In Mai Opinion

University of Cincinnati

2009-08-26T22:58:00.001-04:00

University of Cincinnati

Background Information: Since its founding in 1819, the University of Cincinnati “has been the source of many discoveries creating positive change for society, including the oral polio vaccine,” among others. A public research university, located in the large and urban city of Cincinnati, Ohio, UC emphasizes the connection between a world-class education and real-world experience, as evidenced by its co-op program, ranked in the nation’s top five. UC serves a student population of over 37,000 students, making it one of the largest public universities in the state. “Through scholarship, service, partnerships, and leadership, (the University of Cincinnati) creates opportunity, develops educated and engaged citizens, enhances the economy and enriches the University, city, state and global community. (UC website)

Initial Thoughts: Not too much to say in this area. I didn't look into UC during my own college search, and the only thing I knew about it was the fact that it used to be (still is?) a big basketball school -- Bob Huggins, anyone? Of course, my impressions are extremely outdated ... To be honest, I don't know much about UC. It's on my to-visit list because a lot of people who might be reading this will be considering it as an option. Anyway, I don't have anything else to say about my "initial thoughts" of UC ... so let's begin with the tour ...

The Campus

Layout: UC is not divided into quads/greens/anything of that nature. I asked a current UC student (and also tour guide) and he told me that UC is more or less divided into the typical themes that one might associate with a university. There is the "academic area," consisting of academic departments, administrative offices, and also on-campus library; a "residential area" where students to live on campus can mingle with one another in order to form lasting friendships; and lastly, the "fun area," consisting of Main Street, Sigma Sigma Commons, the Rec Center, and also the stadium. These are not isolated areas, but the surrounding buildings within a given area more or less follow a common theme.
Architecture: UC’s campus is a mixture of the old and new. It’s hard to pinpoint the architectural style of the entire campus because there is such a vast array. There is, as I have grown to expect, the old red bricked academic buildings floating around, but there are also very modern looking buildings and many unique sculptures. I don’t know if you can really say that there is a singular theme that unites the entire campus.
With that being said, do not misunderstand and believe that UC looks disjointed. On the contrary, everything seems to flow together to make one very interesting and lovely campus. Check out the photos below to see what I mean!
Scale: UC is definitely a pedestrian campus, and it is possible to cross from one end of the campus to the other end in about 10-15 minutes.
The Student Center: UC's Steger Student Life Center is home to the following resources -- offices of student services (student government, student activities), a computer lab, an in-house Starbucks, the Philip M. Meyers Jr. Memorial Gallery, a computer store, and a Subway sandwich shop.
Student Living: As far as residential living goes, all of the residence halls on campus are co-ed and also substance free. All of the rooms (whether it is community-styled or suite-styled) come equipped with Cable-TV, Internet, a microfridge (microwave and refrigerator), and completely air-conditioned. There are about 8 halls on campus at UC, and all freshmen are required to live in these halls during their freshmen year. One of the best things about UC’s residence halls is the fact that they never fully close --- yes, even during winter breaks!
Notable Attractions: I really liked Sigma Sigma Commons, a large greenspace located near the Rec Center and Business Department Building. Sigma Sigma Commons was built by UC in response to its students' desire for more green space on campus (Trust me, green space is important! The "green space" of a university is home to the stereotypical college activities one sees reenacted in way too many college-related movies; ex: hacky sack, frisbee, catching some rays on a sunny day...). Sigma Sigma Commons is home to the on-campus concert thrown every year, as well as UC's annual student carnival.

Final Conclusions: All in all, I think that UC is a good option for those who want to go to a big and public university without feeling too engulfed by the size. With its many resources, UC has a lot to offer its students, and I hope you will consider it as a possible option in your college list.

Photostream of UC: see the campus in pictures!

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself! Schedule a visit today!

Kenyon College

2009-08-19T17:26:00.004-04:00

Kenyon College
"Valiantly bear the cross"

Background Information: Kenyon is one of the nation's finest liberal arts colleges, a small school where academic excellence goes hand in hand with a strong sense of community.We bring together 1,600 young men and women to study with nearly 200 professors on an exceptionally beautiful hilltop campus in central Ohio. Our curriculum is rooted in the traditional liberal arts and sciences, and enriched by interdisciplinary programs. We set high academic standards and look for talented students who love learning. Small classes, dedicated teachers, and friendly give-and-take set the tone. Kenyon welcomes curiosity, creativity, intellectual ambition, and an openness to new ideas. We see learning as a challenging, deeply rewarding, and profoundly important activity, to be shared in a spirit of collaboration. (Kenyon website)

Initial Thoughts: I am so excited to visit Kenyon. I love going to liberal arts schools, and I have heard nothing but good things about Kenyon, so my interest in the institution is definitely piqued. Based on the pamphlets and literature that I have read regarding Kenyon, I expect to be surrounded by incredible beauty. If not, well, then some schools should take their pointers from Kenyon in how to "sell" their school to prospective students. I'm a sucker for good writing, so it only makes sense that I should fall in love with "the writer's college" and home of the Kenyon Review.

The Campus

Layout: Kenyon is defined by its Middle Path, a long footpath that serves as the heart of campus. Branching away from the Middle Path are the academic buildings, residence halls, and other multipurpose facilities. The Middle Path serves as a meeting place for students and professors, a place to stop for a bit before heading off to their respective destinations. Aside from the Middle Path, another thing to know about Kenyon's layout is the fact that it is incredibly spacious. There are a lot of open spaces, and a lot of walking trails. Bike racks are everywhere on campus, and students use it frequently (according to a friend, you would be lucky to score a space!) because Kenyon is somewhat spread out -- from the rolling hills to downtown Gambier.
Architecture: To put it simply, Kenyon is basically a medieval-looking [summer] camp for incredibly intelligent people. The buildings look very old, and instead of having typical red-bricked buildings, Kenyon has a lot of white bricked antiquated academic buildings. Another thing to know about Kenyon is the fact that Gambier is Kenyon -- it exists for the College -- so it is only fitting that the College itself is dispersed throughout the town. Some of the houses in downtown Kenyon dub as academic departments.
Scale - Kenyon was more spread out than I expected, but I imagine that it shouldn't take much longer than 15-20 minutes to get from one end of the campus to the other. Kenyon is very walkable, designed to make its students and visitors to take notice of the natural surrounding around the College.
The Student Center - Curiously enough, Kenyon does not have a student center. Rather, the resources one would hope to find in a Student Center are found spread throughout the campus. There is no single location for these resources. You can either find these resources "on-campus" or off-campus in Gambier (literally across the street).
Student Living: Most students choose to live on-campus at Kenyon all of their four years. Living “off-campus” and living “on-campus” is basically the same thing when it comes to Kenyon since Gambier exists for the College. The College itself is dispersed throughout the city of Gambier, so much so that they seem almost synonymous with one another. As for residential living, Kenyon is divided up into a northern end and a southern end. According to a current Kenyon student, the North end of campus houses most of the first-year students, and then the more “studious” Kenyonites. The South end of campus, on the other hand, is home to Old Kenyon and the fraternity and sorority hall.
Notable Attractions - I had heard rave reviews about Old Kenyon in my readings, but I didn't find it to be incredibly impressive. Yes, it was lovely and fine, but my favorite sight at Kenyon has to be the waiting room inside of the Admissions Building. I know that's an odd thing to remember, but the room was so beautiful and reminiscent of a study you would find inside a castle. I just found it to be very medieval and very, very lovely. Everything at Kenyon is permeated with literature and higher learning, and as a whole, Kenyon was almost poetic. No, it is not the prettiest campus I have seen this summer, but it certainly leaves an impression. It is very serene, and definitely accomplishes its aim to be a sanctuary upon a hill.

Final Conclusions: I have to be honest and say that I expected Kenyon’s college to be much more than it turned out to be. Based on the pamphlets and literature about Kenyon, I had (unrealistically) high hopes for Kenyon – hopes that fell a little short when I got there. Don’t misunderstand; Kenyon is still a very lovely place. It is very in-tuned with its natural surroundings (lots of trees and open spaces), and geared towards providing a sanctuary upon a hill. I guess if I had to describe Kenyon in one word, it would have to be “scenic” – if you are an outdoorsy person, I think it is safe to say that you will love Kenyon. If you are a lover of big cities, and thrive on a fast paced living environment, you might want to look elsewhere.

The drive up to Kenyon had a lot of narrow roads, and it had been quite a long while since I had been in rural Ohio (Gambier is very close to an Amish settlement). Yes, Kenyon is a bit small and a bit isolated, but it is definitely filled with the best and brightest. Some of these students (and professors!) could have gone to Ivy Leagues but didn’t. You have to wonder why this is, given how sought-after and revered the Ivies are within academic circles.

I must admit that I had to step back and ponder the question myself. Why would they choose Kenyon? After a bit of thinking and reevaluating, I think one of the reasons is because Kenyon is a very genuine and supportive community. It is very harmonious -- the physical surrounding and the school, the school and its students, the students with one another. It seems like Kenyonites are not particularly concerned with labels; rather, they choose to help one another engage in what you should go to college for – to learn as much about the world as you can, to figure out how you can contribute to it, and to leave with the confidence to start answering the “big questions” you asked while in school.

Photostream of Kenyon: see the campus in pictures!

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself! Schedule a visit today!

