Lehigh vs Villanova

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Villanova takes a lot of catholic school kids, so it has a more religious/conservative student body. Some go for the basketball games, but they’re not always easy to get into.

Catholics aren’t necessarily conservative. There’s a whole liberal, progressive wing.

That’s true, but some are comfortable enough at Villanova to hang “Don’t Tread on Me” flags in their dorm windows.

What in the world are you talking about? This is just bashing a school based on nothing verifiable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The look and feel of campus are really different so it would be good if she could visit. Lehigh is hilly and woodsy and comes down the hill right to the edge of a city (Bethlehem), whereas Villanova is flat and open. Also, while Villanova has proximity to Philadelphia, it is situated in a totally suburban area and feels more suburban, whereas Lehigh abuts a "city" area. I think from Villanova you could walk to some shops in Bryn Mawr (coffee shop, ice cream shop) but Villanova itself doesn't have a lot right there.

Villanova seems very "white" to me, based on driving by the campus frequently. Not a lot of kids of color, and the kids have a homogenous look. I don't think Lehigh is as homogenous. The Nova grads I know really loved it though.

72% of Villanova’s and 68% of Lehigh’s domestic students are white. Lehigh has about 2.5 times as many international students.

The biggest difference between the two is the frat culture at Lehigh, which has at times been out of control. Villanova also has fraternities, but they don’t dominate social life in the way that they do at Lehigh.

Lehigh keeps a pretty tight rein on their greek life, though. The sophomores in greek life are required to live in greek houses on campus and those are subject to the same rules as the dorms. The upperclassmen are split between the greek houses and off campus, but violations have them cycle on and off probation/suspension until they get dissolved.

You mean that Lehigh [i]tries[/] to keep a tight rein on their Greek life. Nonetheless they continue to have serious problems. When the administration takes action, they invariably get push back from alumni. It’s been an ongoing problems for years there and it’s been well publicized.

http://www.inquirer.com/news/lehigh-university-hazing-drinking-greek-fraternity-20200128.html

[Anonymous]

I agree with most of the advice here. Lehigh has more of a party culture. I disagree that they keep a tight rein on the fraternities. It's a bit of a boys' culture, between the frats and the sci/tech focus. They are both very good schools. You should get to Villanova so you have a true point of comparison.

[Anonymous]

Mountains or beaches?

[Anonymous]

I have met many Villanova graduates and they have all been smart, really nice people and yes they ended up with good careers.

[Anonymous]

Seems like a push.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The look and feel of campus are really different so it would be good if she could visit. Lehigh is hilly and woodsy and comes down the hill right to the edge of a city (Bethlehem), whereas Villanova is flat and open. Also, while Villanova has proximity to Philadelphia, it is situated in a totally suburban area and feels more suburban, whereas Lehigh abuts a "city" area. I think from Villanova you could walk to some shops in Bryn Mawr (coffee shop, ice cream shop) but Villanova itself doesn't have a lot right there.

Villanova seems very "white" to me, based on driving by the campus frequently. Not a lot of kids of color, and the kids have a homogenous look. I don't think Lehigh is as homogenous. The Nova grads I know really loved it though.

72% of Villanova’s and 68% of Lehigh’s domestic students are white. Lehigh has about 2.5 times as many international students.

The biggest difference between the two is the frat culture at Lehigh, which has at times been out of control. Villanova also has fraternities, but they don’t dominate social life in the way that they do at Lehigh.

Lehigh keeps a pretty tight rein on their greek life, though. The sophomores in greek life are required to live in greek houses on campus and those are subject to the same rules as the dorms. The upperclassmen are split between the greek houses and off campus, but violations have them cycle on and off probation/suspension until they get dissolved.

You mean that Lehigh [i]tries[/] to keep a tight rein on their Greek life. Nonetheless they continue to have serious problems. When the administration takes action, they invariably get push back from alumni. It’s been an ongoing problems for years there and it’s been well publicized.

http://www.inquirer.com/news/lehigh-university-hazing-drinking-greek-fraternity-20200128.html

No. I mean they do. And that article outlines how. My daughter is in a sorority at Lehigh. The “Greek pause” started in January of 2020 and ended one week before they were all sent home over spring break due to covid in March of 2020. There were no Greek events at all, not even chapter meetings. No parties. Houses were searched repeatedly and violations were given even for what was seen in their dumpsters. New members could not have any contact with the initiated members.
The “pause” was coincidentally extended when they decided to keep all Greek houses closed for Covid in 20-21, and all chapter operations were virtual.
Theta Xi (mentioned in the article) was dissolved. Things still aren’t back to normal and likely never will be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Villanova takes a lot of catholic school kids, so it has a more religious/conservative student body. Some go for the basketball games, but they’re not always easy to get into.

