Anyone visit High Point University?

<p>I actually thought of that after I posted…lol. But given the fact that I was irritated to have come her to find info, and instead allowed myself to be sucked into the practice of posting personal opinions not relevant to the thread…I thought it better to just let it go and move on…which I have.
My goal is simply to find some info on some schools and local accommodations to facilitate visits in a quiet maner, without attracting further attention…hopefully that will be possible!</p>

<p>I don’t know whether it’s a case of great minds thinking alike or what … but “creepy” and “Stepford” are two of the terms that came to my mind when I visited High Point recently, before having read the posts on this site. “Big Brother” was another. On any campus I have ever visited (ranging from Harvard to the local community college), announcements are posted everywhere by students and faculty about upcoming events, recreational activities, job/research opportunities, etc. It is admittedly messy, but all part of the vibrancy one finds in a true community of learners. At High Point there is NOTHING posted by students or faculty anywhere. I did not even see a bulletin board in the student union. Our tour guide informed us that students can hand in announcements to the administration, which then decides whether to post them on the campus intranet. I posted on another thread today about my other concerns, which include a seriously inadequate library and what seems to me a cult of personality that has developed around the university’s president.</p>

<p>cmscribe I have responded to your concerns in the other thread. I’m not even going to respond to the announcement concern other than this… We have many places to post things (including the cafe) you just didnt see them on tour. Plus, HPU wants to do most through email so we can continue our green movement on campus. Not going to apologize for that…</p>

<p>Creepy and Stepford… i’ve said it in this thread before. Absolutely silly. Again, I guess anyone can spin something positive into something negative. You can’t win them all right?</p>

<p>This summer, I went with my sister to visit a number of schools in the southeast. She had heard amazing things about Elon, and we were making the trip to visit them, but since High Point was in the area we went ahead and requested a tour of High Point also. As we pulled off the high way into what I would call the “ghetto”, I thought, “Here we go again, another crappy little school in a bad location. This will be a waste of time.” </p>

<p>How wrong I was! We all fell in love with the campus immediately. But like a lot of people, I kept thinking what’s the catch? I know many of the people who posted here were put off by the architecture and “fluff”. Personally, I don’t understand that myself. I didn’t find anything creepy about the way the place looked. It wasn’t the country club aspect that appealed to me. It was the attention to detail and creativity. </p>

<p>Yes, there is classical music, but contrary to popular belief, I don’t think it’s there to brainwash the kids. Studies have proven that classical music stimulates the brain and learning. That’s why they sell the cds of it for pregnant mothers and babies. Plus, since there are no lyrics it allows for background noise without being distracting. I thought it was a nice detail. </p>

<p>I liked that the lightning rod on the top of the clock tower is shaped like a mouse (hickory dickory dock the mouse ran up the clock! LOL). </p>

<p>I liked the statues of different historical figures and the inspiring quotes from them. I even liked the patterns on the brick sidewalks and buildings. </p>

<p>Everything seemed to be very thought out; like there was a reason for each detail. Maybe I’ve just been tricked by their amazing marketing, (but then what does that say about their ability to teach your kids marketing when business and communications are their top majors) but my thoughts were that if the school is paying this much attention to all these details, they will extend this amount of detail to other aspects of the school as well.</p>

<p>The second thing that impressed me and my family on both trips (my parents and sister made a second trip for a classroom visit) was how welcoming and friendly all the students, faculty, and administration were and how together they seemed to have things. (Some of the other more prestigious schools she looked into were pretty unorganized and unfriendly.) We were worried the kids might be stuck up and that she wouldn’t fit in or feel comfortable because we aren’t rich, but that wasn’t the case at all. Everyone she met made her feel at home, and they just seemed like normal students to her. </p>

<p>I was actually very impressed with the attitude of the admissions advisor we met with. He knew we were leaving High Point to go straight to Elon, and he had nothing but good things to say about Elon. He was very gracious and went on about what a good school Elon was and that if we decided to go to Elon we would be making a good choice. Conversely, when we went to Elon, some of the very first words we heard there were derogatory comments about High Point. This further impressed me, as High Point is clearly the “bigger man” in not stooping to putting down their competition.</p>

