recent experience with American University

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Why? Sounds appropriately moderate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

Agree with this. DC really liked the campus and thought the students seemed nice and happy. She ended up going to New England because she wanted to try a new area but AU was her top choice for a local option. Didn't like the GW campus at all and didn't quite have the stats for Georgetown (3.7 GPA, 1440 SAT).

[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.

NP. I toured American and those required classes turned us off as well. Its reputation of having students who don’t allow open discourse was doubly troubling. It’s a lovely campus. Just not right for my kid who likes to be around all sorts of people.

[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.

The whole thing seems very “high school-ish”

[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.

Does this apply the students who attend American are not academically strong and need required support classes?

[Anonymous]

Still looking up at GW.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any other local(ish) ideas are also welcome.

Have you considered Loyola Maryland? Could be a good safety option close to home. We recently toured and were impressed!

[Anonymous]

It used to be well-respected. Now it seems to be for people who were rejected from GWU or other area colleges, or for very obnoxious political types. They have a reputation.
To boot, they don’t offer much $$$ to entice!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Agree with this. DC really liked the campus and thought the students seemed nice and happy. She ended up going to New England because she wanted to try a new area but AU was her top choice for a local option. Didn't like the GW campus at all and didn't quite have the stats for Georgetown (3.7 GPA, 1440 SAT).

Keep in mind that GW has two very different campuses. The very green quiet Vern closer to American and the urban one on foggy bottom
Georgetown is $$$

[Anonymous]

When we toured it last week, there was spray paint all over all the entrances that said “genocide university” and a lot of other propaganda throughout the campus. When we asked questions about it they said that it’s not always students doing these protests but people from the community. That was a big turn off for us and we aren’t even Jewish.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it still super woke?

Yes - very!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When we toured it last week, there was spray paint all over all the entrances that said “genocide university” and a lot of other propaganda throughout the campus. When we asked questions about it they said that it’s not always students doing these protests but people from the community. That was a big turn off for us and we aren’t even Jewish.

I asked the tour guide if there are regular protests and he said being involved in political issues is a big part of the school culture - which sidestepped my question, but also told me everything I need to know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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?

Why do you need to know?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

We are still in the dc area but don't want to say. Where my kid goes has nothing to do with your kid. I just think American is overpriced for what you get.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

We are still in the dc area but don't want to say. Where my kid goes has nothing to do with your kid. I just think American is overpriced for what you get.

Not only overpriced at $76k for OOS ,but also ranks 105 on USNWR