<p>So a few (all) of my reach colleges denied/waitlisted me, which leaves me with a few options. I am not that upset, as I had a chance to visit Beloit and a few other colleges. I haven’t visited Lawrence yet, but it is a serious option for me (I am planning a visit in the next few weeks)</p>
<p>I have a few questions though-</p>
<li> How is the HPAC (pre-med advising group)?</li>
<li> How is the science/bio program? (I know the anthro program is phenominal)</li>
<li> As dumb as it may sound…how is the food? (I LOVE good food…this is important to me :b)</li>
<li> How is the life of the town around campus?<br></li>
<li> I know the music program is amazing, but how are the other programs? I am considering pre-med work and I have had a difficult time finding statistic, etc. online about their post-graduation acceptance rates into med school.</li>
<li> Party scene? (had to ask)</li>
</ol>
<p>And overall, how do you think Beloit compares to Lawrence University (in Wisconsin) or Coe College (in IA). I have to make a few very difficult descisions over the next few weeks. Any input would be greatly appreciated! </p>
<ol>
<li>How is the science/bio program? (I know the anthro program is phenominal)</li>
</ol>
<p>I don't know much about the bio program. However, the one science that I know is outstanding here is physics.</p>
<ol>
<li>As dumb as it may sound...how is the food? (I LOVE good food...this is important to me :b)</li>
</ol>
<p>The food is ok. A lot of students complain about the food but there is a good amount of variety. I would recommend visiting and trying it for yourself (if you have the chance).</p>
<ol>
<li>How is the life of the town around campus?</li>
</ol>
<p>Lawrence is located right next to downtown Appleton. In downtown Appleton there are many restaurants and coffee shops, some interesting small shops (thrift stores, used records, etc), and tons of bars. There is also a Walgreens within walking distance. Lawrence is also located right next to the Fox River so there are some interesting walking/biking trails located near campus. </p>
<ol>
<li>I know the music program is amazing, but how are the other programs? I am considering pre-med work and I have had a difficult time finding statistic, etc. online about their post-graduation acceptance rates into med school.</li>
</ol>
<p>I would recommend contacting a faculty member in the biology department and asking them about med school. Overall, I know that Lawrence does a good job of getting students into grad schools, laws schools, and probably medical schools too.</p>
<ol>
<li>Party scene? (had to ask)</li>
</ol>
<p>There are lots of parties if you look for them. Most parties are on-campus room parties. About once or twice a month a frat hosts a party as well.</p>
<p>The food isn't bad at all. If you don't like a particular food item, then you have plenty of other choices. It's not terrible food by any means. If you happen to not like any of it then you can always get cereal, bagels, salad bar, ice cream, soup, tea, coffee etc which is always available at Downer.</p>
<p>The campus location is awesome. We're right on the main drag in town so all the downtown shops are within walking distance. The airport is just a 15 minutes drive and the Fox River Mall just 10 minutes. We have vans that take us there twice a week. We're also right on the Fox River so if you ever live in Hiett, Brokaw, some parts of Trever, you get a beautiful view of the river. Not many colleges just that kind of a view.</p>
<p>You seem really concerned about grad schools and stuff which is fine. I know that there is a lot of individualized attention at this school and it seems to me that if you are determined to go to grad school, all the resources are here to help and do a pretty good job of it.</p>
<p>The party scene is such that if you want to party, there are plenty of them where you can get drunk, dance and have the time of your life, and if you don't like partying, there are plenty of quiet places to just chill with friends and crack open a beer or two (or coke).</p>
<p>I got a chance to visit the campus, and I am going to have to agree with the students. The food was decent, the students were laid back and academic (a lot better than what I saw are Mac and Carleton) and things were fairly interesting.</p>
<p>I appreciate the comments- one more question. I know that Lawrence uses the trimester system, but do any students feel that this detracts from the overall college experience, maybe making things a bit rushed?</p>
<p>Personally, I absolutely love the trimester system. I feel that I'm better able to focus on my courses (since the normal courseload is three courses). Additionally, I have yet to get sick of any of my classes; yes, sometimes I wish we had a bit more time to cover things, but the classes move fast and the schedule just works really well for me.</p>
<p>The trimester system is great. You start with a clean slate each term, and you only have three classes instead of four. Fall term ends in December which gives you a chance to have a REAL break unlike in the semester system where you have exams in Janurary so basically you have to worry about academic crap during your "break". Just come to Lawrence. Everything will be good.</p>