<p>I am an International student from Asia. I applied to Lawrence and now waiting for decision from the school.</p>
<p>This "A school that change your life" title is a "brand" I read in Lawrence website, and it makes me really curious about. Yes, I wrote a lot of email asking an other current senior student at Lawrence about her experience there and wether it "really CHANGE" her life ^___^ But I haven't received any answers :D</p>
<p>What surprises me more is there is NO post in this Forum. Well, if Lawrence is actually like what they said in books why there isn't any post here. So Mysterious.</p>
<p>Well I really hope somebody here can help me to answer this question by his/her interesting personal stories. I hope that this Lawrence Uni Forum will get crowded in days to come with ppl posts. Thanks very much for any comments.</p>
<p>Ah, for me, the first impression about Lawrence is really good. The International Admission Official- Ms.Burkhalter, Anna is a really nice and ethusiatic person who answers my questions in only a few days. I really like her and look forward to MEET her in person.</p>
<p>Hi, my daughter and I visited Lawrence in Nov. I was very impressed with it. THe campus is not too spread out, is just above the Fox River and just a block east of downtown Appleton, which I thought was very attractive--one of the chain of fox river townx SW of Green Bay. I bet it gets very cold and snowy in winter, so that might be a major change for you depending on yr location now. The college has a well known music conservatory and draws students from across the country. My dtr is not into classical music or playing an instrument in an orchestra, or choral groups, etc. and she felt nearly everyone she met was a music major, so this was a negative to her. I think we might have seen many music students on our visit as they might have been there for auditions. The academics are good, the atmosphere is open and liberal. I am hoping my daughter moves the school a bit higher in her rankings. I think you would have a good experience there. There are several newer buildings, I personally liked the cafeteria food (!) and the students we met, the campus itself and the neighborhood around it are attractive. The school has a very good reputation. GOod luck!!</p>
<p>Oh--I meant to tell you: "Colleges that Change Lives" is a book by a former college adviser named Loren Pope--the book identifies about 30 or so colleges, liberal arts colleges, around the US that are not considered "Ivies" and that are comfortably within the 30-100 or so rankings vs the very top lib arts colleges. These schools help develop students' gifts and talents through individual attention, dedicated teachers, usually some special freshman or sophomore programs or senior closure projects. THey admit "B" students as well as "A" students and help all students find their passions and do the best they can. There is now a website <a href="http://www.ctcl.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.ctcl.com/</a> that discusses the colleges mentioned in Pope's book and provide links to the various schools. Colleges listed in the book/webwsite are rightfully proud of being designasted as a 'college that changes lives' and often mention it in their advertising and websites. You might find the site interesting.</p>
<p>I can say that my son is really being given the opportunity to explore education in the Lawrence environment. He called this am and told me how he was considering adding an extra course in History for next term and see if he can do it justice. They give them 2 weeks to attend and not have grades counted. After that, they can continue or drop the added extra course. He's a connie doing a double degree in music and government. So far so good. He loves the school. He is developing a confidence and a real love of learning for learning's sake. The campus offers a bit of everything for everyone. He's off right now to see an art film, one of a series. He's attending lectures in his spare time! Is becoming involved in a myriad of campus events and causes. He loves the town and Wisconsinites. And the basketball team is #3 in Div 3 and the only undefeated basketball team left in all of the U.S.A. A little something for everyone in the heartland.</p>
<p>Wow, thank you Bookmom and Overseas for such interesting posts and information about Lawrence Uni. I haved received email confirming my application materials arrived safely and now I am waiting for a Happy admission result :D</p>
<p>Yes, I admit that the most attracts me about this school is the Winconsin's town, school campus and weather :). I know that the snowy weather may be a "major" change for me but I am really eager to experience it.</p>
<p>And once again thanks bookmom for your website link. It's very helpful and interesting :)</p>
<p>Oh, there is a question about Lawrence's Music Conservatory: I don't plan to study music at Lawrence so will it really a disadvantage for me at Lawrence?</p>
<p>Littecalf, It shouldn't be at all. They have many majors outside of the conservatory. But having a music conservatory adds a myriad of musical events that you can attend if you wish.</p>
