<p>Hi there. My daughter was recently accepted to Cedar Crest College. She applied because of their forensic science program, which gets positive praise from others in the forensics world. However, there is not much press about the college itself. She is deciding between several schools, with the others being on the west coast and co-ed, but not having a specific forensics program ( solid chemistry and biology departments though and good lab facilities). The dedicated forensics major and a nice scholarship make Cedar Crest tempting. I have searched college confidential and it is like Cedar Crest doesn't exist, there are no comments of any kind. If any of you have insight or experience please share. Thanks. PS she has visited and toured the campus.</p>
<p>I worked there way too many years ago to admit, and it was a lovely little college. The campus is quite nice and the atmosphere was very supportive. At the time, they were well known for nursing, which would seem to have some overlap with your D’s interests. No idea how things might have changed now, though.</p>
<p>I worked for many years with a woman who graduated from Cedar Crest long ago, maybe mid 1960s.
Health science major. Lovely lady, very bright. I got the idea from her that the students were all plaid skirts, peter pan collar types back then. </p>
<p>I have no idea what the school is like now.</p>
<p>I can only say that I passed by Cedar Crest while exploring Allentown while D was visiting nearby Muhlenberg College. I think the combination of it being an all womens’ college plus being in a pretty uninspiring location (sorry, Allentowners!) might make some hesitate to attend. Have you visited? </p>
<p>My other concern when colleges are selected for a single program is that so many students change their majors. If your D decides forensics isn’t really for her, are the alternatives at Cedar Crest also highly regarded?</p>
<p>MommaJ obviously didn’t look around much. Cedar Crest is located in the west end of Allentown and has a nice campus. The west end of Allentown has several beautiful parks located near Cedar Crest. From Allentown, it’s easy to get to either New York City or Philadelphia. I didn’t realize how good it’s forensics program is. I did know it has a good nursing & education programs.</p>
<p>I go to church within walking distance of Cedar Crest. In the area it has a reputation as a good school. I know several people that have gone there right after HS and have two close friends that went back to get Masters degrees as adults. My friends both really thought the quality of teaching was very good. The facilities are excellent. It’s part of the Lehigh Valley college consortium and student there can also take a limited number of classes at Lehigh, Lafayette, Muhlenberg (just a couple of miles away), DeSales or Moravian. It’s in a safe part of Allentown but not much to get to within walking distance of campus except for a small shopping center. I imagine there is a nearby city bus though that would take them around or perhaps a shuttle.</p>
<p>my best friend’s mom teaches there! I get the sense that it’s a friendly, somewhat quiet, college in a friendly, somewhat quiet place, and that the professors really enjoy teaching.</p>
<p>Actually, since my D was doing an overnight at Muhlenberg and I was on my own for 24 hours, I got to explore a lot more of Allentown than you might imagine. I agree that Cedar Crest (as well as Muhlenberg) is in a nice part of town and has a nice campus, I just don’t think Allentown as a whole has that much to offer–it’s neither a cute college town nor a vibrant city, and I sure can’t agree that it’s “easy” to get to NYC from there–it’s not like you can run in for dinner or a concert. (D agreed with me on the locale and turned down Muhlenberg on that basis) But of course it all depends on what one is looking for in a college experience and lifestyle.</p>
<p>Anyone looking for a school with ‘easy’ access to NYC should not be considering PA schools.
Possible, yes. Easy, no.
We are in Morris County, NJ and have midtown direct trains in the city. About one hour door to door.
Son also was able to take trains from Rutgers in New Brunswick NJ into city for concerts, etc.
I would not think that it wouldn’t be a one day trip from Allentown into NYC and back comfortably.</p>
<p>The OP does not even mention NYC in her post so I’m not sure why it’s proximity matters. However, a day trip is very do-able via bus. I usually go into NYC a few times a year and always come back the same day. I take the bus just a little further west then Allentown and am in mid-town Manhattan in about 1 1/2 hours. Allentown is not a college town though by any stretch of the imagination.</p>
<p>I agree, a day trip into NYC is easily doable from Allentown by bus. My daughter has done it several times for shopping or shows with friends. I know only one person who is at Cedar Crest - sophomore nursing major - and she loves it!</p>
<p>Because NYC is so expensive, people commute there from surprising places and I recall the NY Times mentioning that many do from Allentown, although obviously New Brunswick etc are closer.</p>
<p>I believe Cedar Crest students can also take classes at Moravian and Muhlenberg.</p>
<p>Hi Everyone, Thanks for your input. From the responses so far, I don’t get any red flags that it would be a bad choice for a college. Yes, she did visit with her dad last fall during the open house weekend. My husband was very impressed with the students who spoke during the event. They were articulate, confident, poised.</p>
<p>I do wonder about going for the forensic major when it is quite possible that she would change her mind, and for that reason she has applied at a wide variety of schools: womens, jesuit, private LAC, state university, small, medium and large, in state and out. The only common denominator is the strong reputation of the science program. With her acceptances so far, she has some really good options. </p>
<p>With so many things to consider, it will be interesting to watch her decision unfold.</p>
<p>Here’s the link for the Lehigh Valley College Consortium [LVAIC</a> | Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges](<a href=“http://www.lvaic.org/]LVAIC”>http://www.lvaic.org/)</p>
<p>Cedar Crest College class of 1986 here! I was one of the first graduates from their genetic engineering program. I have to say that if your D is looking for a college with great science programs, Cedar Crest is the one! I loved my time at CCC and received a top-notched education. My professors knew me by my first name and I always felt that I could go to them with any of my concerns or questions. My older sister also graduated from CCC from the nuclear medicine program and had a very similar experience. I highly recommend Cedar Crest College to any young women who want to go into the sciences.</p>
<p>Hi Mamagx3, that is wonderful to hear. I think my daughter’s hesitation is mostly related to the lack of boys. She has many male friends, and has bluntly stated that girls have too much drama, and she would rather hang out with the boys.</p>
<p>So, what was your experience as far as opportunities to meet and interact with males?</p>