Xavier University

2009-08-16T22:33:00.002-04:00

Xavier University

Background Information: A private Jesuit Catholic institution founded in 1831, Xavier University “aims to provide all students with a supportive learning environment which offers opportunities for identifying personal needs, setting goals, and developing recreational and aesthetic interests and skills for daily living and leadership. The self-understanding and interpersonal development that result are vital corollaries to a student’s academic development.” Home to about 4,000 undergraduate students, Xavier is considered one of Ohio’s smaller universities located in urban Cincinnati, Ohio and emphasizes the merits of a liberal arts education. The university also stresses the connection between a strong religious life and one’s intellectual pursuits, encouraging students to “find God in all things.” (Xavier website)

Initial Thoughts: Not too much to say in this area -- I knew some people who went to XU, but never put it on my college list because I wanted to get out of Ohio (ironically enough, I only applied to 2 out-of-state schools) and Cincinnati was not far enough away. I know some of you are looking for any college outside of Ohio, and while I understand the need to get away from home, I just have to assure you that college is different from any academic institution that you have experienced because it is truly its own entity. College feels like its own world, connected and distant (I know this is paradoxical) from the rest of reality. But I digress --- most of you won't know what I am talking about until you experience it for yourself. Anyway, I just want to tell you not shy away from any potentially "perfect" school for you because it is based in Ohio. I started this blog because I know that Ohio has a lot to offer -- you just have to be proactive and look around. Enough preaching ... on with the review!

The Campus

Layout: Located on a 160-acre campus, Xavier’s campus is small by most standards, but not necessarily confining. I’m trying to figure out how to describe the campus in one phrase, and the phrase that keeps popping up in my head is “well-kept.” I realize this is quite unhelpful, but I think if you tour Xavier for yourself, you will see what I mean. Xavier’s campus isn’t stunning, it isn’t ugly, but it is a little bland.

For the most part, Xavier can be described by its two "malls" (long stretches of land) and the buildings that branch off from the green space. First, we have Academic Mall, a stretch of land framed by the academic and administrative buildings. At the end of Academic Mall, you will find Residential Mall, which obviously is home to the residence halls on campus. The other buildings (not including the academic/administrative and residence halls) seem to branch off from these "malls," lying adjacent to the buildings already indicated. Since it is situated right next to a road, the buildings curve and straighten in accordance to the road; the campus is a closed campus, so with the exception of a few semi-major road ways, XU is an entity unto itself. I understand that this might be a little confusing, but I think you will see what I am talking about if you look at this map.
Architecture: All of the buildings have a tan coloring to it, and while this isn’t necessarily inspiring, it definitely unites the campus as a whole in terms of layout. As for the buildings themselves, everything looks pretty standard except for Hinkle Hall, which looks like a castle. I'm kind of a sucker for medieval looking buildings, so it always makes me happy to encounter schools that play out my love for fairy tales. Anyway, I think the most "variety" that you will encounter in terms of buildings at Xavier will include Hinkle Hall, the Student Center, the Chapel, and the Cintas Center. Other than that, the buildings aren't particularly noteworthy. They have the standard equipment that you will expect, but nothing particularly mind-blowing.
Scale: XU's campus is pretty small, so I think you shouldn't expect to walk for more than 15 minutes to get from one end to the other. Also, although you are allowed to have a car on campus, most students find that you can survive at Xavier without a car. Most of what you will need will be found on campus. If you are looking for entertainment that XU cannot provide, then be sure to explore the Cincinnati area -- but my tour guide assured me that she rarely used the car that she brought with her.
The Student Center: The Gallagher Student Center is, by its own definition, "the hub of student activities." This facility provides the following resources for its students: pool tables, a food court, a laptop check out counter (laptops for free!), video games, a coffee shop, video store, as well as the bookstore and on-campus theater.
Student Living: At Xavier, about 95% of freshmen and sophomores (first and second years) live in on-campus housing. The reason why I am defining the class years is because juniors and seniors (third and fourth years) are not guaranteed housing on-campus during their final years of school; most of them will choose to move off-campus to nearby housing during their final years of school. As for the first year, here are a few of the options that are available: Brockman Hall (all freshmen, community styled rooms), Coleman Hall (freshmen and sophomores, suite-styled rooms), and Banger Hall (Honors and Athlete residence hall). Xavier does have themed housing available, but they change every year in accordance to the interest of their students.
Notable Attractions: The Cintas Center (basketball arena) is a sight to behold. It's a pretty cool arena, and I am sure it gets packed every winter since XU is a basketball school. As I am sure you are aware, because it is a basketball school, I think you will find that a significant portion of your life at Xavier will involve going to basketball games in the Cintas Center. If you are a lover of basketball, you will love Xavier. If you are not, I think you will find that you will come to love it before you leave XU! But yes, be sure to take a peek into the Cintas Center should you ever feel compelled (and I hope you do!) to visit Xavier.

Final Conclusions: I actually really enjoyed my visit quite a bit. The best thing about Xavier is the people who work there – no, the campus will not take your breath away (though it is still quite charming), but the people more than make up for it. I encountered some of the friendliest people while on my visit to Xavier, and as a person who has talked to many Admissions counselors and tour guides this summer, I can assure you that this is saying a lot. Xavier is definitely a place where everyone knows your name; I think it would be very hard to get lost in the crowd at Xavier, and those who are looking for a faith-oriented, welcoming environment should look into Xavier as a possible option. I think you will like what you will find.

Photostream of Xavier: see the campus in pictures!

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself! Schedule a visit today!

University of Dayton

2009-08-09T16:39:00.002-04:00

University of Dayton

For God and Country: Learn. Lead. Serve.

Background Information: “Challenging minds, shaping the future, embracing faith.” These principles guide life at the University of Dayton, one of the United States’ most prominent Catholic universities and the largest private university in the state of Ohio. Founded in 1850 by the Society of Mary, UD strives to create an environment that fosters education of the “whole person through a community of challenge and support,” as it focuses on students’ preparation for both work and life. The university prides itself in its commitment to service and diversity, as well as its self-proclaimed friendly atmosphere, contributing to its place among the nation’s top-tier institutions. Dayton, Ohio is the university’s home, an urban city of close to 100,000 residents. (UDayton website)

Initial Thoughts: The only thing that I knew about Dayton (and the reason why I didn't apply) is that my high school always sent a good portion of seniors from our graduating classes to UD. I didn't even do research on it because I knew that I didn't want to be at a place known as [my high school]'s West. I imagine this is a big draw for some people -- to go to a place that was not completely unknown, to have a bit of "home" away from home, to have a piece of high school still in tact -- but its very appeal for some was the big turn-off for me.

The Campus

Layout: I always have trouble describing schools that do not have official "separators" (quads, greens, etc), and Dayton just happens to be one of those schools. There are a few areas that have specific names, but as for the rest of campus, I must admit that my attempt to describe the campus layout will be a very feeble one; nevertheless, let us begin. I started my tour at St. Joseph's Courtyard, a place that houses the famous blue dome, St. Joe's Hall (class room buildings), and the Humanities Center. Right next to the Jesse Philips Humanities Center is Humanities Plaza, an open green space where you will see many familiar faces going to and from class. Next, we jump to Central Mall, another open green space that is also home to Kennedy Union (the student center). I really don't know how to describe Dayton's campus in a very descriptive manner since I find it to be kind of random. The dormitories are somewhat close to one another, but they are not isolated into one section of campus. I apologize for this very unhelpful section, and ask you to look at the campus map to see what I mean.
Architecture: The prettiest part of campus has to be St. Joseph's Courtyard, featuring the blue dome and the adjacent St. Joe's Hall. I expected the rest of the buildings to have the same architecture style as these 2 buildings, but was sorely disappointed. The rest of campus all featured red-bricked buildings, but they were not incredibly note-worthy. They looked more standard than stylistically fulfilling.
Scale: Dayton is a very walk-able campus, and since first year students are not allowed cars on-campus, this is quite ideal. According to a former UD student, UD parking rules are quite stringent and something to be desired, anyway. All in all, he estimates that one can get from one corner of the campus to the other in approximately 15-20 minutes.
The Student Center: UD's RecPlex features the following services for its students --- (according to Dayton A-Z) "The RecPlex includes a swimming pool, weight room, aerobic workout room, racquetball courts, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and basketball courts. In addition, the RecPlex holds many classrooms, is home of The Chill, and includes a rock climbing wall on the first floor!"
Student Living: According to University statistics, approximately 90% of the student population chooses to live in either the residence halls or in the student neighborhoods around campus. First year students will live in one of these four residence halls – Founders, Marianist, Stuart, or Marycrest. After the first year, many students will opt to live in student apartments or a house (both located in the student neighborhood owned by UD). According to my tour guide, the residence halls and student neighborhoods are her favorite part of UD; these are the truly “sacred” places where you will meet your life-long friends. UD really prides itself on being an open community to people of all backgrounds.
Notable attractions: I found St. Joseph's Courtyard to be very pretty, and St. Joe's Hall to be one of the most visually appealing buildings on campus. I wish I could say the same about the blue dome, but unfortunately, we were not lead into the famous chapel. I found this to be particularly disappointing, since the dome is the most recognizable feature that UD has to offer.

Final conclusions: I toured the University of Dayton on a very lovely summer day, perhaps seeing Dayton in the most idealistic way possible with the shining sun and bright blue sky. Even on this picturesque day, I found myself a bit disappointed with Dayton’s campus – I saw a lot of potential in it, but for the most part, it fell kind of flat. It’s not that the campus was ugly by any means (there were quite a few pretty parts), but it wasn’t what I would call striking either. I guess a good word to use is the word average. There wasn’t anything incredibly “notable” about Dayton’s campus; even the blue dome was a disappointment because the tour did not lead into the chapel (admittedly, it might have been under construction). I wish I had more to say about Dayton’s campus, but I find myself a bit apathetic about it --- so much so that I am tempted to say that it was "fine." Dayton was "fine" -- it wasn't notable, it wasn't ugly, it wasn't stunning -- it was somewhere in between. It was fine.

