What school dropped off the list because of your visit?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tulane - it was a dump

really?!?! it looks so nice on the website and virtual tours. tell me more.

I agree - they are doing lots of construction, have new dorms and commons/cafeteria and are constructing a new engineering building in the middle of the campus. I think the PP’s comment is either outdated or perhaps a distaste for construction, but the construction in my view is a positive (particularly the investment in engineering).

We visited in 2018, so maybe it has changed. The dorms were extremely small and very old. Just felt the campus in general was old and needed updated. Also, the city of New Orleans is probably the dirtiest city that I have ever visited..

+1
I have never, ever seen the appeal of New Orleans.

I'm the PP whose daughter was accepted by and excited about Tulane (without seeing it). I'm really concerned now. She didn't ED so it's not binding, but she has been going around saying she is sure she will go there based on the virtual tours, meetings, etc. Based on what people are saying, I fear a huge let down. And that means trying to schedule trips to see other colleges. I don't know how we are going to do that given the pandemic. The other three schools she has acceptances to are all over the place.

I think she will love the city itself. She is into lots of woo-woo stuff (she actually helped run an outdoor ghost tour over the summer), loves music, and is adventurous with food. But she also is used to a nice, pretty, well-kept high school campus. It might be a rude awakening.

Having said that, I'm a little frustrated with the virtual tours and meetings. I know, of course, that every college is going to present its best self. But it would be nice if it were honest, too. All the had to say was part of the campus is under construction and show what it really looks like.

[Anonymous]

For my last (of five) it was SMCM. The water is beautiful but we didn’t find the campus itself at all attractive or well-maintained (the gigantic potholes in the athletic center lot were almost impressive). And the surrounding areas are depressing, little more than a collection of fast food joints and a supermarket clustered along the highway outside of the naval base, and even that was a solid 10-15 minute drive away. The big Lock Her Up flag in between didn’t help the ambience. Historic St. Mary’s City is very interesting (and adjacent to campus) but probably doesn’t add much to the student experience. But it was a helpful trip as he realized he wanted a small school like SMCM but one near or in a real town, at the very least a few alternatives to the dining hall that didn’t require a drive. Probably why he ended up at Dickinson. (Which isn’t perfect either but he fell hard for it.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tulane - it was a dump

really?!?! it looks so nice on the website and virtual tours. tell me more.

I agree - they are doing lots of construction, have new dorms and commons/cafeteria and are constructing a new engineering building in the middle of the campus. I think the PP’s comment is either outdated or perhaps a distaste for construction, but the construction in my view is a positive (particularly the investment in engineering).

We visited in 2018, so maybe it has changed. The dorms were extremely small and very old. Just felt the campus in general was old and needed updated. Also, the city of New Orleans is probably the dirtiest city that I have ever visited..

+1
I have never, ever seen the appeal of New Orleans.

I'm the PP whose daughter was accepted by and excited about Tulane (without seeing it). I'm really concerned now. She didn't ED so it's not binding, but she has been going around saying she is sure she will go there based on the virtual tours, meetings, etc. Based on what people are saying, I fear a huge let down. And that means trying to schedule trips to see other colleges. I don't know how we are going to do that given the pandemic. The other three schools she has acceptances to are all over the place.

I think she will love the city itself. She is into lots of woo-woo stuff (she actually helped run an outdoor ghost tour over the summer), loves music, and is adventurous with food. But she also is used to a nice, pretty, well-kept high school campus. It might be a rude awakening.

Having said that, I'm a little frustrated with the virtual tours and meetings. I know, of course, that every college is going to present its best self. But it would be nice if it were honest, too. All the had to say was part of the campus is under construction and show what it really looks like.

I recommend you start a thread for parents who have a child at Tulane - they will probably have a much better perspective - remember this thread was about visits to colleges, not actual attendance. FWIW, I have been to Tulane for conferences - I love NOLA but agree it is a unique experience - very vibrant but that comes with petty crime and tourist trash, but found Tulane nicely separated by the trolley ride. Probably depends on your kid - how adventurous they are and on you - how much you trust them to make good decisions when they are downtown.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tulane - it was a dump

really?!?! it looks so nice on the website and virtual tours. tell me more.

