Social Life? Geographic Diversity?

Decisions2Make
Wed, 21 Mar 2007 21:14:11 +0000

First of all, no more of this personal bashing. No school is right for everyone. And all these parents posting about their childrens’ experiences need to step back and listen to people who have actually lived on the D campus. You don’t know unless you’re there. I attended Davidson for one year. Social reasons/diversity/extracurriculars…that’s why I transferred…
I see where Ohsix is coming from. If you aren’t a big drinker, it most certainly feels like everyone is at Patterson Court (frats/eating houses) on the weekend and you are left in the dust. I was in an eating house during my time at D. Certainly wasn’t my cup of tea even though I am a drinker. That said, many people are INCREDIBLE. Especially the men. Remember, Davidson is very small also… Dating scene gets incestuous and soap-opera-esque…BEWARE!
Diversity is a major issue. I was heavily involved in a diversity council during my time. It isn’t so much that the school doesn’t have much diversity. It’s how the administration looks at diversity (I know from personal conversations with deans). Administrators worry about numbers and statistics and how they are going to look to people that check out the school. I also knew a number of minorities who expressed their concern that some of the minorities at the school were very unhappy but were trapped at Davidson because of financial aid.
As for extracurriculars/outside contact…sure, Davidson has had the Royal Shakespeare company come (I was there the first time). But one visit isn’t a reason to praise the outside world opportunities available there. Davidson is a bubble and Charlotte isn’t as open/accessible as some make it seem. It is a city ideal for the 21+ crowd and even then, it’s primarily a theater/banking district.
Academics are incredibly. Better than ivy league schools, I would venture to say. However, even after an insanely rigorous high school experience, I found D classeds to be excessively overwhelming to the point where you don’t have time to do much else.
Teachers are Top Grade, Class Room Education is Exceptional, People are Great. But if you are looking for a real-world education, I would urge you to make a careful decisions. I know many who have transferred from D and some who wish they did. I also know quite a few people who are just clawing to make it to the end. I still have a love hate relationship with the school. Davidson may be perfect for you… Best of luck to everyone waiting on a decision/deciding!