Photostream of Dayton: see the campus in pictures!

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself! Schedule a visit today!

The College of Wooster

2009-08-04T17:24:00.003-04:00

The College of Wooster
"Science and religion from one source"

Background Information: Founded in 1866, The College of Wooster is a small and independent liberal arts college, located 55 miles south of Cleveland in the town of Wooster, Ohio. With a student population of just under 2,000 students, Wooster is known for placing a large emphasis on independent learning and study, requiring that all students complete an original, independent research project during their senior year. Wooster also takes pride in its many unique traditions. According to its mission, “Wooster values co-education, diversity in its many forms, a global perspective, and the heritage arising from its origin as a college founded by Presbyterians.” (Wooster website)

Initial Thoughts: I first visited Wooster when I was in the 8th grade; I was participating in a Power of the Pen competition (I was so cool, I know), and the "Finals" were held at the College. I don't remember much about my visit, and if you asked me to describe the campus at this very moment, I would be at a loss for words. Years later (I won't specify the amount of time!), I will be visiting once again -- but this time with open eyes. Based on the information I have gathered from the website, I am under the impression that Wooster is a very inviting place, an encouraging place, a place where "each and every student" (its popular tag line) can find his or her own place.

The Campus
Layout: The College of Wooster is located in Wooster, OH, a small rural town about fifty five miles south of Cleveland, with around 26,000 residents. Although it is situated in what you would call "rural Ohio," Wooster and its College is certainly a true treasure found in ... a vast area of cornfields? The town itself is quite cute, and the College is surprisingly beautiful. The College itself occupies about 240 acres, and is home to amount 39 major buildings. I'm not sure how to describe the "layout" (it's not divided into any distinct "sections" or quads") -- so I guess I will describe the campus in reference to the College Mall. Wooster's College Mall is a long tree-lined strip of land with academic buildings (+ one chapel and performing arts center) on both sides, and culminating at the castle-like Kauke Hall, home to the Humanities classrooms. From the Kauke archways, one then enters into a patch of land called Oak Grove, home to many, many trees and the Art Center (Wooster actually has a special endowment in order to preserve the 1,500 trees currently on campus). Behind the Art Center are the residence halls, and if you were to walk towards Beall Ave, you will find the Physical Education Center, stadium, a few more residence halls, and also the Student Center. I realize this might be a bit confusing, so I have decided to include a link to the campus map ... hopefully this will clear things up!

Architecture: For me, walking onto Wooster's campus was like walking into a fairy tale. With its mostly white or cream-colored buildings, awesome looking "dungeon-like" doors, and remote location -- I have to admit that I was a bit smitten. Oh, and I guess it doesn't help when Kauke Hall looks like a castle! I know what you're thinking -- all of this fanfare seems a bit unnecessary and a little cheesy -- but Wooster pulls it off. Surrounded by many trees (about 1,500) and many lovely buildings, Wooster is a sight to behold. No, it is not haunting in the way that some Ivy League campuses are, but it is incredibly charming, beautiful, and inviting.

Scale: Wooster's campus is not very big, but there is still plenty of green spaces for students to relax outside. I imagine that it would take no more than 10-15 minutes to get from one end of the campus to the other. The distance is very manageable, and because everything is within walking distance, I imagine it wouldn't be too hard to survive without a car here ... unless you feel the need to get away from rural Ohio from time to time (which is a good possibility!).

The Student Center: According to Wooster A-Z, the Lowry Student Center is home to the following services --- snack bar, Java Hut, Wired Scot, dining room, ballroom, lounges, meeting rooms, student government, activities and publications offices, Women’s Resource Center, pool tables, bowling lanes, reading and music listening rooms, postal center, The Florence O. Wilson Bookstore, H. William Taeusch Faculty Lounge, Office Services, and the Hospitality Services Office.

Student Living: As far as campus living goes, Wooster prides itself on having approximately 99% of its students living in on-campus housing. For first year students, the following living options are available: general residence halls, first year centers, first year living and learning experience, science and humanities, women of images, and the international program house. Depending on which house you apply for, you will be with a community of people who share your interests; for an example, if you were to live in the Science and Humanities house, you would be living with “students of all years interested in studying either the humanities or the sciences.” According to the housing brochure, you would be engaging in “community activities including fireside chats with visiting scholars, panel discussions, musical and dramatic performances by residents, and dinners with faculty members.”

Notable Attractions: I loved Kauke Hall. Loved it. The interior and exterior were both lovely, and I enjoyed imagining going to class in a castle. One of the quirkiest things I learned on my visit to Wooster was the age-old tradition concerning the Kauke Hall archway. Apparently in the winter, Wooster students will fill the arch with snow, thereby blocking the main doors, in the hopes that classes will be canceled for the day. While it has never been successful, this age-old hope springs eternal in the hearts of the students at Wooster and the tradition lives on.
Final Conclusions: As you can probably tell, I really loved my visit to Wooster. Everyone was so friendly, unpretentious, and incredibly helpful. The campus itself is not what I would call stunning, but still incredibly beautiful and vibrant. I think a good word to use to describe Wooster is the word genuine. I get the impression that people don’t come to Wooster in order to have something to brag about when asked about their education; rather, I think people come (as they should) to this small college in rural Ohio in order to engage in life long learning. What a wonderful combination it must be to have a college devoted to helping “each and every student” follow their own personal honors program, and a student population interested in cultivating their intellectual abilities.

Photostream of Wooster: view the campus in pictures!

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself! Schedule a visit today!

Denison University

2009-07-31T16:07:00.004-04:00

Denison University

Background Information:

Founded in 1831, Denison is one of the earliest colleges to be established in the old “Northwest Territory,” west of the Allegheny Mountains and north of the Ohio River. Independent, residential, liberal arts and sciences. Granville, Ohio; 27 miles east of Columbus, the state capital.

"Our purpose is to inspire and educate our students to become autonomous thinkers, discerning moral agents and active citizens of a democratic society. Through an emphasis on active learning, we engage students in the liberal arts, which fosters self-determination and demonstrates the transformative power of education. We envision our students' lives as based upon rational choice, a firm belief in human dignity and compassion unlimited by cultural, racial, sexual, religious or economic barriers, and directed toward an engagement with the central issues of our time." (Denison website)

Initial Thoughts:

The thing that jumped out the most to me while I was researching Denison was that it did not seek to educate 4-year graduates, but rather, cultivate life-long learners. In fact, according to its "Core Values and Mission" page, a distinctively Denisonian education is not "just for a living" but for a life. Denisonians are challenged to be "curious, resourceful, and reflective" and use that curosity, resourcefulness, and intelligence to become contributing members of society. Denison's commitment to the growth of their undergraduates is sort of extraordinary -- so much so that Denison has refused to add a graduate program, opting instead to solely using its resources toward the betterment of their undergraduates. Denison's closed campus suggests that they want their students to learn from each other, without the influence of the attaching community's (Granville) politics. I'm not trying to attack Denison (since I too go to a school with a private campus), but I've always wondered if it's particularly helpful for students to be "closed off" from the world within their 4 years, and then asked to rejoin it and become participating members of it after graduation.

Notable features: virtual campus tour, Denison in Motion

The Campus

Layout: The first thing that you should know about Denison is that it is located "on the hill" -- and very separated from the surrounding town of Granville. The drive up to Denison is marked by a gate surrounded by a lot of trees, which adds to the feeling of entering the "Denison Bubble" and leaving the outside world. Denison is organized into quadrangles (quads) -- North, South ("Lower Campus"), East, West, and Academic. Academic Quad is in the middle of campus, and as its name suggests, home to the academic buildings (as well as the Student Union). North Quad is home to the alcohol/susbstance free halls such as the honors dorm and also the community-service oriented dorm; it features the old fraternity houses that have been renovated to become student housing facilities. South Quad is for the more artistically inclined, housing the art building, cinema building, dance building, as well as the theater. Coincidentally, South Quad is most commonly referred to as the "Arts Quad" in the Denisonian vernacular. Aside from the multiple art buildings, South Quad also has a couple dorms for sophomores and juniors. West Quad is home to the freshmen/sophomore dorms, while East Quad houses the upperclassment; both of the dining halls are located on each respective Quad.
Architecture: Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (the man who designed the campuses for Stanford and Wellesley, and also Central Park in NYC), Denison is designed to look like the classic college campus -- what you would think of if you had to define "college campus" in mind's eye. Denison is mostly red-bricked (with the exception of a couple administrative buildings), and quite beautiful in a very typical kind of way. Settled in Granville, OH, I get the impression that Denison is the founder's way of paying homage to the east coast by bringing a typical east coast town/college to the Midwest.
Scale: Everything at Denison is within walking distance (even the local grocery store). Crossing from one end of the campus to the other (East to West) is no more than a 20 minute walk. To get from Academic Quad to East Quad, one need not walk any longer than 10 minutes. It is possible to survive at Denison without a car since student life is located on campus rather than in Granville.
The Student Center: Slaytor Student Union is home to the following services for the typical Denison student --- the campus bookstore, fast food eateries (Pizza Hut and Taco Bell), the mail center, an auditorium for lectures and movies, student activity offices, lounges to hang out in, and also The Roost (restaurant, dance floor, stage for musicians, pool tables).
Student Living: Denison is definitely a residential campus, meaning that most of the student population (around 2,100 undergrads) choose to live on campus. There are a little bit over 30 halls/living communities on campus. As stated above, East Quad is home to the upperclassmen; West Quad has the freshmen and sophomores; South Quad, a few sophomores and juniors; and North Quad, the honors and community service oriented students. Aside from the typical dormitory, Denison also has two single sex dormitories, and about 16 fraternities and sororities. A good portion of the student population is "Greek" (around 35-40%), and while it does not dominate the social scene, Greek life does play a major role in the life of the Denison community.
Notable Atttractions: Aside from the lovely Swasey Chapel, I also found the Campus Commons to be a nice sight --- quite perfect for lounging and hanging out with friends outside. For a better picture of the campus commons, please click here.