<p>Littlecalf, I too have a son in the double degree program at Lawrence. It truly is a school that provides ample opportunities for students to explore interests and scholarly pursuits. While our son is a musician, he has many friends who are not. They have clubs for just about any interest and a great mix of varsity and intramural sports for physical outlets. The student body is extremely friendly and the campus is right near the downtown so one has a feeling that they're not removed from the real world, but in a relaxed oasis. The housing is guaranteed for all 4 or 5 years and offers an interesting selection of traditional dorms (for freshman), special interest houses, eating co-ops and small homes. By the time one is a junior or senior the living environment becomes quite independent.</p>
<p>In regard to the international environment, our sons freshman roommate was from Myanmar. He is very active in the international group and has many friends. Last I spoke to him; he had a job in the cafeteria and seemed to be doing very well in school. This year he has a single room but our son and he still keep in touch. </p>
<p>One of the really unique benefits of Lawrence is the retreat center in Northern Wisconsin on Lake Michigan called Bjorklunden. Most of the dorms, some of the clubs and some classes have a retreat weekend there during the year. It is a 425 acre wooded estate with a lodge and food that is significantly better than dorm food. It provides a very welcome change of pace from college life. Our son had a weekend in January with his music theory class and will go again with his piano studio in May. </p>
<p>As a tuition paying parent, it is the contact with and feedback from the professors that impresses me most. With one unlucky exception, my son has had incredible teachers. He took a speaking intensive English class last term and we were shocked by the amount of detailed feedback he received on his class presentations, class participation and writing. My husband and I feel we are getting great value for our tuition dollars. </p>
<p>I am sorry there have not been more posts on the Lawrence board. I will try to check more often. Because it is hidden in Wisconsin, Lawrence is one of those well kept secrets. I will be happy to answer any other questions you may have. Good luck in your quest to become a Lawrentian.</p>
<p>I also applied to Lawrence and I am really attracted by it. I haven't played any musical instrument before. And I really want to start it in my college year. Is there any Possibilities for me to learn from ZERO? Will I get personal help at Lawrence?</p>
<p>Libra_sky,
Lawrence is known for individual education. Once you are admitted, I would email the department head of the instrument you are intending to study and ask what you'll need to do to take the class next fall. There is an excellent Music Academy associated with the con., if the instructor is not one of the profs. it will probably be a very qualified private teacher.</p>
<p>The following is found under: Conservatory Course descriptions.</p>
<p>MUIN 102-120 Elementary
Individual year-long instruction for B.A. beginning students not majoring in music. 2 units per term for one 1⁄2-hour lesson per week. Credit awarded only on completion of three terms in a single academic year.
102 Organ / 103 Voice / 104 Violin / 105 Viola /
106 Cello / 107 Doublebass / 108 Guitar / 109 Flute / 110 Oboe / 111 Clarinet /112 Saxophone / 113 Bassoon / 114 Horn / 115 Trumpet / 116 Trombone / 117 Euphonium / 118 Tuba / 119 Harpsichord / 120 Percussion</p>
<p>Congratulations on your bravery. It's very exciting to start a new instrument as an adult.
Good luck on your quest.
Chris</p>
<p>I applied to Lawrence this year as well. I have really enjoyed reading all of the wonderful things you have all written. Unfortunately, I have not visited the campus yet because I live in Massachusetts. I hope the admissions officers don't hold this against me.</p>
<p>efg88, You should visit if you can. My son flew there on his own. The admission's people are very helpful and if you go during school time you could stay for free. My son visited in the summer and stayed at a local hotel that had shuttle service to the campus. It depends on how interested you are but if you visit you will know if the school is for you. Even though he applied to other schools (because he was auditioning for entrance into a conservatory) my son knew after that visit that LU was perfect for him. And it seems to be.</p>
<p>Yeah it sounds like a place I would really love. I hope you are right that being from MA is a plus. If I get in, I will probably go and visit during April.</p>
<p>Well, is there any body get ED admitted to Lawrence here? </p>
<p>I am now in a horrible time waiting for admission decissions. The major problem is if Lawrence only gives me half scholarship, I will not be able to go there because of my family financial situation. BUT, unfortunately, it seems that Lawrence Uni will not give any more for Inter students rite? I am really wondering :(( Lawrence only has need blind policy for federal Applicants :((</p>
<p>@Libra_sky: I am a "almost dark" at music too. Actually, I learnt organ when I was 5 for about 2 years. But then, I dropped because I preferred playing to practising with musical instruments. Now, I regret it. Yes, if I go to Lawrence, I will be sure to learn music again :)</p>
<p>I was admitted to Lawrence ED but will have to turn it down for the UChicago. I feel bad to do so after the Classics prof. talked with me and explained the language program there. But Chicago is my first choice, so be it.</p>
<p>I received my acceptance letter in late January, so you should be receiving notification soon. Best of luck to you, littlecalf!</p>