could have done. Because of this the similar schools are all on my list.</p>
<p>The concerns you raised with bard and skidmore are very much concerns that I do have. Reed has a very rigorous academic curriculum, the junior exam is something that I am not sure if I could pass as I have not decided my major outright (I have some inkling of what it will be, but not fully decided upon it). But these schools are on my list because of the way they often look at academics. There is a huge emphasis on it, but it is on the learning process not the end result/grade you get, this is a unique thing (I think at least) and I simply admire it.</p>
<p>I am before anything else a religious person, but am not orthodox or really conservative in this aspect. The religious aspect that you described about Pepperdine (a school that I did not know much about besides its location, student body, and academics, and that it was religiously affiliated) is something that will likely make me not apply there. Holy Cross (as my dad is an alum and so is most of my extended family) is a school that I very highly consider and Notre Dame is just a beautiful place with strong academics (and solid sports)</p>
<p>As for Furman I am still somewhat weary about it since I do not know much about the school.</p>
<p>I put this post in the parents forum to get some insights that only someone who follows the parents forum could give me, this was one of the best most insightful posts I have gotten and will help me with my decision of where to apply in the near future. If you could tell me any more about any of these schools or the ones that were not mentioned I would appreciate. You have added a lot to my understanding, and I will seriously consider everything that you have said.</p>
<p>I want to take this last chance to say thank you for your post.</p>
<p>Thanks for everyone who has contributed to this post.</p>
<p>F&M10
You are so lucky to have Carolyn, one of the most knowledgable posters on CC, give her input on your list. And Carolyn, it is so nice to see you posting often on CC again!</p>
<p>NewHope - it worries me that you do not know of F&M as a premed school. I do not know if it is because you do not know the school well, or because outside of F&M it simply is not a good premed school. The latter very much scares me because going to med school is definitely an option I want to be able to consider in more depth. </p>
<br>
<br>
<p>Just to reassure you, I DO think of F&M as having a very good pre-med program. They have a very good placement rate, and good advising, and strong science programs. If you have doubts, I would suggest you talk with some of your professors in the bio department, as well as the pre-med advisor.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if you have decided to leave already, F&M’s great pre-med program is a moot point. So, let’s assume that you will be leaving. Transfers are lucky, in a way, because they have real, concrete experience on a college campus. That experience <em>can</em> help them pinpoint what they want/need in order to feel comfortable, happy, and successful in a way that high school students don’t have. Unfortunately, the big mistake that I see transfers make is that they start by saying, “I am not satisfied here, there must be something better” without ever really figuring out what “something better” means to THEM individually.</p>
<p>The truth is no college is perfect. Even if you land at a school that is “better,” it still won’t be perfect. Keep that in mind.</p>
<p>But more importantly, I would suggest you start your transfer search not with a long list of colleges that range all over the place, but rather, with YOU.
Here are the questions I would spend time seriously mulling over and answering before deciding to transfer or trying to put together a college list:</p>
<p>What have you LIKED about F&M? Be specific, and think about both large and small things. INclude both concrete things (I like being able to walk to downtown Lancaster or I like being close to home) to less concrete things (I felt happy when my professor said my paper was good) “I hate everything” isn’t the right answer, because as I said every school has SOME redeeming factors. Knowing what you have liked about your experiences at F&M is just as important as knowing what you have disliked. Spend a week or so just noticing F&M’s positives.</p>
<p>Once you have made a list of the things you have liked about F&M, both large and small, take that list and ask: Which of these positive aspects of F&M are ones that I wouldn’t want to give up? Which of these positive aspects would I like to keep at my next college? Try to rank the ones you hope to keep from “can’t do without” to “don’t really need”</p>
<p>After you have evaluated the positives, ask yourself these questions: </p>
<p>What situations and places have I found most comfortable for myself here at F&M? Why? </p>
<p>What situations and places have I found most uncomfortable? Why?What characteristics have those situations/places shared?</p>
<p>What type of people have I enjoyed getting to know at F&M? Why? What characteristics do they share? </p>
<p>What type of people have gotten on my nerves at F&M? Why? What characteristics do they share? </p>
<p>Overall, how do I feel I fit in at F&M? Why? What would make me feel more comfortable or less uncomfortable? </p>
<p>Write the answers down. Try to rank the importance of your answers to the last one.</p>
<p>Next questions:</p>
<p>What do I dislike about F&M or wish were diffferent? As with the things you like, be as specific as possible, and include things both large and small, concrete and less concrete. Which of the items on the list do you most hope will be different at your next college? Which ones would you be able to live with if your next college still had them?</p>
<p>Rank the ones you hope will be different from “I absolutely must have this at my next school” to “I can live with this at my next school if I have to.”</p>
<p>Last questions:</p>
<p>If you woke up tommorrow and a miracle had occurred and you had suddenly been whisked off to your absolute perfect college, what would it be like? What would it look like? Who would you sit with in the cafeteria? How would students be dressed? What would they talk about outside of class? Who would be teaching your classes? What would those classes be like (not just the type of classes, but how would those classes be conducted)? What would you be doing for fun on Friday night? What would you be doing on Sunday? What would the surrounding community be like? What would you feel when you mentioned you attended Perfect College to your family, your friends, your next door neighbor? How would you describe it? Why would you be happier there than F&M? And, just as importantly, what things off of your :dislike: list would you be willing to accept as part of your Perfect College?</p>