Final Conclusions: Overall, my visit to Denison was a nice one. Like I said before, Denison is lovely in a very classic and typical kind of way --- with its historic looking buildings and red-bricked campus, I feel like Denison's campus is of the type that college movies try to model its campus after. I think the best way to describe Denison is an east coast college located in small-town Ohio. Along with having great colleges/universities, I think the east coast is usually associated with "high class snobbery" -- and I don't know how, but for me, that "better than thou" feeling was somehow transferred into Denison and its campus. I think that was the most disappointing thing about my visit -- I didn't feel welcomed. Denison prides itself on having a very tight knit community of scholars who are educated by those who are top of their field -- which I do believe to be true -- but I think a negative in having such a "tight knit community" is that it is catered to a "type" and if you do not meet certain criteria, you might find yourself isolated from said community. So in conclusion --- is Denison's campus beautiful? Of course. Does it have exceptional academic programs? Yes, indeed it does. Is it for everyone? No. Not at all.

Photostream of Denison: view the campus in pictures!

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself! Schedule a visit today!

Bowling Green State University

2009-07-27T00:16:00.002-04:00

Bowling Green State University

Background Information: Located only 23 miles south of Toledo, Bowling Green State University is a public institution that is nationally prominent for its ability to prepare students for careers in the fields of education and business. While BGSU’s main campus resides in Bowling Green, Ohio, a town with a population of about 30,000 people, the University also maintains a two-year college option at its Firelands campus, in Huron, Ohio. Founded in 1910, with a vision to serve as an environment that is rooted in “intellectual discovery and guided by rational discourse and civility,” BGSU believes that “wisdom, sound judgment, tolerance and respect for other persons, cultures and ideas are the hallmarks of an educated person and the characteristics that the University hopes to develop in its students.” (BGSU website)

Initial Thoughts:

I don't really know what to say about BGSU other than that I've never been impressed with it. Starting from my own college search (which took place a couple of years ago) and until now, I've never found BGSU to be anything special. I know that's a bit harsh, but all of my encounters with BGSU have involved people telling me how much they did not enjoy their experiences at the institution, and have consequently decided to transfer "back" to OSU. I think the reason why I've never had much regard for BGSU is because I've always been one to "dismiss" party schools --- not that there is anything wrong with them, but for me, I've never wanted to be in an environment where one feels obligated to participate in such activities because there is "nothing else to do." I realize that this is not the best mindset to have going into a review, but I am hoping that BGSU will change my mind for the better -- and I certainly look forward to it.

Notable features: virtual tour --- but I have to say that I find this virtual tour to be unhelpful since there weren't enough pictures of the physical campus itself. Oh, and although I cannot link this, I thought the BGSYou video was a nice addition to the website. Please check the university's website in order to view the video.

The Campus

Layout - BGSU's campus is basically one big rectangle. Inside this rectangular shaped campus, BGSU is composed of a few distinct sections such as Fraternity Row (home to the Greek organizations), Central Campus (academic buildings), Old Campus (historic buildings, administrative offices, academic buildings), just to name a few. Unlike other Universities, BGSU does not divide itself into quadrangles, and its campus layout is a bit random. According to a current BGSU student, current students refer to the different locations on campus as either North, South, East, or West. She also acknowledged the confusing nature of BGSU's campus, citing that it's not very "visitor-friendly."
Architecture - I think my biggest complaint about BGSU is the fact that it just looks very plain. All of the buildings are the same color, and while this usually adds to a cohesive feel, BGSU's students look so similar that it's hard to distinguish between one from the other. I have to admit that I had a horrible time trying to caption the campus photos because they all looked so much alike! The architecture of the buildings itself is nothing noteworthy -- it just looks very standard without much "flair" in its style.
Scale - Aside from the football stadium, everything at BGSU is within a 10 to 15 minute walk. It is definitely a residential campus (there are those safety Blue Lights everywhere), and students feel generally safe walking from one end to the other. Of course, no matter how safe a campus is, it's always good to be mindful of one's surroundings and of the time of day.
The Student Center - BGSU's Bowen-Thompson Student Union is home to the following services: a food court, Starbucks, Wendy's, The Black Swamp Pub, Campus Bookstore, a convenience store, on-campus post office, a movie theater, student lounges and meeting spaces, and a few computer labs.
Student Living - As far as living on campus goes, I was informed that most students do choose to live on campus at BGSU since there is a 2-year campus living requirement that all incoming freshmen are required to sign. BGSU is home to around 17 residence facilities, housing around 7,000 students annually. In terms of campus living, there are a few options to choose from, provided that you are willing to pay a little extra. For an example, in addition to the 17 residence halls, BGSU students can either live in houses with their Greek organizations, in off campus apartments, or in residential learning and theme communities. Each Living Community serves a different purpose; for an example, the Arts Village is typically home to those who are trying to become more in-tuned with their creative side, citing that it is the Village’s mission to “explore all aspects of the arts and sharing views with one another and faculty of various disciplines.”
Notable Attractions - I have to say that my favorite thing about BGSU is its Thinker sculpture. Rising from the ground grass of Olscamp Hall, the Thinker statue is a quirky addition to an otherwise uninspiring looking campus. Check out the photo here. I can honestly say that it put a smile on my face when I saw it since it just seemed so random and out of place!

Final Conclusions: As you can probably tell, I am not particularly fond of BGSU's campus. I didn't think it was aesthetically appealing in any sense, just plain and a bit boring to look at. I know this sounds very harsh, but I think a college campus should be a place that inspires you to learn. For me, I didn't see anything awe-inspiring about BGSU's campus. I found it to be very disappointing.

The reason why I am being so hard on BGSU is because I have high expectations for every college campus. After all, aside from being the host of numerous parties and fun excursions, college campuses should ignite in you a desire to attain the higher education that you seek. I think everyone should have that awestruck feeling at least once at their respective institutions; the moment when you gaze upon a building/sculpture/etc on your own campus with such reverence, knowing that the great alums who came before you stood at the very spot you are standing (as awestruck as you are) and had "the next great idea." I know this sounds very romanticized and a bit unrealistic, but I think you understand my point. I think whatever college that you may decide on should inspire you in every sense of the word -- in the classroom and outside of it (literally). Now, I know what you may be thinking ... looks aren't everything. You're right. They're not. However, I think that the moment someone falls in love with a school, they are falling first for the campus itself (and then the rest after that) --- so yes, looks are not everything ... but they do matter.

Photostream of BGSU: view the campus in pictures!

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself! Schedule a visit today!

University of Toledo

2009-07-20T21:18:00.001-04:00

University of Toledo
"Guide to the Present, Moulder of the Future"

Background Information: The University of Toledo is one of 13 state universities in Ohio. We were established in 1872 and became a member of the state university system in 1967 in order to improve the human condition, advance knowledge through excellence in learning, discovery and engagement, and to serve as a diverse, student-centered public metropolitan research university. The University of Toledo is a transformative force for the world. As such, the University will become a thriving student-centered, community-engaged, comprehensive research university known for its strong liberal arts core and multiple nationally ranked professional colleges, and distinguished by exceptional strength in science and technology. (UT website)

Initial Thoughts: I don't really know much about UT. Not a lot of people from my high school graduating class went to UT -- actually, the only thing I knew about it before I began my research was that UT usually signed a couple students from my highschool to play for them collegiately. After researching the school, however, I have developed a few more opinions about the University of Toledo -- specifically pertaining to campus aesthetics (which is the focus of this blog). Based on the aerial view (the only view available in the ViewBook), UT should be quite lovely and very gray (I always get excited for campuses that are not red-bricked nowadays...). The one building that stuck out to me when I was looking at the school was the emblematic image of University Hall --- the tall building that UT always pastes on anything it sends out to prospective students. University Hall looks very grand, very gothic, very beautiful .... and I hope that it does not disappoint when I make my visit.