I agree - they are doing lots of construction, have new dorms and commons/cafeteria and are constructing a new engineering building in the middle of the campus. I think the PP’s comment is either outdated or perhaps a distaste for construction, but the construction in my view is a positive (particularly the investment in engineering).

We visited in 2018, so maybe it has changed. The dorms were extremely small and very old. Just felt the campus in general was old and needed updated. Also, the city of New Orleans is probably the dirtiest city that I have ever visited..

+1
I have never, ever seen the appeal of New Orleans.

I'm the PP whose daughter was accepted by and excited about Tulane (without seeing it). I'm really concerned now. She didn't ED so it's not binding, but she has been going around saying she is sure she will go there based on the virtual tours, meetings, etc. Based on what people are saying, I fear a huge let down. And that means trying to schedule trips to see other colleges. I don't know how we are going to do that given the pandemic. The other three schools she has acceptances to are all over the place.

I think she will love the city itself. She is into lots of woo-woo stuff (she actually helped run an outdoor ghost tour over the summer), loves music, and is adventurous with food. But she also is used to a nice, pretty, well-kept high school campus. It might be a rude awakening.

Having said that, I'm a little frustrated with the virtual tours and meetings. I know, of course, that every college is going to present its best self. But it would be nice if it were honest, too. All the had to say was part of the campus is under construction and show what it really looks like.

PP are you really going to let one or two comments on an anonymous board sway your opinion that much? Our DD also has been accepted, really wants to attend, and we are attending admitted students programming, in person, next week. Our DD attends a private high school but we live close into the city, so an urban campus probably won’t be that much of a surprise in our case. I’d be happy to share my impressions on this thread after our visit next week. You might also want to check out comments on Niche, College Confidential and Reddit to round out the inputs. Best way though probably is to visit in person and see for yourself if that’s feasible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tulane - it was a dump

really?!?! it looks so nice on the website and virtual tours. tell me more.

I agree - they are doing lots of construction, have new dorms and commons/cafeteria and are constructing a new engineering building in the middle of the campus. I think the PP’s comment is either outdated or perhaps a distaste for construction, but the construction in my view is a positive (particularly the investment in engineering).

We visited in 2018, so maybe it has changed. The dorms were extremely small and very old. Just felt the campus in general was old and needed updated. Also, the city of New Orleans is probably the dirtiest city that I have ever visited..

+1
I have never, ever seen the appeal of New Orleans.

I'm the PP whose daughter was accepted by and excited about Tulane (without seeing it). I'm really concerned now. She didn't ED so it's not binding, but she has been going around saying she is sure she will go there based on the virtual tours, meetings, etc. Based on what people are saying, I fear a huge let down. And that means trying to schedule trips to see other colleges. I don't know how we are going to do that given the pandemic. The other three schools she has acceptances to are all over the place.

I think she will love the city itself. She is into lots of woo-woo stuff (she actually helped run an outdoor ghost tour over the summer), loves music, and is adventurous with food. But she also is used to a nice, pretty, well-kept high school campus. It might be a rude awakening.

Having said that, I'm a little frustrated with the virtual tours and meetings. I know, of course, that every college is going to present its best self. But it would be nice if it were honest, too. All the had to say was part of the campus is under construction and show what it really looks like.

If it were me I’d mask up and take the long drive. It’s a schlep and you might not even get a tour but it’s important and it would be a trip you’d never forget. Go eyeball campus and drive through the town and see if she likes it. There’s too much at stake.

[Anonymous]

Read the crime reports. A Tulane student was shot just a couple weeks ago off Audobon right near campus.

The Garden district homes are super-expensive and beautiful but it’s still in a high-crime area.

Anecdata to share: I wasn’t a fan. My relative graduated in 2018 and had a difficult time getting into med school even with 4.0 and high MCAT. I felt uncomfortable with the overt displays of wealth by students who were bubbled on campus but surrounded by lower-income areas. Too much partying from rich NE kids. I didn’t see the RoI. I didn’t see what Tulane’s strengths were and I am cynical of Tulane (and NEU) for the rankings gaming.