<p>Most important questions of all: If you woke up tommorrow morning and an even bigger miracle had occurred and F&M had metamorphized into your Perfect college, what would be different about the school? What would be different about you? Think of FIVE things you could do to nudge your experience at F&M over towards the perfect college side — try one of them in the next few weeks. What happens?</p>
<p>And, finally, give some thought to how tolerant you are of change. Are you the type of person who thinks of change as a positive, exciting thing? Or are you the type of person who feels uncomfortable when faced with a decision to change things? You didn’t say how long you’ve been at F&M, but if you have been there for less two years: could part of your disatisfaction be because you are still adapting to the change of being at college?</p>
<p>Write down all of your answers, and don’t rush. Think before you answer. I don’t get to cC much, but if you would like to PM me the answers, we can talk more and I can give you some more ideas about schools to consider. But, if you only answer these questions for yourself, you will find yourself having a clearer picture of which schools might fit you, and why. And, that’s when you’ll be ready to not only make the decision about whether transferring is right for you, but also which schools should be on your list if you do decide to transfer.</p>
<p>Hard to add to Carolyn’s posts, but a couple points.</p>
<p>First I’m in NJ and be assured F&M is KNOWN for premed and has been for many years. To a lesser extent Muhlenberg and Ursinus are also small PA LACs known for premed, but more so F&M.</p>
<p>Once you narrow down your list try to visit your top 2 or 3 at least. High school kids visit prospective colleges. For you, with college experience, the visit would be more meaningful—you know what you’re looking for and would “see” much more than a hs senior. You’d be far more likely to talk to current students/faculty members than you were on a hs visit.</p>
<p>Finally I wonder about your comment, going to med or law school. It seems a bit late to wonder which of completely different paths you may take. I was premed…the line between us and prelaws was clearly delineated. We were grinds who were good at, and enjoyed, math and science. The prelaws liked to write papers. You knew which one you were destined for (assuming you didn’t go into business, arts, etc) probably in hs or earlier. So just wondering if there is some overall “confusion” with other issues that clouds your perception of F&M.</p>
<p>FM10 - Thank you for starting this thread. This is a very invaluable thread for anyone who is transfering.</p>
<p>Would you be transfering in as a junior? I would jsut caution you to keep in mind that alot of schools ask one to declare their major by junior year, so while you may not yet know what your major is, you shouldcome up with some things that interest you.</p>
<p>“The truth is no college is perfect. Even if you land at a school that is “better,” it still won’t be perfect. Keep that in mind.” Also I think this is a great quote from Carolyn to keep in mind.</p>
<p>Carolyn - I want to say thank you, you are indeed one of the most knowledgeable people on this forum. I will get back to you through a PM, thanks for offering to discuss this in further depth with me.</p>
<p>I am taking the premed classes and will finish with them by the end of my junior year. However, my dad is a lawyer and I have been a “paralegal” of sorts for the past two years.</p>
<p>DefyingGravity - I would be transfer in as a junior. I will likely declare an econ/math major. Obviously no college is perfect. My goal in transfering is not necesarily to transfer into a better school, but a school that I would be happy at. I, of course, do not want to go to a worse off academic school so the list I made is fairly competitive. Also, one of my largest concerncs is that I am trading one bag of problems for another - I do not know how to gauge the problems of my school to the problems of another.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>I am west coast and have a D at Pepperdine and live within couple of miles of Occidental. My D’s experience at Pepperdine has been amazing. She transferred as a Sophomore. She has good financial aid with a good chunk in grants. </p>
<p>Many of her friends are involved in intramural sports. They are a D1 school with an excellenct rep in volleyball (especiall men’s), tennis, golf and baseball. The basketball team has a successful history, but has struggled as of late, but is showing good promise under the new coach. (I drive out to all the home games:) Love basketball!</p>
<p>I don’t know much about their premed, but they have a law school on campus that has a good rep.</p>
<p>D went to a larger state school freshman year and really didn’t like the atmosphere. She loves the small school atmosphere. She is Catholic and Pepperdine is Church of Christ. It is not overly religious, but does live up to it’s mission which includes a statement of faith and service. She feels comfortable as a Catholic in a Protestant setting. Her friends are from a variety faith backgrounds and degrees of practice to non-practicing.
Academically, she feels challenged and enjoyed a study abroad last summer with the president of the university. She has had excellent advising and a close relationship with her professors. There seems to be a lot of group study and student interchange. They have a great career planning center and internship programs
Socially she is very happy and has made some good close friends. </p>
<p>The location is excellent overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the weather can’t be beat. There are lots of beach activities and plenty of hiking in the Malibu hills (when there aren’t the fires!)</p>
<p>Needless to say it is not for everyone. Some of her friends feel it is a little small for their liking. It is somewhat isolated…no college town feel in Malibu! Students travel to Hollywood, Santa Monica and Westwood to “party”. There is the occasional trip to Santa Barbara and Mexico)Pepperdine is a dry campus, but those who live off campus have parties somewhat regularly.</p>
<p>Just a little window to the life at Pepperdine.</p>
<p>I have been on the tour of Occidental and was very impressed. It is a pretty campus, located just north of downtown Los Angeles. Again, you will need transportation to do anything off campus.</p>
<p>I was very impressed with the faculty I met and their passion for their areas of expertise. I was with S who is interested in politics and international affairs, so really don’t know about pre-med. The students we met were very happy with their experience there.<br>
Anyway, I am not a CC expert, but just thought a west coast perspective might be of interest. Good luck.</p>