Notable website features: virtual campus tour

Lacking: some of the links do not work on the International Student portion of UT's website

The Campus

Layout: UT's main campus is more than 450 acres in size, but there is no singular way that UT separates its campus. Unlike schools that separate its campus into quadrangles (quads), UT's campus is more defined by different landmarks within certain sections. For an example of the "random" layout of UT's campus, the visitor's center is located across the street from a few residence halls, which is adjancent to fully functional rail road tracks. According to a current student at UT, "the most annoying thing about UT" is the fact that trains run on those tracks, causing delay for students going to and from class.
Architecture: I'm hesitant to say whether I believe Toledo's campus to be "beautiful" -- certainly, there are striking landmarks on campus --- but striking and beautiful are two very different words. UT's campus is a mixed bag -- there are elements of the fantastic and the mundane. Most of the buildings at UT are composed of either a light gray or very light peach colored bricks, and for the most part, they look pretty standard. The only building that stuck out in my mind was University Hall --- you know, the building UT pastes on everything they send out to prospective students! University Hall in real life was quite a sight -- such classic, gothic architecture -- and I really loved it. Apparently every afternoon at 5pm, the bells of UHall ring the UT fight song. I would have liked to have seen UHall up close, unfortunately, my tour guide did not get closer to the building. Needless to say, I was quite disappointed since UHall was the landmark that I wanted to see the most at UT.
Scale: University of Toledo is, what I would call, a "good" size --- it's not too big, not too small -- just somewhere in the middle. According to a friend who currently attends the University, UT is a place where you will see a lot of familiar faces while walking to and from class, but you can still meet new people every day. It's definitely not a place where everyone knows your name, but you still won't be a number either. In terms of walking around UT --- everything that you need is within walking distance. According to my friend's estimation, the most you would have to walk to get from one end of campus to the other is about 20 minutes (assuming you are on main campus). If you need to get from Main Campus to the other 2 campuses -- Health Science Campus, Scott Park Campus --- then the university does provide shuttles for its students.
The Student Union: UT's student union is basically one big multi-purpose facility, housing classrooms, food court/cafeteria, coffee place, lounges, a credit union, the bookstore, and lounges for students to come hang out in. It's a typical student union. For more information about it, please click here.
Student Living: As far as campus living goes, Toledo offers housing on a first-come, first served basis (but those in the Honors program get priority over regular students). You can request to live in a specific residence hall, and the Office of Residential Life will try to be accommodating … provided that there is still enough space. I think the best thing to do once you have decided to enroll at UT is to get your housing application in as fast as you can! There are about 10 different residence halls to choose from, and all are co-ed living facilities. Depending on where you live is a determining factor on how the term "co-ed" is applied --- for an example, it is possible to live in a dorm that has all-male room with female neighbors right next door, or it is also possible to live in a dorm that separates male and female by floor. Wherever you live, however, it is worthwhile to note that UT has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to the consumption of drugs and alcohol inside the residence halls. This meaning that the party scene for the typical UT student is usually found off-campus. Aside from the typical residence hall, UT has also designated a place called McComas Village for Greek organizations.
Notable attractions: University Hall. I think I've talked a lot about UHall in my earlier rantings, so I will refrain from doing so here! Aside from UHall, I also found Centennial Mall to be quite lovely. Centennial Mall is a stretch of green space spanning from UHall to the Student Center.

Final Conclusions: Overall, I thought Toledo had an above average looking campus --- nothing to rave about, but nothing to flame either. There was nothing at Toledo that I fell in love with, but UHall and Cetennial Mall were definitely beautiful features on a mostly average looking campus. I don't want to bad mouth UT, but I think it was a bit unmemorable. If I were a junior/senior in high school who was going on a lot of these trips, I think my visit at UT would probably be the one with blurry details, making it hard to distinguish it from other schools. Of course, these are just my opinions. I urge you to find out for yourself.

Photostream of UT: see the campus in pictures!

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself! Schedule a visit today!

Ohio University

2009-07-12T17:36:00.007-04:00

Ohio University
Religion, Learning, Civility; Above All, Virtue

Background Information: Established in 1804, Ohio University is the oldest public institution of higher learning in the state of Ohio and the first in the Northwest Territory. Admission to Ohio University is granted to the best-qualified applicants as determined by a selective admission policy. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University is a place where you live, learn and grow. Students come to OHIO for an excellent education. And that's only the beginning. Here they become scholars, leaders, researchers, and engaged citizens. They study abroad, volunteer, and form friendships that last a lifetime. (OU website)

Initial Thoughts: Honestly, the only thing I knew about before I researched Ohio University is that it was widely known to be a "party school" at my high school, and in particular, its "Halloween" celebrations. After looking at the website, however, I became much more familiar with the "promise" that OU offers to its students --- the promise to help its students grow to their fullest potential. Based on this information, I would expect OU to have a campus that will allow its students to be both comfortable and challenged at the same time. I have a few reservations about such expectations, however, since OU is located out in the middle of nowhere....

Notable website features: virtual campus tour, Voices of Promise video

The Campus

Layout: OU is divided up into "Greens" -- College, North, South, East, West --- and incoming freshmen come to love whatever "Green" they are put in, regardless of what Green it might be. This camaraderie is heightened by the fact that all freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus in either all-freshmen dorms or mixed-level dormitories. Being a state-sponsored institution, OU is quite large, boasting about 1,800 acres in size in the classic college town of Athens, Ohio. In fact, it’s easy to see that the city of Athens exists for Ohio University and its students; Uptown Athens features a few university owned buildings, and also an assortment of cute eateries for the students of OU. In terms of the actual campus layout, I have to say that OU is situated in one of the loveliest parts of Ohio. My tour guide told me that OU basically built on one big hill – so for those who fear the flatness of the buckeye state, rest assured that I have found a place that features something than flat land! Those who live in Ohio can surely understand my excitement at such a revelation!

Architecture: OU's brochure tells me that the proper term for OU's architecture style is "Georgian" -- and you can click here for an explanation of what that entails --- and the residence halls/academic buildings definitely lend itself to such an explanation. I really can't comment on this subject, but I can tell you that what really struck me about OU is its diverse landscape and subtle homage to Greek themes. Like stated before, OU is located in a part of Ohio that has beautiful rolling hills (instead of just corn fields!), making some parts of OU to be either a climb up or a "roll down." It's quite unlike anything I've encountered thus far in my travels, and I must admit that I hold OU's campus in high affection. I didn't think I'd like it so much, but its white columns and ivy growing on buildings really got to me.

Scale: The only bad part about my tour was the fact that I think I only saw 1/3 of the entire 1,800 acre campus (and understandably so). However, I must say that what I did see, I really enjoyed. In terms of scale, be mindful that OU is a public institution, which naturally requires it to be much bigger than the previous colleges I have reviewed. Despite the fact that OU is on a much larger scale than the aforementioned institutions, it still felt “small enough” to me --- meaning that despite the fact that it is “big,” I don’t run the risk of being lost in the “shuffle.” I think this is a great feeling to come away with because it soothes the fear that most people have regarding public universities.

The Student Center: I absolutely loved Baker University Center. I think it has to be the grandest student center s I have seen thus far, and definitely the most memorable. Baker University Center looks to be somewhere in between a hotel and a mall. It does not feel very “homey,” but it is definitely a sight to behold. It has 5 floors, and each floor serves a specific function. For information about what is located on each floor, please click here.

Student Living: OU’s housing is divided up into “Greens” (North, South, East, and West), and these Greens do a lot to foster community life. Students usually love and become extremely loyal to whatever Green they might be assigned to. This love is facilitated by the university’s requirement that all first and second year students live in the residence halls on campus. Most of the residence halls are co-ed, but OU does have a couple non-traditional residence halls that cater to the specific needs of its students like the all-women’s residence hall and one that is substance free. Furthermore, parties are technically not allowed to be thrown in residence halls in order to promote a more studious and comfortable environment. In terms of safety, one must acknowledge that OU is a large university (definitely not as big as OSU, but it’s still a good size), and I was told that a “buddy system” is highly recommended. After all, Athens is a college town --- not just strictly a “small town” --- and crime does occur, even though there is campus security and the local police force.

Notable Attractions: The thing that I enjoyed the most about OU is its homage to Grecian themes – which is incredibly fitting since it is situated in Athens. Aside from that, I loved the diversity in landscape at OU – flat land and rolling hills were mixed together to form the beauty that is Ohio University – and as a person who goes to an institution whose campus is incredibly flat, I found this to be a breath of fresh air. Anyway, sorry to get ahead of myself and bogging you down with vague descriptions. I guess I really should narrow it down to one singular thing --- and that thing has to be the Class Gateway on College Green. It is located just before the start of Uptown Athens. Coming in from the “gates,” the inscription reads “So enter that daily thou mayest grow in knowledge, wisdom, and love.” When you depart from OU, these are the words that bade you farewell, “So depart that daily thou mayest better serve thy fellowmen, thy country, and thy God.”

Final Conclusions: I was pleasantly surprised by OU. I didn’t know what to think of it because it’s always been so infamously referred to as strictly a “party school” --- and whether or not this is true, I have no grounds to say --- all I can tell you is that I really, really liked the campus. I thought it was beautiful in such a classic kind of way. Athens is definitely a college town, and I found myself wishing that my university was situated in such a setting. It’s definitely picturesque. In fact, I think that might be the best way to describe OU – picturesque – with its rolling hills, vast amount of greenery (so many trees!), and old buildings. I urge you to visit OU – if only to experience something than utter flatness! – I think you will be surprised with what you might find.

Photostream of OU: see the campus in pictures!

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself. Schedule a visit today!

Ohio Wesleyan University

2009-07-10T15:48:00.002-04:00

Ohio Wesleyan University

"In Your Light We Shall See the Light"

Background Information: Chartered in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan is a highly selective, coeducational, residential, privately supported liberal arts college located 20 minutes north of Columbus in Delaware, Ohio, a vibrant community of 31,000 and seat of one of the fastest-growing counties in the country. OWU's charter provides that “the University is forever to be conducted on the most liberal principles, accessible to all religious denominations, and designed for the benefit of our citizens in general.” In the spirit of its heritage, the University defines itself as a community of teachers and students devoted to the free pursuit of truth. It develops, in its students, qualities of intellect and character that will be useful no matter what they choose to do in later life. (OWU website)

Initial thoughts: According to the school's website, OWU is a place where you will get a rigorous liberal arts education, develop personal relationships with your professors, and be apart that of a community that is both small in size but still large enough to offer a lot of opportunities. Given that these statements are accurate, I would expect OWU's campus to be a place that is able to foster a passion for learning, comfortable enough to let students interact with one another, and perhaps good relations with the surrounding town so that its students can reap the benefits of what Delaware has to offer.

