recent experience with American University

[Anonymous]

DS is a junior now and wants to stay close-ish to home (Maryland). Obviously we've got the usual Maryland suspects on our list, but AU came up in a conversation this weekend and I realized that despite my zillions of years living in MoCo, I know relatively little about it. DS is a good student (not all A's, but nothing lower than a B), and he'd be studying something in the humanities, or possibly social sciences. Definitely NOT STEM. Any other local(ish) ideas are also welcome.

[Anonymous]

I can only speak of my DC's experience but she hated the dorm and many of the classes were unnecessary and a cash grab. I personally would avoid. Way overpriced for what you get.

[Anonymous]

AU humanities and social science departments are pretty small but the good thing there is your kid can actually get professors' attention and mentorship. The campus is great, suburban with easy urban access. My neighbor's kid goes there and raves about the professors and internship opportunities. Dorms and food meh, but that's the case at all the schools in the area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can only speak of my DC's experience but she hated the dorm and many of the classes were unnecessary and a cash grab. I personally would avoid. Way overpriced for what you get.

By 'unnecessary,' I gather you're referring to the general education requirements? Most schools committed to the liberal arts have those, and there are plenty of options among the classes. If you're looking for pre-professional training only, sure, go elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Tons of internship opportunities, especially for the softer social science majors.

It is expensive, though.

Schools like Syracuse, American, Tulane seem to have fallen out of favor over the past decade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can only speak of my DC's experience but she hated the dorm and many of the classes were unnecessary and a cash grab. I personally would avoid. Way overpriced for what you get.

By 'unnecessary,' I gather you're referring to the general education requirements? Most schools committed to the liberal arts have those, and there are plenty of options among the classes. If you're looking for pre-professional training only, sure, go elsewhere.

No, I am referring to the class called 'AU experience' and you have to take two semesters, I believe. Every week was an 'ice breaker class' and you have to take it to graduate.

Next time ask and do not ASSume.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like a reasonable fit!

I know a few lawyers who went there for undergrad and liked it. And I know a couple of current students who are making the most of study abroad opportunities.

[Anonymous]

American is rebounding nicely with the new president and is in on the way up. Great campus and just finished excellent renovation of campus dining halls.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:American is rebounding nicely with the new president and is in on the way up. Great campus and just finished excellent renovation of campus dining halls.

Says AU PR.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can only speak of my DC's experience but she hated the dorm and many of the classes were unnecessary and a cash grab. I personally would avoid. Way overpriced for what you get.

By 'unnecessary,' I gather you're referring to the general education requirements? Most schools committed to the liberal arts have those, and there are plenty of options among the classes. If you're looking for pre-professional training only, sure, go elsewhere.

No, I am referring to the class called 'AU experience' and you have to take two semesters, I believe. Every week was an 'ice breaker class' and you have to take it to graduate.

Next time ask and do not ASSume.

AU Experience courses are designed to help students transition to a more challenging academic environment.

https://www.american.edu/provost/undergrad/auexperience/

It helps them rise to higher expectations in the classroom and learn both how to advocate for themselves and become a good citizen. Many kids arrive totally clueless and find these courses helpful. My DS did, though I do think they could be reduced to one rather than two required. I believe it's also a strategy to lighten the first-year load a little, again with the goal of helping students transition well and thrive. DS was happy at AU though did not like his dorm either. Loved most of his professors, but a few duds. AU is on DC2's list, but she'd prefer to go out of state.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:American is rebounding nicely with the new president and is in on the way up. Great campus and just finished excellent renovation of campus dining halls.

I'd like to know more about the new dining options. When we visited last year, were not impressed with the food on campus. Though apparently kids just head to Tenleytown a lot.

[Anonymous]

Is there any social scene at AU?

I live near campus and it is always very quiet on weekends. Are all the kids going to downtown DC or something?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can only speak of my DC's experience but she hated the dorm and many of the classes were unnecessary and a cash grab. I personally would avoid. Way overpriced for what you get.

By 'unnecessary,' I gather you're referring to the general education requirements? Most schools committed to the liberal arts have those, and there are plenty of options among the classes. If you're looking for pre-professional training only, sure, go elsewhere.

No, I am referring to the class called 'AU experience' and you have to take two semesters, I believe. Every week was an 'ice breaker class' and you have to take it to graduate.

Next time ask and do not ASSume.

AU Experience courses are designed to help students transition to a more challenging academic environment.

https://www.american.edu/provost/undergrad/auexperience/

It helps them rise to higher expectations in the classroom and learn both how to advocate for themselves and become a good citizen. Many kids arrive totally clueless and find these courses helpful. My DS did, though I do think they could be reduced to one rather than two required. I believe it's also a strategy to lighten the first-year load a little, again with the goal of helping students transition well and thrive. DS was happy at AU though did not like his dorm either. Loved most of his professors, but a few duds. AU is on DC2's list, but she'd prefer to go out of state.

My kid found it very unhelpful. For the amount of money you spend you shouldn't have as many duds. But, hey I'm not going to argue anymore. We thought it was a waste of time and money. My DC left after the first year. But, op can do whatever they wish. They talk a good game about being 'caring' but, they really aren't . And no I am not going to go into any details.

They had something like 148 fire alarms in Anderson hall. And there are a lot of partiers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there any social scene at AU?

I live near campus and it is always very quiet on weekends. Are all the kids going to downtown DC or something?

Yeah, kids mostly head to the city for socializing. There are group houses near campus that are more party hubs than the dorms themselves.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can only speak of my DC's experience but she hated the dorm and many of the classes were unnecessary and a cash grab. I personally would avoid. Way overpriced for what you get.

By 'unnecessary,' I gather you're referring to the general education requirements? Most schools committed to the liberal arts have those, and there are plenty of options among the classes. If you're looking for pre-professional training only, sure, go elsewhere.

No, I am referring to the class called 'AU experience' and you have to take two semesters, I believe. Every week was an 'ice breaker class' and you have to take it to graduate.

Next time ask and do not ASSume.

AU Experience courses are designed to help students transition to a more challenging academic environment.

https://www.american.edu/provost/undergrad/auexperience/

It helps them rise to higher expectations in the classroom and learn both how to advocate for themselves and become a good citizen. Many kids arrive totally clueless and find these courses helpful. My DS did, though I do think they could be reduced to one rather than two required. I believe it's also a strategy to lighten the first-year load a little, again with the goal of helping students transition well and thrive. DS was happy at AU though did not like his dorm either. Loved most of his professors, but a few duds. AU is on DC2's list, but she'd prefer to go out of state.

My kid found it very unhelpful. For the amount of money you spend you shouldn't have as many duds. But, hey I'm not going to argue anymore. We thought it was a waste of time and money. My DC left after the first year. But, op can do whatever they wish. They talk a good game about being 'caring' but, they really aren't . And no I am not going to go into any details.

They had something like 148 fire alarms in Anderson hall. And there are a lot of partiers.

You sound bitter. Sounds like your child was not successful there, for whatever reason.