Catholics aren’t necessarily conservative. There’s a whole liberal, progressive wing.

That’s true, but some are comfortable enough at Villanova to hang “Don’t Tread on Me” flags in their dorm windows.

What in the world are you talking about? This is just bashing a school based on nothing verifiable.

I’m just telling you what I saw on the tour. Not sure what verification you need. You can go visit yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Villanova takes a lot of catholic school kids, so it has a more religious/conservative student body. Some go for the basketball games, but they’re not always easy to get into.

Catholics aren’t necessarily conservative. There’s a whole liberal, progressive wing.

That’s true, but some are comfortable enough at Villanova to hang “Don’t Tread on Me” flags in their dorm windows.

What in the world are you talking about? This is just bashing a school based on nothing verifiable.

I’m just telling you what I saw on the tour. Not sure what verification you need. You can go visit yourself.

Your comment was plural. How many such flags did you see? Since you were on tour, did you ask about them? Why were they there. Are they an indication of free speech that runs the entire spectrum on campus with this being an isolated case or does it reflect part of the culture at the campus? Is the flag flown symbol of the tea party or of libertarians in general or as a parody or . . .?

Come on. You weren’t just telling us what you saw. You’re not a reporter. Your comment started “But . . .” You we’re making a comment. So explain. Did you seriously see this on a tour and not ask about it???

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The look and feel of campus are really different so it would be good if she could visit. Lehigh is hilly and woodsy and comes down the hill right to the edge of a city (Bethlehem), whereas Villanova is flat and open. Also, while Villanova has proximity to Philadelphia, it is situated in a totally suburban area and feels more suburban, whereas Lehigh abuts a "city" area. I think from Villanova you could walk to some shops in Bryn Mawr (coffee shop, ice cream shop) but Villanova itself doesn't have a lot right there.

Villanova seems very "white" to me, based on driving by the campus frequently. Not a lot of kids of color, and the kids have a homogenous look. I don't think Lehigh is as homogenous. The Nova grads I know really loved it though.

72% of Villanova’s and 68% of Lehigh’s domestic students are white. Lehigh has about 2.5 times as many international students.

The biggest difference between the two is the frat culture at Lehigh, which has at times been out of control. Villanova also has fraternities, but they don’t dominate social life in the way that they do at Lehigh.

Lehigh keeps a pretty tight rein on their greek life, though. The sophomores in greek life are required to live in greek houses on campus and those are subject to the same rules as the dorms. The upperclassmen are split between the greek houses and off campus, but violations have them cycle on and off probation/suspension until they get dissolved.

You mean that Lehigh [i]tries[/] to keep a tight rein on their Greek life. Nonetheless they continue to have serious problems. When the administration takes action, they invariably get push back from alumni. It’s been an ongoing problems for years there and it’s been well publicized.

http://www.inquirer.com/news/lehigh-university-hazing-drinking-greek-fraternity-20200128.html

No. I mean they do. And that article outlines how. My daughter is in a sorority at Lehigh. The “Greek pause” started in January of 2020 and ended one week before they were all sent home over spring break due to covid in March of 2020. There were no Greek events at all, not even chapter meetings. No parties. Houses were searched repeatedly and violations were given even for what was seen in their dumpsters. New members could not have any contact with the initiated members.
The “pause” was coincidentally extended when they decided to keep all Greek houses closed for Covid in 20-21, and all chapter operations were virtual.
Theta Xi (mentioned in the article) was dissolved. Things still aren’t back to normal and likely never will be.

At my kids school, the Covid restrictions meant Greek events moved off campus...Air BnBs etc. I assume that happened at most schools.

[Anonymous]

chocolate vs vanilla

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Villanova takes a lot of catholic school kids, so it has a more religious/conservative student body. Some go for the basketball games, but they’re not always easy to get into.

Catholics aren’t necessarily conservative. There’s a whole liberal, progressive wing.

That’s true, but some are comfortable enough at Villanova to hang “Don’t Tread on Me” flags in their dorm windows.

What in the world are you talking about? This is just bashing a school based on nothing verifiable.