Notable website features: A where to? section (suggestions on where to eat and what to do), photo gallery, and an interactive tour map, 360 degree campus tour, and other virtual tour options!

The Campus

Layout: OWU’s campus is very interesting because it is basically divided up into 3 sections, and each section is separated by crossing a major street. My tour started on the Academic/Administrative end of campus, a section composed of the academic buildings, office of admissions, and other administrative offices. This end was, without a doubt, the prettiest section of campus for me. The next section of campus is what I would call the Student Services/other half of the Academic Section since it is composed of the Beeghly Library, Student Center, and various academic department buildings/performing arts hall. The last section of campus is specifically for student housing, featuring various residence halls and SLUs (Small Living Units) -- the most interesting living arrangment at OWU.

Architecture: Unlike the schools that I have visited thus far, OWU is not all red-bricked; rather, it is an assortment of styles. The first third of campus has both classic (Gray Chapel) and modern themes (the Science building), and the second third of campus is the same way. I don't know how I feel about such an assortment since I'm used to/prefer the singular theme, but it does allow OWU to stick out a bit in my mind. My only complaint with OWU is the fact that the student housing/SLUs could have been better kept. The aesthetic quality of some of the SLUs leave a little something to be desired -- no matter how interesting the concept behind their existence is.

Scale: As a school that caters to just over 2000 undergraduates , OWU is definitely not what I would call "big" -- but it's not incredibly tiny either. Everything (including downtown Delaware) is within walking distance, and my tour guide even told me that a car is a bit unnecessary. Instead of cars, OWU students perfer bikes to help them get around campus. Honestly, though, you really can walk to whatever service you might be looking for at OWU -- I think it's safe to estimate a 10-15 minute walk to get from one end of the campus to the other.

The Student Center: The Hamilton-Williams Campus Center at OWU offers the following services to its students -- a chapel, mail room, the campus bookstore, a food court, several lounges, offices for student activities, the career center, and also the office of residential life. From the description gathered from OWU's website, it appears as if there is no convenience mart at OWU; however, since downtown Delaware is but a 5 minute walk away, this shouldn't be too much of an inconvenience.

Student Living: In terms of housing, OWU students have quite a few options. They can either live off-campus in Delaware (a rare choice since most students choose to reside on campus), in a sorority/fraternity house, in a residence hall, or in a Small Living Unit (SLU). All students are required to live on campus in a residence hall during their first year, and all of the halls are co-ed by floor with the exception of Hayes Hall, which only houses women. One of the most convenient features of OWU’s residence halls is that it does stay open during breaks for those students who might not be able to travel home.

There’s not much else to say about the residence halls at OWU – they looked pretty standard and definitely not note worthy. The most interesting part of my tour of OWU’s housing options occurred at the Small Living Units (SLU). Although the outside of some of the SLUs left a little something to be desired (I thought they could have been better maintained by the university), the idea behind SLUs is very interesting. SLUs are basically themed houses on campus, and depending on which house you choose to apply for, you are required to adhere to the interesting rules behind each house. For an example, if you were to live in the Modern Foreign Language House, you would be asked not to speak English while in the house. Other current SLUs include the House of Black Culture, Creative Arts House, Inter-Faith House, International House, Modern Foreign Language House, Peace and Justice House, House of Thought, Tree House, and the Women’s House (all women).

Notable Attractions: My favorite building at OWU is the Admissions Building; I think it's so lovely and the Admissions counselor were also very helpful while I was conducting my tour. The best part of the Admissions building has to be the upstairs Reading Room. Slocum Hall's Reading Room is a memorable sight with its stained glass ceilings and many windows. My only complaint with the room is that there was no air conditioning in it, and the day that I visited proved to be a very muggy one!

Final Conclusions: Well, I must admit that I have had some experience with OWU; I attended a science camp that OWU hosted during the summer of my Junior year in high school. I wish that I could say that it was a pleasant experience, but it really wasn't and I was left with a figurative "bad taste in my mouth." Since then, I have not looked too kindly on anything associated with OWU -- which I realize is quite unfair because I was not looking at OWU from an undergraduate point of view. Now that I have had time to reevaulate, I can truthfully say that OWU isn't the horror that I used to associate it with. On the contrary, I think it has a lot to offer its strictly undergraduate population in terms of opportunities and also in diversity --- OWU is actually the most diverse bachelor seeking university in the state of Ohio, a fact that surprised me a great deal. Would I say that OWU was a memorable visit? No, not in terms of aesthetics --- I thought the campus was very practical in its set up, but as a fan of a uniformed looking campus, I wasn't that impressed by it. However, I think it's worthwhile to note that I am merely nit-picking. I think that OWU does have a lot to offer, and I ask that you give it a chance.

Photostream of OWU: See the campus in pictures!

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself! Schedule a visit today!

Capital University

2009-06-25T21:40:00.005-04:00

Capital University

Background Information: Since its founding in 1830 by the Lutheran Church, Capital has earned a reputation for academic excellence ... a reputation for being one of the top colleges and universities in the country. Data gathered recently by the Lutheran Educational Council of North America shows that Capital and its sister church institutions deliver a quality, personalized and affordable education better than what you can get at many flagship public schools. By drawing on its Lutheran heritage, Capital provides an environment that emphasizes strong values and ethics and prepares graduates for lives of giving back to the communities in which they live and work. (Capital website)

Initial Thoughts: At Capital, we are asked “Will You?” Will we ask big questions, think up new ventures, and lead others towards the future. Capital seeks to create leaders, professionals, people who are committed to their future and what it may hold. I wonder how this commitment will translate to the design of the campus and what it holds for students.

Notable site features: a virtual tour (campus in pictures), Will You? video (click on the bolded links to view it!)

Lacking: Appropriate links -- some of the links on the website do not work and takes you to an error page.

The Campus

Layout: Capital’s campus is about 50 acres in size, but there is a lot to see within these 50 acres. Capital is home to 6 residence halls, 2 on-campus apartments, 9 academic buildings, and a handful of others serving various purposes. It is surrounded by Bexley, OH which is an affluent suburb that is located minutes away from downtown Columbus. There are quite a few cute shops located in Bexley that caters especially to “Cap students,” and even a small movie theater that is just across the street from the campus gates. University and community relations appear to be quite good since Bexley residents have been known to frequent Capital’s stadium grounds and even the school’s work out facility.
Architecture: Every building at Capital is red-bricked and appears to follow the same style of architecture. In terms of aesthetics, Capital’s campus isn’t one that I would rave about, nor is it one I would look unkindly on either. If I had to describe Capital’s campus in one word, I would have to use the word “professional” – which is well suited for the many of its pre-professional major students. Capital’s campus looks very structured and uniform. The drawback of the uniformity of its architectural style makes it’s a bit confusing for first year students to distinguish them at first, but rest assured, Capital’s campus is quite small. Its small size will allow you to learn the campus layout relatively quickly.
Scale: You can go from one end of Capital’s campus to the other end in a 5 minute walk. This makes it very convenient for those who want to sleep a bit longer and still make it to class on time – a luxury, I assure you! My tour guide was also quite enthusiastic about this perk, and I would have to agree. Aside from having the residence halls and academic buildings, the grocery stores are also just down the street from the campus.
The Student Center: Capital’s Campus Center is home to the following: two dining halls with a variety of choices, the Cabaret Theater, a multi-purpose room, a student affairs office, the campus bookstore, and the career services office. The Campus Center has many places for students to lounge and hang out in; in fact, in the lower level of the Campus Center is the Rec Center, where you can watch shows on the big screen TV, play air hockey and billiards, and even bowl a few games.
Student Living: Capital has 5 co-ed residence halls and 2 on-campus apartments. The dorms themselves are pretty standard and are co-ed, separated by floors. Students can be paired up with their room mates in two ways – either they can take a survey and wait for the office of residence life to pair them up, or meet and “connect” with someone during orientation. Most students actually choose to live on campus because it’s much more convenient.
Notable Attractions: One of the most interesting things I saw during my visit at Capital was a piece of the Berlin Wall inside the library. It was such an incredible sight, and definitely a must see if you’re ever on Capital’s campus. Aside from the Berlin Wall relic, Capital also has a space outside of a academic building called an “outdoor classroom.” What the outdoor classroom basically is is a space encircled by benches that professors can use to conduct class. Many professors choose to use this space in order to get out of the monotony of the classroom.

Final Conclusions: Overall, I had a really positive experience at Capital. My tour guide was very nice and helpful, and I felt incredibly welcomed during my visit. With the vibe that I received from Capital’s campus, I think those who are looking for a welcoming place to start their professional and corporate careers would find a great home there. The architecture is not stunning, and those who wish to have a "now this feels like a college campus" kind of moment should probably look elsewhere. Instead of inspiring a wide-eye awe within its visitors (or even students), Capital's campus serves a different purpose -- it makes us feel professional, "corporate," and like we can really stake our own claim within the working world while still sheltered behind its walls.

Photostream of Capital University: see the campus in pictures!

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself! Schedule a visit today!

