recent experience with American University

[Anonymous]

Is it still super woke?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it still super woke?

Do you know how dumb you sound?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it still super woke?

I'd say medium woke based on discussions with an AU professor friend. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been contained and the administration made a firm statement about refusing to consider divesting from Israel. Some classes are social justice-oriented, but many aren't and you can easily avoid the former if you prefer.

[Anonymous]

Some kids from the NE who didn't get into Georgetown or GW.

[Anonymous]

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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.

Ha! Not bitter at all. Just want to warn people away so they don't have a bad experience like we did. But, I should realize that everyone attacks the messenger when it isn't something they want to hear. I love how you had to give that extra dig at my kid "sounds like your child wasn't successful, for whatever reason" They did great academically but, found the students, food, classes and professors very lacking for what you pay for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Ha! Not bitter at all. Just want to warn people away so they don't have a bad experience like we did. But, I should realize that everyone attacks the messenger when it isn't something they want to hear. I love how you had to give that extra dig at my kid "sounds like your child wasn't successful, for whatever reason" They did great academically but, found the students, food, classes and professors very lacking for what you pay for.

So where did they go for a superior experience?

[Anonymous]

OP here, and I do appreciate all of the perspectives. For the poster whose child left, would you mind saying where they transferred (if they did transfer to another school)? General region/type of school would be good to know if you don't want to name the specific school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it still super woke?

I'd say medium woke based on discussions with an AU professor friend. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been contained and the administration made a firm statement about refusing to consider divesting from Israel. Some classes are social justice-oriented, but many aren't and you can easily avoid the former if you prefer.

What about socially? Can a conservative thrive without feeling like they have to stay in the closet?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Ha! Not bitter at all. Just want to warn people away so they don't have a bad experience like we did. But, I should realize that everyone attacks the messenger when it isn't something they want to hear. I love how you had to give that extra dig at my kid "sounds like your child wasn't successful, for whatever reason" They did great academically but, found the students, food, classes and professors very lacking for what you pay for.

DP but paying huge amounts for college never guarantees anything will be good about the experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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, we’re not impressed with the food on campus. Though apparently kids just head to Tenleytown a lot.

Here is a link to what is on the menu and you can scroll through to fast food options: https://dineoncampus.com/au/whats-on-the-menu
You can also use the dining plan off campus easily walkable or by shuttle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some kids from the NE who didn't get into Georgetown or GW.

We toured AU and GW also from MOCO. Surprisingly kid strongly preferred AU and I was more impressed with GW. Also considering state schools in MD and VA.

[Anonymous]

Campus is beautiful. Seems like a good place for humanities, social sciences, government internships.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some kids from the NE who didn't get into Georgetown or GW.

I don't think the same kinds of kids apply to all three of these. Georgetown is Catholic and much more difficult to get into than the others; GW is for kids who want a city campus and is strong in diverse areas; AU is a suburban school with a real campus and a primary focus on politics, business, or theater and not much in between.

[Anonymous]

I will say that it's a nice happy medium between small liberal arts and big research institution. They have a lot of great research going on, but they also emphasize good teaching.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it still super woke?

I'd say medium woke based on discussions with an AU professor friend. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been contained and the administration made a firm statement about refusing to consider divesting from Israel. Some classes are social justice-oriented, but many aren't and you can easily avoid the former if you prefer.

That is horrible.