"worry about falling behind and not fitting in". That is a valid concern. Definately check out the academic course offerings for Madrid. Will your son be able to take Chem 101/Bio101 or whatever would be typical for his major? The "not fitting in" is also extremely valid concern IMO. He will return to campus knowing only those who were in Madrid. Reality is, unless you are extremely extroverted, it can be challenging to make friends. Both of my kids "core group of college friends" was set within the first 6 weeks. Sure they have many additional friends they have met along the way, but those first 2-6 weeks are key for forming friend groups. Once those groups are formed, it's much harder for a new student to make friends---everyone already has their friend groups and isn't focused on meeting new people, they are focused on academics and college life. Also CWRU Madrid is a realively new thing. It was not a think for class of 2026 when my kid considered Case. So it's fair to ask questions and make sure you are not a guinea pig and will be set to graduate in 4 years still. |
Anyone’s kid going? Looking for someone to connect with prior to the semester. |
PP I am sure that your DC was a very strong candidate for any college but CWRU is well known for doing this. |
CWRU is exceptional for engineering as well. Tough classes though. |
It was extremely competitive that year!! However, CWRU has a yield issue. Majority of kids who apply and also those who end up there it’s not the first choice. They are applying to several “higher ranked schools” and hoping to get in. Those that get in elsewhere often go there. Some years they pull slit from wl ither years yield is good and they don’t. |
They are doing exactly that FYI I’m not the neu basher. The programs are good but op is right to be concerned about fitting in. That can be an issue for any spring start. Most freshman have their friend groups by fall break or at least Dec. those kids are not looking to add to it in Jan, so a jan start lid will have to work harder socially |
We declined the offer. Would have been my kid’s first choice if the offer was a fall admission. |
There are other students there from the same school, and they usually form stronger bond and make friends. So they will already have some friends and connections when they come back in Jan. It all depends on the students. |