Otterbein College

2009-06-19T22:33:00.005-04:00

Otterbein College

Background Information:

Founded in 1847, Otterbein is a private, independent, coeducational four-year liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It is located in Westerville, OH. Otterbein College is a nationally ranked, comprehensive college with a liberal arts tradition dating back to 1847. An emphasis on community engagement and service learning in 56 undergraduate and three graduate programs create endless opportunities. Small class sizes, a tree-lined campus, and an open and friendly community ensure personal attention and the freedom to Be Yourself at Otterbein. (OC website)

Initial Thoughts:

At Otterbein, we are told that we can be ourselves. With its various majors, small class sizes, and "family" based appeal, Otterbein tells us that it is possible to "have the best of both worlds." We can have the fast paced city life that we desire (Columbus) without compromising our needs for a small town (Westerville). These are high claims for the college based in Westerville. On my campus tour, I wish to investigate whether or not its campus promotes the idea of having the best of both worlds. Is the campus inviting enough for students to claim that they do have the freedom to be themselves? Is Otterbein integrated within the city of Westerville? Can one find everything one needs on campus without having to travel to the suburb? I am hoping to answer these questions and many others while on my campus tour.

Notable website feature(s): Be Yourself video

Lacking: campus photos (in a convenient location), virtual campus tour

The Campus:

Layout: Otterbein’s campus is on the smaller size, but not so small that it is stifling. The great thing about Otterbein is that it feels very much like an open campus, even though the city of Westerville does not weave itself into the campus layout. One of the most charming things about Otterbein is its relations with the adjacent city. Westerville residents seem very invested in Otterbein; in fact, I was told by my tour guide that local shops even have special deals for Otterbein students. Aside from having good community relations, Otterbein also has a lot of green spaces for students to hang out. This might not seem very important, but I can assure you that it is a plus to be able to do work and lay around outside.

Architecture: The campus is an interesting mixture of red bricked buildings and assorted houses – literal houses serving as whole departments. For an example, both the psychology and security buildings are actually white houses that are across the street from the more typical red-brick academic buildings. I had never seen a house serving as one of the college departments before, so this certainly surprised me a great deal.

All of the buildings have a theme to it -- administration is in one place, classrooms are in another, etc – which is helpful to those who are trying to remember and differentiate between the red-bricked buildings and numerous houses. The architecture of Otterbein’s campus definitely gives off a very collegiate feel, and with the various campus telephones spread out around campus, a very safe feeling as well. In fact, my tour guide even told me that she always feels very safe around campus since, according to her, “not much happens.”

Scale: Otterbein College’s campus is about 114 acres in size, and one can easily go from one end of campus to the other in 5-10 minutes. For those (like myself) who lack a sense of direction, I was assured by my tour guide that it’s very hard to get lost on campus since everything is well-marked. She recounted for me a story during her first day of freshman year, where she too was overwhelmed by the scale of the college, but by the second day, admonishing herself for being so naïve. This is a natural reaction to things that are new and foreign, so please do not be discouraged. For someone who is not particularly good with maps, I found myself very at ease at Otterbein’s campus. It’s actually not very big at all!

Everything at Otterbein is within walking distance, including downtown Westerville, where students can find the essentials they need that cannot be found on campus (ex: groceries, specialty items, etc). Unlike past colleges I have visited and reviewed, the adjacent town of Westerville actually plays an integral part in the lives of the student body. For those who need to get away from Westerville, Columbus is 17-20 miles away for those who want to experience city life.

The Student Center: I thought the Campus Center was very nice; it had some lounging areas on the first floor, and featured a lot of windows to give it a very “open” feel. The Campus Center is home to lounges and the bookstore on the first floor, and the dining area on the second floor. One of my favorite experiences when I was at Otterbein happened in the campus center – when I turned around, my back facing the dining area, and looked straight out, I was met with a very pretty sight of some open green spaces and the campus apartments. I know it doesn’t sound like much of a sight, but I found it to be very picturesque and charming.

Student Living: All freshman and sophomores who do not live within a 30 mile radius of campus are required to live on campus; after sophomore year, upperclassmen can choose to live in an on-campus apartment, or find other housing off-campus and then commuting to and from Otterbein. Freshmen are paired up after filling out a survey of personal habits and traits, and are then assigned for a co-ed dormitory. There are about 8 residence halls (all co-ed) on campus, a couple campus apartments, and numerous fraternity and sorority houses across the street from campus.

Notable Attractions: One of my favorite sights on campus was Otterbein’s Memorial Stadium, located next to the Campus Center. It wasn’t impressive in the sense that it was seeped in lore, but rather, impressive in the fact that even the stadium conveyed a sense of community. The stadium only has one stand, so when the fans of opposing teams do come to Memorial Stadium, they are forced to acknowledge and mingle with Otterbein fans. I’ve never seen a stadium with one stand before – I’m used to having a home section and a visitor’s section – so this certainly stuck out for me. While I was looking at the stadium, my tour guide acknowledged something she found to be distinctive of Otterbein in that everyone is very supportive of one another. Otterbein students not only go football and basketball games, but they actually make their rounds to the other sporting events around campus.

Final Conclusions:

I think Otterbein’s campus is very charming. Its architecture is not haunting, wherein you might spend hours gazing upon it in deep contemplation; rather, it maintains a very collegiate feel while inspiring a sense of comfort within its students. With houses dubbing as department centers and red brick academic building, students can feel collegiate without feeling overwhelmed. Because of the college’s close relations with the city of Westerville, students can feel like they are living a small-town life without having to compromise a need for something urban since Columbus is 20 miles away. With its open spaces and numerous campus telephones, students can feel safe and protected without feeling restricted. In other words, Otterbein’s campus truly does make it possible for its students to feel like they can be themselves.

Photostream of Otterbein: see the campus in pictures!

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself! Schedule a visit today!

Ohio Dominican University

2009-06-12T16:28:00.008-04:00

Ohio Dominican University

"To contemplate truth and to share with others the fruits of this contemplation. "

Background Information:

Ohio Dominican University is a four-year liberal arts institution, founded in 1911 in the Catholic and Dominican tradition. The university has over 3,000 students and offers undergraduate degrees in over 50 majors as well as several graduate degree programs. Ohio Dominican uses a student-centered approach, with a commitment to quality teaching and learning and a number of academic programs of distinction. Ohio Dominican's primary mission is to provide degree and continuing education programs for the intellectual development, the growth in truth, of each student. In keeping with the Dominican tradition, educational experiences should be grounded in the liberal arts, foster the development of spiritual, aesthetic, and ethical values, promote physical and mental health, and provide for the development and responsible use of human skills and talents in professional and social service. (ODU website)

Initial Thoughts:

From the get-go, Ohio Dominican declares itself to be a place that is warm, friendly, and inviting to anyone who visits its campus. For students, it is a place where education is personalized to their specific needs; for outsiders, a place where everyone knows your name (or will get to know your name). However, it is important to point out that many schools claim to have this appeal, but whether or not it does is up for debate.

With that being said, I guess the first word that came to my mind when I was researching the school is the word small. ODU has a very small campus -- which can have 2 connotations -- so small that it is stifling, or small enough to invite a true sense of communal living. Judging from its mission statement, it is obvious that the campus is trying to achieve the latter. One of the biggest advantages for ODU students is that ODU is located 7 minutes away from downtown Columbus, OH (15th largest city in the US), a city with plenty of things to do. ODU's location makes it possible for its students to escape the "bubble" of a college campus.

Notable website features: virtual tour, 360 degree college campus tour.

The Campus

Layout: As indicated previously, ODU has a very small campus, and the layout of the buildings definitely contribute to its "close-knit" feel. Buildings are very close together on campus, and there aren't that many open green spaces. Although it is worthwhile to note that ODU does have a well-kept campus, with flowers lining the many of the walkways leading towards many of its buildings. Although very close to the street, ODU's campus gives off a very quaint feeling. Its mission to be a place that fosters a strong sense of community is definitely made possible by a campus that allows for close proximity.
Architecture: ODU's campus is a little bit over 60 acres in size, and because of the small size, many of its red-bricked buildings serve more than one function. For an example, Erskine Hall is home to the following services: an Academic Advising Fenter, Administrative and Faculty Offices, the college bookstore, the Business Office, the office of Financial Aid, International Relations Office, the Office of the President, the Registrar, the Matesich Theater, and also Panther Plaza -- one of the student lounges on campus. The multi-functionality of this particular building also shares its theme with other buildings on campus, and contributes to a feeling of randomness in regards to the layout of campus. Instead of having a centralized location for its administrative offices, ODU's office of the president is actually down the hall from student classrooms. Apart from its buildings, it is quite evident that ODU is a well-kept campus (although one must overlook that it is currently under construction due to the building of Battelle Hall -- the new science center -- and the Bishop A. Griffin Student Center, set to open during fall of 2009). Something else that is important to mention is ODU's devotion to its Catholic heritage -- there are several statues honoring the Dominican order around campus.
Scale: ODU's campus is a bit over 60 acres in size, and it is possible to get from one end of the campus to the other in 5-10 minutes. The student dormitories are right next to the class room buildings, lounges, cafeteria, etc. It would be very hard to get lost on this campus. Apart from having a small campus, ODU is about 7 minutes away from downtown Columbus, which is a perfect distraction should ODU students need to get away for a while. Check out the campus map.
The Student Center: Unfortunately, the Bishop James A. Griffin Student Center was not yet open when I conducted my tour of ODU, but is set to open during Fall 2009. From speaking to several ODU students, the Student Center (already nicknamed "The Griff") will be a welcome relief for many of its students. The new center will be the home to many things, including a Meditation Room, more lounges (it seems like ODU currently doesn't have enough student lounges), the new bookstore, a work out facility, a convenience store, and a cafe.
Student Living: There are 4 dormitories on campus -- Aquinas, Lynam, Siena, and Fitzpatrick, all red-bricked, all featuring almost apartment-style architecture. The rooms are very diverse, and all dorms have one lounge per floor. Most students do choose to stay on campus (all grade levels), but there are over 800 commuter students. Also, since it is based in Columbus, it is quite easy to find apartments -- so moving off-campus and commuting to ODU is not too much of a hassle.
Notable Attractions: I found Wehrle Hall to be a welcoming sight on campus. Inside the Hall is the Wehrle Art Gallery, featuring the artwork of current undergraduate students. The Gallery itself was very lovely, with light filtering in from the glass ceiling from above. Aside from the gallery, I thought the Christ the King Chape l inside Sansbury Hall to be quite serene and lovely. Masses are held at this Chapel every day around noon, and two times on Sundays.

