Anyone visit High Point University?

Colleges and Universities A-Z High Point University
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<p>People commenting (and trashing) a school who have never visited and know nothing about it, and relying on the perceptions of one New Yorker, is dangerous territory. I caution “professionals” before wading into those dangerous waters. People are entitled to their opinions. High Point serves a particular student body with a particular mission statement. There is no obligation they meet the same mission statement of any other university nor your own preconceived notions of what the college experience should or should not be.</p>

<p>If its not your bag, fine, move on. But your trashing of this school is unwarranted and in my view unprofessional.</p>

<p>I hope you find what you are looking for. No need to trash High Point. Its making a LOT of people very happy. (No, I have no kids there and don’t work there either).</p>

<p>I don’t see an exodus of faculty at High Point. In fact, I see an increase in faculty hirings.</p>

<p>Its not Duke or UNC or Wake Forest or Davidson. Nor does it try to be. But if your kid has the stats to “fit into High Point” (and presumably does not have the stats to fit into the aforementioned colleges) then I recommend you visit High Point and make your own judgement about it. If its not for you then move along and pick from the other 2,000 colleges in the United States.</p>

<p>How offended would you be if a southerner started trashing schools in New York based on a perception they had at one campus visit? And again, there is not one model of college to follow. They can make their own mission statement and do as they please.</p>

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<p>I agree, endlessrecession. HPU is not aiming for kids with the CC prestige-driven Ivy-or-bust mentality. It’s aiming for the good, average kids. Those kids don’t want Manhatten IB or law firm jobs. They want good, average jobs and will probably get them. There’s nothing wrong with that. And if you don’t like the country club environment, then don’t apply (as a student or faculty). </p>

<p>HPU is currently in 3rd place on Son’s safety list (behind Roanoke and Salisbury) and 17th out of 17 overall. We’ll be visiting in June, during the same trip that we see WFU (reach) and Elon (match). We’re going in with our eyes wide open and on the lookout for “style over substance.” We will form our own opinions based on seeing it for ourselves. </p>

<p>We wouldn’t rule out Harvard because “we hear” it’s full of gazillionaire snobs. And we won’t rule out HPU because “we hear” it’s full of slacker students and malcontent faculty.</p>

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<p>“People commenting (and trashing) a school who have never visited and know nothing about it, and relying on the perceptions of one New Yorker, is dangerous territory.”</p>

<p>Agreed, posters should not trash schools they know nothing about. But posters routinely pass along second- or third-hand info which is often helpful. Sometimes that helpful info is unflattering, but the unflattering review should not be discouted on that basis alone. Nor should the review be disregarded b/c the poster is from New York. </p>

<p>And, what makes the flattering accounts in this thread more accurate or worthy that the negative post with which you apparetnly disagree? Aren’t they also just one individual’s perception? </p>

<p>In fact, the negative and the positive reviews seem to be quite similar factually: the school is beautiful, there’s alot of new construction. Some posters think HPU’s focus on upgrading it’s facilities is great, others thinks it is pandering - - so what, neither HPU nor any other uni has to be all things to all people. If the school sounds good to you - - apply; if you don’t like the sound of the school - - walk away. But I certainly wouldn’t discourage posters from offering honest and accurate reviews, even if unflattering - - I want to know whether the food is bad. </p>

<hr>

<p>“How offended would you be if a southerner started trashing schools in New York based on a perception they had at one campus visit?”</p>

<p>Again, I don’t see how the geog difference is relevant. As for the perceptionbeing based on only a single campus visit, that snapshot is often all an applicant family gets before deciding whether to apply. And, if a single visit is insufficient basis to assess a school, then the positive reviews on this thread are similarly limited and equally unreliable.</p>

<hr>

<p>“I recommend you visit High Point and make your own judgement about it.”</p>

<p>Visiting every school before deciding whether to apply is an excruciatingly time-consuming and expensive endeavor, and beyond the means of most applicant families. In winnowing down “the list” families consult guide books and review sites like CC for info on schools they are unable to visit. But while you urge posters to visit and make their own judgements, you dissmiss another poster’s account as “trashing” the school and suggest that that poster’s judgement is somehow flawed, just because you have reached a different decision or made a different assessment of the school.</p>

<p>Finally, I don’t recall anyone suggesting that HPU should be Duke or Davidson. Yes, if HPU is not a poster’s cup of tea, there’s no obligation that s/he apply - - but there’s nothing wrong with a poster explaining why/how s/he found a school to be deficient.</p>

