Less popular Hidden Gems

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Juniata College

+1 We were impressed by their open house this Fall and it's definitely on DD's list for next year. Ticks all her boxes re a small school with strong environmental science programs. And she liked the food and they were very allergy friendly which is important for her.

Does the massive prison right near the campus raise any concerns for you?

Not at all. I went to Cal Poly SLO that also has a big prison just down the road. Never have it any thought, never an issue.

DP: yeah, I don't see how that would make a difference either. Likely increased safety in the area if anything. I do know that Juniata does some interesting criminal justice experiential programs in connection with the prison for kids who are interested in that --that would be the only reason why I could see that mattering, and that would be a benefit.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:In PA, Washington & Jefferson College (est. 1787, with phenomenal placement for its pre-med and pre-law programs) and Allegheny College. Both SLACs, but with strong alumni networks of leaders in law, medicine, and in the corporate world.

My dad went to W&J in the 60s. I think I have met one person who has heard of it. Pretty sure it almost closed a few years back.
You must be from Pittsburgh.

Np. I live in a Pittsburgh suburb. One of our administrators is an alum of our school district and he always talks about how well prepared he felt as a freshman in college bc of the great education he received (blah blah blah). His point being that he was more prepared than other students who didn’t go to as wonderful a district as ours (he really drinks the kook-aid). In any event, I eventually found out he went to W&J. I’m sure it’s a fine school but I wouldn’t put it in the category of a hidden gem. It is basically in a suburb and the buildings don’t look that impressive. Unless it was the most affordable option (with a lot of merit), I would look elsewhere. In the Pittsburgh area, I think Pitt or Duquesne are better options (neither a hidden gem).

It's in Washington, PA. 45-60 minutes outside of Pittsburgh. Washington is one of those towns that 30+ years ago had a cute downtown. There was a lot of coal mining in the area, and now, fracking.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:St. Mary's College of Maryland

Great campus, right on the water. It's gorgeous. Plus, it's an honors college and attracts studious types. If your kid is into sailing or rowing, it must be on their list. Cheap in-state tuition, plus a high acceptance rate (70s).

The only downside is that it's remote. It's near nothing. Like, not even a pharmacy or grocery store. The nearest pharmacy is 7-8 miles away. There is no town around the school, nor restaurants or even a bar.

I think the location is what dissuades so many from applying.

I went there. That's actually part of the draw for a lot of people I think.

If I was the next Governor of MD, I'd focus on trying to make St Mary's College tuition-free in order to lure the state's top students. It's already an honors college, but I think the location does a big disservice to its desirability. Not a lot of 18 year-olds want to go to school at a state university in the middle of rural farmland on the Chesapeake. If the school was free, I think the school would get a lot of looks from students and families.

That school should be similar in caliber and prestige to William & Mary. It's has the capability to get there.

Brilliant idea. Plus it would potentially lead to more entrepreneurship in Maryland, as talented grads would seek to stay home in MD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

If I was the next Governor of MD, I'd focus on trying to make St Mary's College tuition-free in order to lure the state's top students. It's already an honors college, but I think the location does a big disservice to its desirability. Not a lot of 18 year-olds want to go to school at a state university in the middle of rural farmland on the Chesapeake. If the school was free, I think the school would get a lot of looks from students and families.

That school should be similar in caliber and prestige to William & Mary. It's has the capability to get there.

My DD is a freshman there. I don’t think you need to make tuition free to lure top students. Being generous with merit aid should be enough, and is one reason DD is there.

The location is a plus for her. She didn’t want a big city but it’s not as rural as you think. Pax River Naval Air Station is about 10 minutes away and there are some shopping centers and places to eat within a 10 mile radius. Freshmen can have cars on campus, so that makes getting around easier. Also, it’s on the St. Mary’s River, not the Chesapeake.

Our DD likes it and describes it as a “small STEM school”, and less of a classical liberal arts college, which is fine for her since she’s a biochem major.

