Anyone visit High Point University?

<p>We just read the Higher Ed article on High Point Univ in NC. Very, very interesting approach by the President. Wondering if anyone has visited and what were your impressions? Their SAT Scores seem unusually low but it does appear things are changing quickly here. Any input? We might visit.</p>

<p>High Point, NC is not the most lovely of places, by any means. I grew up there and went to elementary school around High Point University. The university is not located in the better part of High Point, but it's not exactly in a "ghetto" area either. The campus is looking pretty nice considering that have done many construction projects(they started on those construction projects back when I was a wee one), so it's pretty aesthetically pleasing, I suppose. </p>

<p>Academically, I am sure it is a fine school for some students, but I haven't heard anyone in my class clamoring to go to HPU. My AP US History teacher, however, did graduated from there. Also, our graduating class just sent two or three there this year.</p>

<p>Interesting that you haven't "heard anyone clamoring to go to HPU". It seems to get such rave reviews these days. I wish there was more info on this school on CC. The stats are low, and I think that is what impacts it.</p>

<p>That is just regarding my school; however, I can tell you that the two students I know of that have matriculated into HPU this year as freshmen from my high school were National Honors Society members who were ranked decently in the their class. Could you post a link of this article you read about HPU?</p>

<p>This article came in our college counseling email, and I can't provide a link to it because it is within my own account (requires password). At the risk of providing too much info, however, I have cut and pasted the article. It came from Higher Ed, I believe. Here goes:</p>

<p>
[QUOTE]
Club Ed: This University Is at Your Service</p>

<p>By THOMAS BARTLETT</p>

<p>Lots of colleges treat students like customers. But how many have an ice-cream truck? And valet parking? And a concierge desk? And an enormous hot tub in the middle of the campus?</p>

<p>Not too many. Actually, only one: High Point University.</p>

<p>This once-sleepy institution in the hills of North Carolina has undergone a revival in the last couple of years, thanks in part to its jaw-dropping menu of student services. Behind it all is High Point's president, Nido R. Qubein, a motivational speaker and businessman who believes that the customer (that is, the student) should be not only satisfied, but wowed.</p>

<p>To that end, he hired a director of WOW! The holder of that illustrious title is Roger D. Clodfelter, and it's his job to come up with ways to please current and prospective students. The ice-cream truck that circles the campus doling out free frozen treats (more than 500 to choose from!) is but one example.</p>

<p>

[/QUOTE]
</p>

<p>The</a> Chronicle of Higher Education
Section: Short Subjects</p>

<p>I live about fifteen minutes away from this school and I didn't even know about this stuff. Wow. Sounds like a fun time to spend four years if you are looking to indulge. The comprehensive fee (tuition + room/board) for HPU is only $30,000 a year at that!</p>

<p>Actually, if you spend some time on the website, the upcoming Communications building is fabulous and the program sounds really impressive (honors program). Still, we have not been, and it would be a total safety, but I am still intrigued! A friend of mine has been three times and she is very impressed; her older D is at Dartmouth, so she has been around and around and is very knowledgeable. Well, keep me posted. Still not sure we will visit.</p>

<p>We visited HPU and were impressed by all the improvements. We were made to feel very special.</p>

<p>However, one of my concerns was the surrounding area. I believe there could be a safety issue.</p>

<p>Its a pretty nice campus with lots of new buildings and I've heard good things about the honors program.</p>

<p>My husband has business in WS and I am going with him on Tuesday; we are doing a tour of HPU.</p>

<p>always remember... there aint no such thing as a free ice cream sandwich.</p>

<p>Took my d on a 8 school tour in Oct. I didn't have high expectations prior to visiting. HPU was the second school we saw. I wish it was the last school we saw, because it blew us away. After seeing HPU, everything was a comparison to it. We'd go on a tour and she'd say "It's OK, but it's not like High Point". I was impressed by every aspect of the school. From the quality of academic programs offered to the facilities & grounds. My d applied ED & will be attending fall 09.</p>

<p>remember, it's about the academics not the quality of life that counts in the end.....High Point is behind other schools like UNC-Asheville or UNC-Greensboro</p>

<p>There is a special school for everyone, with different interests, test scores and those looking for a special experience. HPU is gorgeous. Its dorms are like a four star hotel.</p>

<p>Its academics are rising as are the entrance scores of kids going there.</p>

<p>There are stronger academic schools, but not everyone is looking for prestige in academics and an intense four years. </p>

