We are in Virginia and my DD is interested in. BFA in visual arts. Everyone says VCU is the way to go in state, but we visited JMU’s art school and we were so impressed. Absolutely beautiful, modern facilities with tons of natural light and views of the mountains all around.

It was nice to think if that ends up being her only option, she would be totally happy there.

Visited two small schools in Scranton PA - U of Scranton and Marywood. Knew very little about either, but being recruited at both so went for visits. Totally different schools, both Catholic, with very different vibes, but my kid loved both and felt they’d be happy and successful. Marywood seemed very committed to service and kindness, and has a library we keep talking about. U of Scranton was compact, bustling, and the business program (kids area of interest) was impressive.

I fell in love with Drexel on our kids tour. They did an exceptional job describing why they were unique. Most schools feel like they highlight generic stuff that is true of every school so it felt hard to learn anything real from tours. From curriculum to location to schedule to co-ops, Drexel really understood and communicated where they were uniquely different in a big market.

I have found the process of college visits and applications to be such a joy. Here are my kids thinking about who they are and what they value, and I get to be their sounding board. Plus we always find a great place to have lunch. It’s just all such a gift.

We toured a lot of LACs with DD and they all start to sound the same and tend to convey that you can explore anything here! I like LACs but am realistic that most small schools can't do everything and will naturally be stronger in certain areas but schools so often don't seem to want to say that. I really appreciated our visit to Washington College - they very definitively emphasized their strong programs -- centers of excellence in environmental science, writing, history. Those programs all have unique facilities on campus, focused scholarships, and high school summer programs. DD ended up at another school with a strong ES program but I'd have been happy if she'd ended up at WC.

Love this thread!! Thank you, OP, for starting it.

This is my second (and last) time going through the process. This time around we have been impressed by the effort schools are putting in to convey "why us". We got rich information on tours, discussions with AOs, and even emails from department heads (which I know go to everyone, but they still are thoughtful about conveying what the school has to offer and responsive when my kid emailed back with questions). Where to apply is an important decision and these schools, in particular, really helped my kid weigh their options carefully-- William & Mary, Davidson, Brandeis, Bryn Mawr, University of Vermont, and George Washington University. All very different schools, and not all were applied to based on what we heard, but all were great at providing the details necessary to help my daughter feel more certain in her final decisions.

At uga my son lost his wallet with money, cc and drivers license. A student returned it to his dorm. My daughter lost her car fob at UGA Someone (on staff) went through the parking garage setting off car alarms to figure out which car it belonged to her so they could return it

Good people.

^^^You can just walk in to the law library reading room-it’s always open to the public. They have another law library in the basement that only law students are allowed in. I studied a ton in the law reading room as an undergrad student as the law quad was right across the street from my dorm at South Quad.

The law library at u of Michigan (shown on our undergrad tour) is amazing and perfect in every way.
I may go visit it even though my kid most likely won’t attend.
Anyone have a kid I can borrow to get me in?

Virginia Tech and JMU both have beautiful campuses, are surrounded by wonderful outdoor opportunities and have great student life. Students there are very happy

RIT is known for being ugly, but I thought the insides of the buildings were sleek, modern and very appealing. For a STEM school, they place a great emphasis on the performing arts which creates a very unique atmosphere of creativity and collaboration.

University of Rochester has very strong academics with a nice balance between STEM, pre-med, and humanities. And an open curriculum!! Pretty campus, plenty to do off-campus if you want it, nearby (quick to get through) airport, and happy student body.

All things being equal, everyone wants a warmer, sunnier location. I get it. But if your kid is open to Boston or Chicago, the weather in Rochester really isn’t any different. (It’s not the same as what you see in Buffalo. That’s lake effect snow at a different level!)

Okay something new: UMBC exudes positivity, friendliness, and young can-do energy if you want to major in a STEM field.

What are some positive things you have to say about any college or university? Can be anything that is genuinely positive and/or uplifting.

I'll start: I love American University's campus. My DC doesn't go there but I was so thoroughly impressed by how beautiful it was that I still haven't forgotten it years later.