<p>Lastly, I know people have been putting down the cost of the school and the emphasis the school puts on physical appearance and bearing. First, as to the cost of tuition, in less you all are looking at instate public institutions then the cost of High Point is comparable to other private schools of the same size and type. Out of all the schools my sister is applying to, High Point is by no means the most expensive, so our thoughts are that if we are going to be paying this much money anyway, it might as well be worth it. Why pay that much for a crappy room and a shared outdated bathroom with 40 other girls if you don’t have too. I don’t get where this idea comes from that college is this place where you must live in poverty and “rough it” so to speak in order to learn? </p>

<p>Secondly, I’d be great if the world worked like a Disney movie and the good hardworking guy always won, and it didn’t matter what you looked like or who you knew, but it does. I believe that the lessons High Point teaches in dress and deportment are as important as its academic ones. As much as I wish it wasn’t true, studies have shown over and over again that your appearance does matter when it comes to getting hired, and if you don’t know how to make a good impression, it won’t matter if you’re the most qualified for the job. </p>

<p>Also, the contacts students will have access to and the internship opportunities seem really great at High Point. I honestly believe that my sister will not have the same opportunities at other schools. And in my experience, in the end, your school’s ability to get you good on the job training, internships, and in contact with the right people mean more for your chances of procuring a job than your grades do.</p>

<p>Overall, I think High Point is probably a good fit for my sister. It is currently tied with Auburn as her first choice. She is also considering Sanford, Evansville (Indiana), Centre (Kentucky), and Berry (Georgia) to give you an idea of the kinds of schools we are looking at.</p>

<p>I find it hard to believe that High Point is anywhere behind UNC-Greensboro.</p>

<p>don’t post about High Point being a “joke” if you can’t even afford it…</p>

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<p>If any hotel (oops, I meant school) is good at spinning something positive, it’s High Point High. </p>

<p>In the past, I posted that High Point High does not post their Common Data Set like reputable schools do. Have they changed that practice? What they do instead, is cherry pick data to make a positive impression on the gullible and the young. </p>

<p>What is US News & World Report reporting as High School Point’s 6 year graduation rate in their latest report? A couple years ago, it was 52 percent i.e., one out of two kids not graduating. “Spin” that any way you wish.</p>

<p>ctyankee, I think its been made very clear that HPU will distribute any and all of the info in their CDS with a simple phone call to the school. There is nothing to hide, HPU is going through rapid growth, so there should be no surprise that some number are still not up to par. Rome wasn’t built in a day. </p>

<p>I find it interesting that the anti-HPU posters cannot post their opinions or thoughts without name calling or sarcasm…</p>

<p>The nice woman at High Point High that took my “simple phone call” (as discussed in this thread) took my data set question down and said someone would would return my call within an hour. She couldn’t have been nicer. Only problem was that that phone call was not returned. So, don’t even go there. </p>

<p>Admittedly, High Point High can fairly be considered “name calling.” But, that’s what I’m told that students of Elon University call it. Sad as that may be, perception becomes an unkind reality when you go to get a job and your college is considered a joke. </p>

<p>Am I fair and balanced? Nope. But fair and balanced has little to do with this thread. </p>

<p>What I do care about are students considering where they should spend the next four years of their life. In an era where it now is quite questionable whether even going to college is a good return on the investment of both time and money - students need to take a long, hard look at what they are doing. And my opinion is: that any option that has them going to a college that is highly questionable as to what it delivers … is in itself the answer. </p>

<p>Now …</p>

<p>(1) If you are a kid who does not have to be concerned about money.
(2) A kid that has done the minimum in high school that got them in the situation that High Point High became a viable option in the first place
(3) Wishes to continue to do the minimum while enjoying life as if sent off to a hotel for the next four years. </p>

<p>If all of the above fits, High Point High might be for you. </p>

<p>All others should run away. Run like a guy is chasing them down a street wearing a hockey mask.</p>

<p>ctyankee-All I can say is WOW !! Why would you ever have to bash a school like you have done. You are entitled to your opinion but you really need to be fair and most of all considerate. Essentially you are generalizing that all of High Point and it’s student body are underacheivers, privileged, or wealthy kids who want to go on vacation for four years. Have you heard how the school has grown, how many applicants are applying, how many new programs have been added. Every school has it’s market and appeal and I would be surprised if High Points student body is much different than any other small college or university in similar markets. Kids apply and attend for all differeent reasons and typically the overall experience and the overall quality of the education received is relative to their commitment and involvement. My son was accepted to Hamilton, Wooster, Elon, Clemson, and others. He decided on High Point, loves the weather, seems challenged, and made alot of great friends. Do I think he is at a disadvantage or should have attended a better or different school, no way. If he takes advantage of what is offered at HP he will do just fine.</p>