<p>If you like it, then by all means go there.</p>

<p>I would add to the above that this is a unique school that bears no resemblance to "what it was" four or five years ago. Only time will tell. The President is very impressive. Our D applied and is in, going for Presidential Scholarship weekend in Feb., but still has it as her safety with Chapel Hill, Richmond, and W&L at the top of her list. BUT.....you never know.....you just never know how things might turn out! She was blown away the day she spent there. She loved the individual attention and they do know how to market their school. I give them a 10 for getting that part right. I would love to know this year's stats from the EA pool and how much it differs from the prior years' pools.</p>

<p>I'm a college student currently attending a college in upstate New York. With family down in Roanoke Virginia, I want to transfer to a school down south. I just visited High Point University this past week. The place was incredibly awesome, you could tell that the administration cared about its students. I felt a sense of pride and energy, the campus was alive and well. I loved every bit of it. I plan on transferring to High Point in the future.</p>

<p>This past week we visited High Point University with my D who is a high school junior. We made an appointment for a tour and were amazed. Let me add that this is our youngest child and probably was my 30th college tour. </p>

<p>We followed the directions, not expecting much as we proceeded through a neighborhood of small houses. We pulled into the main gates school to find a parking space with a programmable sign announcing the space was reserved for our D from our state. and the amazing things kept on coming. Manicured lawns, beautiful flower beds, ponds, fountains and bronze sculptures.</p>

<p>In the admissions office we were welcomed into a private room and offered refreshments before our tour. One other family joined us in the hall from their room prior to the tour. We were escorted to a covered 4 seat golf cart and given blankets for our laps because there was a chill to the morning. </p>

<p>The tour guide started the tour in the next building, near the campus kiosk where daily there are drinks and snacks offered to the students. On this morning they had hot cocoa and hot cider. We heard piped classical music which is on from 8 to 8. The theater was the first building and oriental tapestries adorned the walls and the building was in perfect condition and appeared to be a miniature of the Paris Granier Opera house.</p>

<p>Again to the golf cart, and building after building of unbelievable things. The business building had handmade oriental rugs, leather club chairs, flat screen tv, original oil paintings, and two fireplaces in the main entry room. Classrooms were equipped with new computers.</p>

<p>The student center had a beautiful outdoor pool.
The cafeteria had everything you could want, again with flat screen tvs and a student concierge desk arranging wake up calls, free concerts a patio with umbrella tables and views of pools and fountains.
The student center had state of the art ellipticals and tread mills and resistance machines as well as the traditional basketball court and indoor running track. </p>

<p>The two dorms we saw for freshman were beautiful. They had beautiful lounges with flat screens. No scuffs no dents and not one thing out of place. Large rooms and the other had suites with private bedrooms. </p>

<p>They are building a huge complex with a movie theater, steakhouse and stores. </p>

<p>Freshman can bring cars on campus and if they cannot find a convenient space at their dorm they can bring it to the valet who will drive them back to their dorm and park the car for them.</p>

<p>The sports complex with the indoor pool and the state of the art basketball court with jumbotrons. There were offices for athletic trainers and nutritionists. Not to mention this is a Division I school.</p>

<p>It all seems a bit surreal. A cross between the country club, a 4 star hotel and Disney World. </p>

<p>Imagine my shock when I found out the tuition and room and board were around $33K.</p>

<p>It is not a college for those with Ivy League academic dreams but exceptional in other ways. Now it is my D's top choice.</p>

<p>JBR, Thank you. Could you describe the neighborhood that surrounds HP? Do you need a car there? Could you walk to a coffeeshop, pharmacy, store? </p>

<p>What are their strongest departments? Do you know about opportunities for an internship? Any info on classes and professors? Thanks, your review was great.</p>

<p>How did you find the surrounding area? At least one post suggested that safety might be an issue - - why? My family is from NYC and D is not particularly timid; for us a neighborhood with black or Latino residents isn't at all troubling - - like Columbia Univ being in Harlem (now an entirely gentrified section of Harlem, but that was not always the case).</p>

<p>wow, this college sounds awesome! ive been reasearching it alot lately. seems like this dr. nido qubein is the real deal. ive read one of his books; he seems to be a good motivator. not to mention it appears that he can raise a lot of money in little time haha.</p>

<p>ill be visiting the school in april. ill give everybody an update on how i like it then.</p>