It did seem like students who were in Political Economy were very happy and did well. Again, anecdotal. Do visit with your child, they might fall in love with Tulane.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tulane - it was a dump

really?!?! it looks so nice on the website and virtual tours. tell me more.

I agree - they are doing lots of construction, have new dorms and commons/cafeteria and are constructing a new engineering building in the middle of the campus. I think the PP’s comment is either outdated or perhaps a distaste for construction, but the construction in my view is a positive (particularly the investment in engineering).

We visited in 2018, so maybe it has changed. The dorms were extremely small and very old. Just felt the campus in general was old and needed updated. Also, the city of New Orleans is probably the dirtiest city that I have ever visited..

+1
I have never, ever seen the appeal of New Orleans.

I'm the PP whose daughter was accepted by and excited about Tulane (without seeing it). I'm really concerned now. She didn't ED so it's not binding, but she has been going around saying she is sure she will go there based on the virtual tours, meetings, etc. Based on what people are saying, I fear a huge let down. And that means trying to schedule trips to see other colleges. I don't know how we are going to do that given the pandemic. The other three schools she has acceptances to are all over the place.

I think she will love the city itself. She is into lots of woo-woo stuff (she actually helped run an outdoor ghost tour over the summer), loves music, and is adventurous with food. But she also is used to a nice, pretty, well-kept high school campus. It might be a rude awakening.

Having said that, I'm a little frustrated with the virtual tours and meetings. I know, of course, that every college is going to present its best self. But it would be nice if it were honest, too. All the had to say was part of the campus is under construction and show what it really looks like.

If it were me I’d mask up and take the long drive. It’s a schlep and you might not even get a tour but it’s important and it would be a trip you’d never forget. Go eyeball campus and drive through the town and see if she likes it. There’s too much at stake.

Tulane has tours and admitted student programming - in person!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:UMCP's environment is comparable to those of UMBC and Towson. That's not acceptable for a flagship university. These all feel like commuter schools.

UVA, VT and W&M are a step above JMU, GMU and VCU in terms of grounds (although not by much in some cases). That's how it should be.

Pre-Covid, UMD's campus was thriving, with students everywhere. Maybe it feels like a "commuter campus" at the moment, but I can assure you that during normal times, it does not. Same with Towson.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:William and Mary for my daughter, that sample dorm room they show you on the tour.... ugh not homey at all. Was a shame because if they hadn't shown the dorm room it would have climbed to do the top of the list. Loved the campus and the vibe though my daughter noticed not alot of cute boys lol.

Also Georgetown, not that we were going to get in, but we went a few times just to explore and the last time we were there almost stepped on a dead rat in the middle of the walkway. That was enough to scare my son away once he read that rats and roaches are a big problem there. I'm sure that happens everywhere but it was a turnoff lol

So both you and your son applied? If you both got in, was the plan to be roommates?

DP: I went to Princeton for a work trip and stayed in town near the campus. It's absolutely beautiful and the towns people were super sweet! My kids are not ready to apply yet but I want them to go! There's even a Hogwarts Express that leaves on Sunday from DC to Princeton. How cool is that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tulane - it was a dump

really?!?! it looks so nice on the website and virtual tours. tell me more.

I agree - they are doing lots of construction, have new dorms and commons/cafeteria and are constructing a new engineering building in the middle of the campus. I think the PP’s comment is either outdated or perhaps a distaste for construction, but the construction in my view is a positive (particularly the investment in engineering).

We visited in 2018, so maybe it has changed. The dorms were extremely small and very old. Just felt the campus in general was old and needed updated. Also, the city of New Orleans is probably the dirtiest city that I have ever visited..

+1
I have never, ever seen the appeal of New Orleans.

I'm the PP whose daughter was accepted by and excited about Tulane (without seeing it). I'm really concerned now. She didn't ED so it's not binding, but she has been going around saying she is sure she will go there based on the virtual tours, meetings, etc. Based on what people are saying, I fear a huge let down. And that means trying to schedule trips to see other colleges. I don't know how we are going to do that given the pandemic. The other three schools she has acceptances to are all over the place.

