Took DS to CWRU during a Visit Case all day extravaganza. Cleveland museum of art, rock and roll hall of fame, and aquarium were fun visits. Little Italy area is tiny but has some good restaurants. We had panels at Case chosen 8-3. Left at 10 when DS declared he’d never go there. He was unimpressed by AO leading huge talk and also by disorganization. It was also a revisit day for admitted students, so tons of kids, but not enough tour guides so we were in a group of 40+. Couldn’t hear a thing. And then we left. Too bad - I had thought he’d like it.

Anonymous wrote:Would love thoughts from poster who visited UVM.

We toured UVM last September. The tour was one of the most thorough tours we've done (and I think we've done about 15 of them with three kids). The tour started in the Union and focused primarily on the "newer" parts of campus- near Central Campus. The tour was very STEM- focused. Our guide was a chemistry major and she spoke a lot about her classes and personal experiences with the major. It was a longer tour as well- I believe it was an hour and a half. We went through several classroom buildings, the Library, one cafeteria, a dorm room, etc. All of these areas seemed well kept and clean etc. (I know that would seem obvious to have the stops on the tour be clean, but we've had a few experiences at other schools that weren't... I'm looking at you Miami U..)

I didn't realize before touring that the UVM Medical Center Main Campus is literally on campus, which would be great for STEM majors (as well as health care issues).

The day before the tour we also did a sail on the lake with the Whistling Man Schooner Company. I would highly recommend it if you can make it there when it's warm. During trip we ate at Pizzeria Verita, the Daily Planet, and The Farmhouse Tap and Grill and loved all. We also ate creemies which are worth the hype.

My daughter absolutely loved Burlington and everything about UVM. The city is a really beautiful atmosphere filled with shops and tons of great restaurants somewhat close to campus and the views of the lake are pretty amazing. The students seemed nice and friendly as well. The visit put the school at the top of the list. Our only reservations of UVM are the winters, forced triples, and off campus housing shortages.

On a side note- we loved the proximity of the Burlington Airport to the campus. It was only a few miles distance and our daughter felt like she'd be very comfortable taking an uber to the airport and vice versa.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

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Anonymous wrote:Would love thoughts from poster who visited UVM.

My daughter and I both really loved both the campus and Burlington. I went to a smaller school (WFU) and UVM was the first state school campus I’ve ever been on that didn’t feel like a city. I think the enrollment is 13000ish? But don’t quote me on that. The size seemed very manageable and the honors college area was small and well located. And the fact that the Lake Champlain waterfront is walkable was amazing.

My daughter goes to a serious pressure cooker high school and she really loved the relaxed vibe she got on campus at UVM. She said it was refreshing and just seemed like a happy place. It’s not the strongest for her prospective major but she liked it so much that it’s staying on the list regardless.

My DS had the same impression as your daughter. We went on a cold day in January, but the campus was alive. Lots of students out and about who looked happy.

Anonymous wrote:Would love thoughts from poster who visited UVM.

My daughter and I both really loved both the campus and Burlington. I went to a smaller school (WFU) and UVM was the first state school campus I’ve ever been on that didn’t feel like a city. I think the enrollment is 13000ish? But don’t quote me on that. The size seemed very manageable and the honors college area was small and well located. And the fact that the Lake Champlain waterfront is walkable was amazing.

My daughter goes to a serious pressure cooker high school and she really loved the relaxed vibe she got on campus at UVM. She said it was refreshing and just seemed like a happy place. It’s not the strongest for her prospective major but she liked it so much that it’s staying on the list regardless.

Would love thoughts from poster who visited UVM.

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Swarthmore info session - 10/10. Swarthmore campus - 95% construction. It was a bummer.

So funny because it was 95% construction when I was there 30 years ago. Class of ‘97!

We actually thought the info session was kind of all over the place compared to other schools we saw during the same week

I think they vary greatly based on which AO you get. We went to one at Amherst and the poor man couldn’t string two sentences together. It was so odd.

Is the Swat construction still going on? DC was admitted for Fall 2024, and it's a strong contender.

I'd be curious to hear anything about Wesleyan, as well. In many ways, it'd be a great fit for DC. But we won't be able to visit. My thirdhand impressions are that (1) most people like the campus, even if it is a hodgepodge of architectural styles and features a very central football field. (2) I've heard many people describe the campus culture as "vibrant," which I take to mean that many students are passionately doing the things socially. (3) Middletown, while neither a city nor a cute town, pretty much has everything most college students need or want.

My DS graduated from Swarthmore and I haven’t been back since. What are they doing with all the construction?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Swarthmore info session - 10/10. Swarthmore campus - 95% construction. It was a bummer.

So funny because it was 95% construction when I was there 30 years ago. Class of ‘97!

We actually thought the info session was kind of all over the place compared to other schools we saw during the same week

Anonymous wrote:Swarthmore info session - 10/10. Swarthmore campus - 95% construction. It was a bummer.

So funny because it was 95% construction when I was there 30 years ago. Class of ‘97!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Swarthmore info session - 10/10. Swarthmore campus - 95% construction. It was a bummer.

I went to Swarthmore and I think it would be perfect for my younger child (current sophomore) but I'm holding out as long as possible to take them due to the construction. Sounds like campus is a total mess and its beauty is a huge draw. That said - construction is a necessary thing and will lead to positive change, necessary renovation, etc.

+1 it can detract from a short visit but I like to see construction on campus, shows the school is investing in facilities

Anonymous wrote:Swarthmore info session - 10/10. Swarthmore campus - 95% construction. It was a bummer.

I went to Swarthmore and I think it would be perfect for my younger child (current sophomore) but I'm holding out as long as possible to take them due to the construction. Sounds like campus is a total mess and its beauty is a huge draw. That said - construction is a necessary thing and will lead to positive change, necessary renovation, etc.

Vanderbilt was gorgeous in the spring. The dorms were brand new. Superb tour guides.

There is a ton of construction though.

We saw Duke and made it out to the freshman quad. We’re surprised it looked less aesthetically appealing than the rest of campus - eg, window unit air conditioners. It seems unfortunate to be over there when clubs / activities are at west campus, but maybe I’m over thinking it. How is the first year experience for families w students there

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In particular how was Dartmouth and Hanover compared to Swarthmore ? My DC found Swarthmore and the town too quiet - though liked what they heard about the academics

They’re really different in my opinion. Hanover has gotten *very* fancy since I visited when I was in high school. It’s small and all the shops and restaurants are very high end where Swarthmore felt more middle class to me. And its other main facet is its isolation. I loved that swarthmore has Philly just 20 min away by train. Dartmouth is just the Main Street in Hanover and then a very long drive to Boston if you want to get of campus.

DP. I just noted similar observation about the shops in Hanover.

I had a delicious honey coffee with oat milk from a bakery on the main street in Hanover. If my ds goes there, I'll be happy to visit that bakery!

My 11 year old was with us for our tour and tells everyone she wants to go to Dartmouth because of the boba.