<p>Wow is right. First off, my daughter is not well off financially, she got a great scholarship as well as
3 other scholarships and her financial aid pkg was the best at HPU than it was at Elon and Wake. She has a high GPA and high test scores and is a bio/per med major and HPU is a great fit for her and she doesn’t fall into any of your categories, ctyankee.
I recently returned from a trip out east and met with several parents and educational leaders from private and public schools and when they learned my daughter was at HPU they all said positive things, like it’s the IT school, counselors are telling students all about it, etc. What I don’t understand is why do some small minded people think it’s bad to have a clean, beautiful campus??</p>

<p>Hey, so i am a current HS student looking at High point and i have read every single post and can’t come to a definitive conclusion. I like HPU and for me it’s HPU or USC I like high point better but i want to know about the degree value, does it have good name rec, if i apply for a job does HPU look good on my resume? will i actually learn something? i also hear some people say it has a drug problem, or a party school, to me thats like every college. I mean i always hear ECU is a party school but HPU doesnt have that rep so… I not spoiled and have work very hard for my education, i want to go somewhere that i enjoy and will prosper. I know a degree is what you make of it but is HPU a place i can succeed?</p>

<p>ctyankee, none of those three things apply to me… I wouldn’t be at HPU without financial aid and scholarships, I worked hard in HS and made good grades, and I work even harder here at HPU. I’ve been here for almost 3 years now and I can’t think of one person who meets the last two things you listed. Sure we have some wealthy kids, but please find me one private school that doesn’t… This is college, no one goes to any college to sit around and just get by. It doesn’t work that way, they would fail out instantly. </p>

<p>HPU has an attendance policy where if you miss more than 4 classes, you get dropped and fail the class. You can’t do the bare minimum here and get good grades. You have no idea how hard the students work here. Idk what happened to make you have this anger toward High Point University, but please do not pretend like you know the first thing about our student body. </p>

<p>You can call it High Point High all you want. It’s negativity and hatred like that that we try to avoid and remove from our lives here at HPU. I’m not surprised you heard that from Elon as I frequently hear of disappointment from prospective families about how Elon talks childishly bad about HPU. It’s disappointing really, as Elon is a fantastic school. They should have more confidence honestly. </p>

<p>Have an extraordinary day.</p>

<p>Heathmcintire,</p>

<p>What are you looking to study?
How do you feel about small vs. big schools?</p>

<p>Your degree is what you make of it. You will find a job based on who you know and how you network. The name on your degree will only go so far, so chose a school that will best fit your needs as a student. HPU may be great for you, or it may not be. Answer my two questions above and maybe I can help some more! Have a great day!</p>

<p>thats the thing, i am currently undeclared and have little idea of what i want to do, more than likely business which HPU offers a MBA. but i want a school that will allow to find my passion. and in regards to school sizes i don’t have a strong pull either way my high school graduating class this year will be 68, so i am used to the small school feel and like the one one connection to can have. i know some students who have even meet teachers for coffee etc…</p>

<p>Heathmcintire, I am a business major, I am going to send to a PM with more info!</p>

<p>Having completed 109 semester hours with caring people in such an inspiring environment you would expect perfection, right? I would really love for you, MrAmazingsMom, to inquire as to the evidence we have collected throughout this entire corrupt experience.</p>

<p>Phone call? Email? As per statute of limitation in NC, my (former) colleague is approaching a stalemate; if the right parent read the correspondence between my colleague and HPU’s elite I am certain Nido and Dennis Carroll’s behavior will disgust anyone. After all, a number of collegeconfidential.com members advise against taking seriously any outrageous claims by one “bitter student.”</p>

<p>P.S. I have “actual info;” certified delivery and signed by HPU’s finest.</p>

<p>Littleblackduck… what do you mean? I’m confused by your post. How do we get your “actual info” and what is this about?</p>

<p>The “actually info” is probably about the sky falling and wearing tin foil hats around campus…</p>

<p>litleblackduck, please explain the meaning behind “if the right parent read the correspondence between my colleague and HPU’s elite I am certain Nido and Dennis Carroll’s behavior will disgust anyone.” I find your allegations to be rather misleading.</p>