I guess that's great for freshmen that have cars...not all families can afford that. Maybe instead of free tuition the governor can give free cars, insurance, and gas to each student there?

[Anonymous]

I grew up a few blocks from Muhlenberg. It was always regarded as a top school. My parents dreamed of me going there. But I wanted independence so I went west, Univ. of Utah. Poli Sci+ skiing!

[Anonymous]

I knew about the Claremont colleges while living in DC in the 80s. I have 2 HS friends who went there. Very selective.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:KU must be the most underrated flagship. Any decent student can get in, get at least a solid education, and have a fantastic experience in a first-rate college town--all without paying through the nose for it.

Love University of Kansas and Lawrence.

Daughter and I visited my friend in Lawrence and now KU is on daughter's list. She loved it and the college.

Turns out my colleague has a sister there who said she would never leave Lawrence to live back east again. Sounding better and better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I grew up a few blocks from Muhlenberg. It was always regarded as a top school. My parents dreamed of me going there. But I wanted independence so I went west, Univ. of Utah. Poli Sci+ skiing!

Are you LDS? And if not, did you find that most students were and it was hard to make friends and fit in? I love the idea of living in Utah with all the natural beauty but worry about my kid being ostracized.

[Anonymous]

^^
I am not LDS. And neither was Univ of Utah. Hardcore LDS kids go to BYU, Dixie, etc. Flagship school is like any other -- and lots and lots of international students. Everyone there is a skier. Of course there are many LDS students but they are on the quieter side, religion-speaking.

UU also big for pre-med and Physical Therapy, if your kid is a science wonk.

After UU I went to Eugene for law school. For Environmental Law hands down the best law school.

I grew up DC and could not wait to get out for college and law school. Ended up practicing Environmental Law in DC! Now I have to ski in Vermont with ice, not powder

[Anonymous]

^^
Clarifying that i lived near Muhlenberg til age 15. Then DC (father's job transfer) til college. Parents encouraged me to apply to Muhlenberg (I got in) but my dream was the big open West.

[Anonymous]

Fordham. Excellent, rigorous education, caring community. Our DD discovered it at the end of her college search and she (and we) fell in love.

[Anonymous]

University of Kansas

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP-My kid is finishing up 4 years there.

The prison has ZERO impact on students. Most activities are on campus. In fact, when you go into town, you don't see or pass it at all (downtown is in the opposite direction). Same when I drive there from this area.

I think I have seen it twice in her four years, when we had to go to Walmart (you drive by it).

Baltimore has 20 jails and prisons. You pass one (where executions take place) every time you take the shuttle from the Homewood Campus to the Medical Campus. It does not prevent too many people from considering Johns Hopkins.

Baltimore does not have 20 jails and prisons. And you most definitely don't pass one where executions take place because Maryland abolished the death penalty in 2013.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP-My kid is finishing up 4 years there.

The prison has ZERO impact on students. Most activities are on campus. In fact, when you go into town, you don't see or pass it at all (downtown is in the opposite direction). Same when I drive there from this area.

I think I have seen it twice in her four years, when we had to go to Walmart (you drive by it).

Baltimore has 20 jails and prisons. You pass one (where executions take place) every time you take the shuttle from the Homewood Campus to the Medical Campus. It does not prevent too many people from considering Johns Hopkins.

Baltimore does not have 20 jails and prisons. And you most definitely don't pass one where executions take place because Maryland abolished the death penalty in 2013.

Well the government thinks there are 20 jails/prisons there:

https://www.countyoffice.org/md-baltimore-city-jails-prisons/

When I went there, the bus from Homewood to the medical campus went through the prison grounds (on a street that bisects it) everyday. And I remember seeing death penalty protestors outside the day that an execution was scheduled.

So, my execution detail was dated, but my point that good schools can exist in cities with prisons/jails still stands.

[Anonymous]

Manhattan College, especially for engineering
Stevens Tech