Any parents with students at Saint Joseph's University outside of Philly and/or Elon University in NC?

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much to those who responded with helpful information and insights. As the proud owner of a B student in need of smaller class sizes and some accommodations, but at a large enough school to be larger than his large high school and have the 'college' feel, I'm glad to hear both schools have their positives and students have enjoyed and thrived at both. We just want to make sure he finds the right fit and I'm in overthinking mode, so this was helpful. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

“Crappy area” is a weird descriptor of St Joe’s. Makes it sound like it’s in a dangerous area of Philly. It’s actually in a strangely non-central, bordering-suburban area, but some kids would prefer that to a city campus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter and son both graduated from Elon. Great science programs. Daughter was a bio major (loved the cadaver lab), son was chemistry.

One is a surgeon, one is currently in surgical residency.

This is a made up story.

[Anonymous]

Penn/Drexel and especially La Salle are the Philly schools in bad areas. St. Joe's is on the city border. It felt a bit commuter-ish when I visited as a high schooler but a solid school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“Crappy area” is a weird descriptor of St Joe’s. Makes it sound like it’s in a dangerous area of Philly. It’s actually in a strangely non-central, bordering-suburban area, but some kids would prefer that to a city campus.

I live 5 minutes away and it's definitely not a crappy area. Sure there are other criticisms, but the location isn't anywhere close to the top.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Elon really weights demonstrated interest -- something to consider if your child opts to apply. Make sure you tour, go to a local meet and greet, participate in one of their online ZeeMe events, etc. They are sensitive about being on many people's safety list and prioritize applicants who appear to prioritize them.

This. 100%. They are so invested in gaming the rankings, that they WL and outright reject strong students who would add so much to their community. As it stands, it is a quite vanilla place, putting out average students. I know many people who have graduated--and there's no way one family put two kids who turned out to be doctors through Elon. It's just not that kind of school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a college counselor, and these schools absolutely do not attract similar students. I was really surprised to read that above. Saint Joe’s is very regional. A lot of kids from the mid-Atlantic who couldn’t quite get into Villanova. It’s in a crappy area of Philadelphia. They are known for their business and autism programs.

Elon is also in a crappy area to be honest, but it’s a different kind of crappy. More remote. The campus itself is very pretty. Very southern. This would be a more traditional college environment.

There's a row of houses like this adjacent to the campus (that's half in Lower Merion btw) - https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/117-Raynham-Rd-Merion-Station-PA-19066/9965097_zpid/

Really crappy area

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter and son both graduated from Elon. Great science programs. Daughter was a bio major (loved the cadaver lab), son was chemistry.

One is a surgeon, one is currently in surgical residency.

This is a made up story.

DP, read this before long ago. I’m a cynical person, but think you’re wrong. No one is that committed.

[Anonymous]

I grew up in the greater Philadelphia area and know many graduates of Saint Joe’s. It is a good school with some excellent pre-professional programs and has a very strong regional alumni network. It also has a lot of wealthy Catholic kids from the Philadelphia suburbs. None of this is necessarily bad, but that is what tends to predominate. I would be happy to send my kid there if I lived in Philadelphia and could afford it. You could do a lot worse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter and son both graduated from Elon. Great science programs. Daughter was a bio major (loved the cadaver lab), son was chemistry.

One is a surgeon, one is currently in surgical residency.

This is a made up story.

The poster has said this before. Doubtful it is made up.

[Anonymous]

I have a relative that went to St. Joes and a good family friend went there as well. Both loved St. Joes and have gone on and in the middle of great careers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A B level student is great.

Many A level students end up working for B level students!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am a college counselor, and these schools absolutely do not attract similar students. I was really surprised to read that above. Saint Joe’s is very regional. A lot of kids from the mid-Atlantic who couldn’t quite get into Villanova. It’s in a crappy area of Philadelphia. They are known for their business and autism programs.

Elon is also in a crappy area to be honest, but it’s a different kind of crappy. More remote. The campus itself is very pretty. Very southern. This would be a more traditional college environment.

Yale is in a crappy area of New Haven, Penn is in a crappy area of Philadelphia, Johns Hopkins is in a crappy area of Baltimore, Trinity is in a crappy area of Hartford, and the list goes on and on. Are you telling your students to not go to those schools, too?

well with those--the juice is worth the squeeze

OK yes, but the B students have to go to school too! Can’t speak for Elon but have several family members that have graduated from St. Joe’s and one still there. It’s a great school, growing and offers a lot. Nice kids, good experience. Location and proximity to other NE cities create a large and happy alumni network. Your kid can go, enjoy their community and be a success in whatever field they like. Go visit. It’s a solid choice.

I also love St. Joe's. My kids made another choice, but it was a strong possibility. If you have specific questions, happy to try and help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A B level student is great.

Many A level students end up working for B level students!

Yes - in businesses owned by C students, selling a product invented by dropouts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A B level student is great.

and they are a lot happier and healthy than those students who are pushed hard by their parents.