I think she will love the city itself. She is into lots of woo-woo stuff (she actually helped run an outdoor ghost tour over the summer), loves music, and is adventurous with food. But she also is used to a nice, pretty, well-kept high school campus. It might be a rude awakening.

Having said that, I'm a little frustrated with the virtual tours and meetings. I know, of course, that every college is going to present its best self. But it would be nice if it were honest, too. All the had to say was part of the campus is under construction and show what it really looks like.

If it were me I’d mask up and take the long drive. It’s a schlep and you might not even get a tour but it’s important and it would be a trip you’d never forget. Go eyeball campus and drive through the town and see if she likes it. There’s too much at stake.

Tulane has tours and admitted student programming - in person!

I"m from New Orleans and went to college there. It's a city that requires a mature student IMO. Tulane's Greek system is strong. New Orleans is hot and dirty. Much of New Orleans is a dump and kids need to understand the safe and unsafe places. The unsafe places are mere blocks way from safe places. I would not want my kids to go there, even Tulane. Never live in New Orleans, only go to visit family.

That said, to the quoted poster whose daughter got it. Go for Spring Break. It's the best weather you're going to get. WHile there, visit the zoo, Audubon Park, City park, walk the French Quarter. Find St ann's st and tell daughter to NEVER CROSS IT unless she's with a large group and knows them all well and none of them are too messed up. Pretty sure she shouldn't go N. of Bourbon st either.

IMO only street smart kids with their eye on the graduation prize should go to college in New Orleans.

[Anonymous]

Villanova - admittedly it was a cold and grey day when we went, but the campus felt really uninviting.

Harvard - we didn't do a tour, and DD wasn't really interested in applying, but we popped over to Cambridge when visiting Boston. It felt like a tourist trap!

Duke - the main, historic part of the campus was beautiful, but it felt a bit too manicured - like a Disney world type place. And the rest of the campus was mediocre.

Surprised by all the William & Mary comments - we had the opposite experience! DD loved W&M even more after the tour.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:UMCP's environment is comparable to those of UMBC and Towson. That's not acceptable for a flagship university. These all feel like commuter schools.

UVA, VT and W&M are a step above JMU, GMU and VCU in terms of grounds (although not by much in some cases). That's how it should be.

But on the flip side, CNU campus may be even with or above any of these.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Villanova - admittedly it was a cold and grey day when we went, but the campus felt really uninviting.

Harvard - we didn't do a tour, and DD wasn't really interested in applying, but we popped over to Cambridge when visiting Boston. It felt like a tourist trap!

Duke - the main, historic part of the campus was beautiful, but it felt a bit too manicured - like a Disney world type place. And the rest of the campus was mediocre.

Surprised by all the William & Mary comments - we had the opposite experience! DD loved W&M even more after the tour.

Definitely appeals to different types of kids... my son hated it but my daughter loved it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Villanova - admittedly it was a cold and grey day when we went, but the campus felt really uninviting.

Harvard - we didn't do a tour, and DD wasn't really interested in applying, but we popped over to Cambridge when visiting Boston. It felt like a tourist trap!

Duke - the main, historic part of the campus was beautiful, but it felt a bit too manicured - like a Disney world type place. And the rest of the campus was mediocre.

Surprised by all the William & Mary comments - we had the opposite experience! DD loved W&M even more after the tour.

Definitely appeals to different types of kids... my son hated it but my daughter loved it!

Agree - I had one hate it and one love it. I felt like the Colonial Williamsburg aspect can be a real turn off for some kids, even though my DS who attends there considers that a non-issue. I had a friend who's DD saw a Thomas Jefferson walking around the town and said "forget it." My nephew from NC got on the cypher postcards indicating likely admission and I am figuring out with my sister the best time to visit to make him love it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The overwhelming majority of posts on this thread is ridiculous. The reasons given by parents and students alike for writing off schools are silly.

I am sorry you are not enjoying this thread - I sure am. I love the multiple takes on different campuses, some of which I have never been to, and am laughing at the funny things kids see or don't see in a visit. Good perspective, all with a grain of salt.