Final Conclusions:

My original belief that ODU is a place where "everybody knows your name" was proven to be true when I went on my campus tour. My tour guide was recognized by 80% of the people we passed while scoping out campus, and all of them stopped to say hello and ask how he was doing. I think ODU's greatest strength is that it truly does foster a sense of community among its students. The campus' small size contribute to this sense of "family" that was pervasive at ODU. However, perhaps it must also be said that ODU's greatest strength might also be its weakness in that everyone does know who you are. It's hard to hide at ODU (we were told that the University president knows most students by name!), and those who wish to be exposed to a variety of people day-in and day-out should be advised to stay away. For me, ODU felt too much like high school, and as a person who wanted to be in a more collegiate/bigger environment, this was a huge turn-off for me. However, if you are a person who enjoys a very close-knit environment, a place where you are treated as members of one "big" (I say this loosely) family, where everything is a 5 minute walk away --- then perhaps ODU is the place for you. Finally, on a more shallow note, I must admit that I didn't find ODU's campus to be very memorable. It was "nice," but nothing to rave about ... IMO. Nevertheless, don't just take my word for it ....

Photostream of Ohio Dominican: see the campus in pictures.

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself! Schedule a visit today!

University of Notre Dame

2009-06-09T18:45:00.028-04:00

University of Notre Dame

"Life, Sweetness, Hope"

Background Information:

The University of Notre Dame, founded in 1842 by a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, is an independent, national Catholic university located adjacent to the city of South Bend, Indiana, and approximately 90 miles east of Chicago. The University seeks to cultivate in its students not only an appreciation for the great achievements of human beings, but also a disciplined sensibility to the poverty, injustice, and oppression that burden the lives of so many. The aim is to create a sense of human solidarity and concern for the common good that will bear fruit as learning becomes service to justice. (ND website)

Initial Thoughts:

Everyone has an opinion about Notre Dame. Those who love Notre Dame really, really love Notre Dame, and those who hate Notre Dame really, really hate it. It's amazing how one university can inspire such distinctly polar reactions.

Notable website features: different videos, prayer website, chat with Admissions

Lacking: virtual tour (likened to ODU), opting instead for just campus pictures

The Campus:

Layout: Notre Dame is a closed campus with 1,250 acres (including the two lakes), and over 130 buildings. Although adjacent to the city of South Bend, IN, Notre Dame is its own entity and quite separate from its neighboring city. The campus itself is separated into quads -- North Quad, South Quad, God Quad, Library Quad, Debartolo Quad (no one really calls it this), West Quad, Far Quad. There are many places for students to hang around and relax around campus; North Quad features many trees for students to sit under and plenty of green spaces, and South Quad has wide open spaces for games of frisbee, football, lounging around in the sun (although quite rare due to the unpredictable Midwest weather). Click here for the campus map.
Architecture: Everything is very uniform at Notre Dame. All of the buildings (except for very few exceptions) have the same coloring to it, contributing to the close-knit feel of the campus. Apart from its close-knit appeal, it is quite evident where the inspiration for its buildings come from -- its Catholic faith. The Catholic faith is evident the moment that you step onto campus -- the Golden Dome with Mary on top, the Basilica, the Grotto, Jesus on God Quad, the Library featuring a mosaic of Touchdown Jesus (formally known as the Word of Life mural), First Down Moses (statue of Moses outside the Library), and many other statues around campus. Faith is evident everywhere on campus, and in fact, in every classroom -- every classroom on campus features a Crucifix somewhere inside the room.
Scale - Although quite daunting at first, Notre Dame is actually a good size for a university. It's not too big and not too small. You can literally go from one end of the campus to the other in a matter of 15-20 minutes. Everything at Notre Dame is within walking distance.
The Student Center - Lafortune Student Center is quite small compared to other college student centers. Inside of LaFun, you can find a Starbucks, Sbarro, Burger King, Subway, The Huddle Mart, Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, lounges, a computer cluster, floral shop, FedEx Kinko's, a travel agency, pool and arcade rooms, etc.
Student Living - Unlike most schools, Notre Dame is distinctly different in the fact that it does not have Greek life, opting instead for single-sex dormitories. These dormitories can be considered Notre Dame's version of Greek life, as every dorm has its own colors, traditions, and mascots. Dorm life is very important to the Notre Dame culture. Unlike some schools, there are no "freshman dorms" -- all of the dormitories on campus house every grade level. All first years are randomly assigned to a dorm their freshman year, and afterwards, stay in the same dorm they were assigned to. Switching dorms is rare for the typical Notre Dame student and hard since ND tries to foster a true sense of community -- although this close-knit feel can be stifling at times. Students live on campus for at least 2-3 years before moving off, and many actually opt to stay on for all 4 years. As for the housing off campus, one can find a variety of student housing that is just minutes away from campus -- although none of these places are owned by the University. It is important to note that South Bend is not exactly the most vibrant/safest city to live in, nevertheless, it is very possible to find a good location in the city.
Notable Attractions: Notre Dame boasts a lot of must-see attractions, and it's hard to pick just one, but one of the sights that never fail to amaze me is the mural inside of the Golden Dome. When you walk inside Main Building, be sure to go to the center of the first floor and look straight up. Up above, you will find a mural of Mary in the heavens -- a truly exquisite image. Aside from the Main Building, I also love going into the Basilica. Walking inside the Basilica (no matter how many times you have done it), is an experience in itself. The beauty within that sacred place is truly breathtaking, and words do not do it justice.

Final Conclusions:

The beauty of the Notre Dame campus is undeniable. In the spring and summer, it is green and vibrant; in the fall, warm and gold; in the rough winters, cold and haunting. And no matter what your perception of Notre Dame may be, it is difficult to deny that Notre Dame is truly a special place. The phrase "Nowhere Else But Notre Dame" is uttered by many people who have (or had) the privilege of attending this university. It is a place seeped in lore, in "magic" (as the typical Notre Dame student will gladly tell you), and most of all, in faith. Notre Dame seeks to do much more than just foster the growth of intellectuals; rather, it aims at helping its students to become better people in every sense of the word -- educating the mind, heart, and soul. I know many schools boast this type of education, but at Notre Dame, you can rest assured knowing that this is the absolute truth. At Notre Dame, you are asked to ask very big questions -- about faith, about life, and about your role in the world. Students are taught that of whom much is given, much is expected. Due to this teaching, Notre Dame students leave believing that they truly can change the world, and that this is expected of them.

Photostream of Notre Dame: see the campus in pictures

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself. Schedule a visit today!

Welcome!

2009-06-08T15:48:00.006-04:00

Hello fellow college campus enthusiasts!

Welcome to "In Mai Opinion" (IMO), a blog designed to help you get an idea of the feeling behind a particular college campus by taking you on a "virtual tour" of it. The reason why I started this blog was because when I was a high school senior, I was overwhelmed by the stacks of brochures (affectionately referred to as "fan mail" within my household) that came to our door step daily. After pouring over the stacks of paper, I always ended up wishing that I could visit every single school personally. This, however, was impossible because there were so many schools and so little time.

I know that there are many of you who are currently in the situation that I was faced with. Because I know it's a common problem, I have decided to try to help you make an informed decision when considering colleges/universities. Featured within this blog will be various schools within the state of Ohio -- the well known and the more "obscure" -- focusing primarily on the aesthetic quality of each school. After all, the college campus is the "face" of the college/university, and first impressions are crucial when weighing your options.

Structure of this Blog: (based on what I think will be covered within the official tour)

Background Information - taken directly from the school website

Initial Thoughts - composed after researching the school's website and before going to visit the school; notable features on the website

The Campus:

Layout - closed or open campus; open spaces for students to hang out outside
Architecture - style of the buildings and how it contributes to the overall look of the campus
Scale - is everything within walking distance?
The Student Center - what services does it provide?
Student Living - dorm life/off-campus options, role of Greek life
Notable attractions

Final Conclusions - comparing initial thoughts to the concluding ones, final synopsis based on experience

Photostream - see the campus via photos taken the day of the tour, posted on flickr

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself. Schedule a tour today! (will be linked to the school website)

Of course, this blog is still in its test-mode, so alterations are bound to appear as I go on more and more tours. However, I will do my best to keep everything as standardized as possible so that you may be able to compare between schools.

So here's to you -- high school juniors/seniors, prospective students, people who love college campuses like I do! Thank you for visiting. I hope you enjoy your tour!