I’m just telling you what I saw on the tour. Not sure what verification you need. You can go visit yourself.

Your comment was plural. How many such flags did you see? Since you were on tour, did you ask about them? Why were they there. Are they an indication of free speech that runs the entire spectrum on campus with this being an isolated case or does it reflect part of the culture at the campus? Is the flag flown symbol of the tea party or of libertarians in general or as a parody or . . .?


Not the PP, but I can’t imagine I would have asked about this on a tour. First of all how would the tour guide have known the answers to those questions? Also, “Don’t Tread on Me” is a fairly common expression of a political preference or way of thinking. People are allowed to draw whatever conclusions they like from the signs and expressions they see on a campus tour. I am not sure why that comment set you off so. FWIW my DS graduated from Villanova a couple of years ago and he’s Catholic, but a pretty progressive Democrat. Of course there are conservatives there as you would find at any Catholic school, but he did not find it to be overwhelmingly so. Its a fun school with a lot of school spirit and a range of students some of whom work very hard and some of whom work less hard, like a lot of schools. Most of his friends had good outcomes post-Grad and the alumni network is strong. He really liked it. Of course, Lehigh has a pretty strong alum network as well.

Come on. You weren’t just telling us what you saw. You’re not a reporter. Your comment started “But . . .” You we’re making a comment. So explain. Did you seriously see this on a tour and not ask about it???

[Anonymous]

oops! Just realized I dropped my comment above in the middle of a prior comment.

Not the PP, but I can’t imagine I would have asked about this on a tour. First of all how would the tour guide have known the answers to those questions? Also, “Don’t Tread on Me” is a fairly common expression of a political preference or way of thinking. People are allowed to draw whatever conclusions they like from the signs and expressions they see on a campus tour. I am not sure why that comment set you off so. FWIW my DS graduated from Villanova a couple of years ago and he’s Catholic, but a pretty progressive Democrat. Of course there are conservatives there as you would find at any Catholic school, but he did not find it to be overwhelmingly so. Its a fun school with a lot of school spirit and a range of students some of whom work very hard and some of whom work less hard, like a lot of schools. Most of his friends had good outcomes post-Grad and the alumni network is strong. He really liked it. Of course, Lehigh has a pretty strong alum network as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Villanova takes a lot of catholic school kids, so it has a more religious/conservative student body. Some go for the basketball games, but they’re not always easy to get into.

Catholics aren’t necessarily conservative. There’s a whole liberal, progressive wing.

That’s true, but some are comfortable enough at Villanova to hang “Don’t Tread on Me” flags in their dorm windows.

What in the world are you talking about? This is just bashing a school based on nothing verifiable.

I’m just telling you what I saw on the tour. Not sure what verification you need. You can go visit yourself.

Was it the yellow (Gadsen Flag) or the red/white striped flag (the first Navy Jack)? Big difference between what those represent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:oops! Just realized I dropped my comment above in the middle of a prior comment.

Not the PP, but I can’t imagine I would have asked about this on a tour. First of all how would the tour guide have known the answers to those questions? Also, “Don’t Tread on Me” is a fairly common expression of a political preference or way of thinking. People are allowed to draw whatever conclusions they like from the signs and expressions they see on a campus tour. I am not sure why that comment set you off so. FWIW my DS graduated from Villanova a couple of years ago and he’s Catholic, but a pretty progressive Democrat. Of course there are conservatives there as you would find at any Catholic school, but he did not find it to be overwhelmingly so. Its a fun school with a lot of school spirit and a range of students some of whom work very hard and some of whom work less hard, like a lot of schools. Most of his friends had good outcomes post-Grad and the alumni network is strong. He really liked it. Of course, Lehigh has a pretty strong alum network as well.

What set me off was that s/he clearly decided to use this to disparage the school. S/he said it as a “Yes, but . . .” response to a comment about their being liberal Catholics - like your son - as well as conservative Catholics. What was s/he implying? I think I know and I don’t like the stereotyping. Maybe you can’t imagine asking that question of a tour guide, but I can’t imagine dropping his/her comment into the middle of a discussion about colleges. If s/he felt that strongly about the flag to open his/her mouth here, s/he certainly could have opened his/her mouth on the tour to get the tour guide’s thoughts. It wouldn’t have to be asked in front of the group. There are plenty of opportunities on a tour to chat with the tour guide quietly off to the side.