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<p>We just returned from a visit to High Point. We were not able to take a tour as they were having a program for their incoming freshmen on Friday and Saturday. We were able to obtain a VIF (Very Important Friend) pass that allowed us access to certain areas of the campus. It is very much like a country club setting and I found that to be appealing. However, I would be uncomfortable with and I would find no purpose in my daughter venturing off of this campus. The area surrounding appeared seedy and unkempt to me. I saw nothing off-campus (in the immediate area) that would warrant leaving campus anyway. I did not see many stores or restaurants or the like. The campus is so well-outfitted and equipped with creature comforts that I am not sure you would need to leave except to go home on breaks. I believe that can create a more communal atmosphere. We were not able to obtain any information regarding academics, faculty or degrees. That can be obtained from their website. The only reason that my daughter has decided to take this school off of her list is the lack of big sports teams. She really would like to be able to be a part of game days and big crowds. Were it not for that, I believe that High Point would remain high on her list.</p>

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<p>High Point is historically a mill town: furniture and clothing mills. That is changing rapidly. The immediate area is not seedy. It is somewhat blue collar. But its a safe campus, believe me. There is a large mall down the street about 3 blocks and a large mall in Greensboro, as well as a new French style mall in Burlington near Elon University. Greensboro-High Point-Winston Salem are highly desirable places to live and work with an exceptional cost of living index, excellent jobs, family friendly and easy airport, train, or vehicle access. I wouldnt let “the immediate area” scare you off. Duke is in Durham and believe me, that is a LOT scarier. BIG TIME. </p>

<p>High Point is Division I for basketball and soccer and baseball. Just no football team. If you want football, then Elon has that and stronger academics as well.</p>

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<p>Re: “trashing” by those who aren’t in the know - I’ve not been back to HPU since the revitalization, but I visited numerous times during the four years that my sister went there, then collaborated from time to time with colleagues there while I worked at another university 10 miles away. I’ve always liked HPU, but the OP asked for honest feedback. I don’t equate honest feedback with trashing.</p>

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<p>After reading this thread, I thought I might have some helpful insights as my son finishes his second year at HPU. I believe strongly that the most important factor in one’s college choice is that it is a good match for YOU. Given that, there are things about HPU that might be great for one person and not for another so what I’d like to try to do is compare my observations after almost 2 years to what you see when you visit the college. </p>

<p>1) Most people are struck by the facilities and they are very nice. Lots of new, clean buildings. This was important for my son because he has asthma and had had asthma attacks while staying on two other campuses (think 911 & ambulances). We saw some very disgusting dorms on some campuses and for him, this was a health issue. An increasing number of the dorms have single rooms which is nice since most kids these days haven’t grown up sharing a bedroom. The format of multiple singles in a suite which shared common area is the best of both worlds, I think. However, be aware that this comes at a price. There are multiple pricing levels for the dorms with the additional ‘investment’ (yes, that’s what they call it on the website!) of up to $4K /year. Dr. Quebien made a big deal during our visit about how ‘you give kids nice things and they take care of them’. Haven’t necessarily found that to be true.<br>
2) Food - ALWAYS good during parents’ weekends, prospective student weekends, etc. Not so great the rest of the time. While the ice cream truck and the kiosk is impressive on the tour, in reality, I bet my son hasn’t gotten anything from either of them more than 10 times in 2 years so be careful about making your choice based on little things. The other thing is that many of the dorms have kitchens. However, with the Comprehensive Fee, you cannot opt out of the meal plan so if you buy food to cook yourself, you’re just paying twice.<br>
3) Academics - I think every college aims its academics at the middle of its student body. Look at the SAT scores of incoming freshmen and see if its a good fit for you. My son is in the education program. We did a lot of investigation looking at the state evaluation of education programs and the student outcomes 1-2 years post-graduation. HPU had good student outcomes based on both principal and mentor evaluation, as well as students’ evaluations of how well-prepared they felt. Equivalent or better than Elon, UNC-Greensboro or NC State - other schools where he was accepted. They are incrementally raising their admission standards and were strategic in their approach by making the facilities and services so outstanding that they would have a bigger applicant pool to choose from. They give some full-ride scholarships to students they really want but I’ve never seen anyone happy whose gone to a school were they are in the top 5% just because they got a full scholarship. Faculty are very available and supportive. There is an expectation that you go to class and they will email you and even put you on academic probation if you miss too much class. Good for some…
4) General philosophy on campus - this is a pretty conservative school. That’s probably been the one thing that has been the biggest disappointment for my son. One poster was offended by Dr. Queibien’s comments about accepting ‘good students who are well-groomed’ etc. That attitude is prevalent and I’ve been turned off by some of the Parent’s Day speakers they’ve had. Last visit was interesting…I’d spent 3 hours with my son and one of his friends who happens to have multiple piercings, dreadlocks, somewhat unconventional style of dress… I’d gone with them to where they were selling jewelry these students had made to raise money for AIDs orphans in Africa and she was telling me all about her plans to volunteer with AmeriCorp after she graduates in May. Most impressive young woman, where it counts. Then we listened to this really obnoxious motivational speaker - military, multiple amputee. Impressive in his determination and what he had accomplished despite his disabilites but really obnoxious in his sexist remarks regarding his wife’s appearance and ‘what a good-looking audience’ it was, with none of those ‘hippy dippy’ types. The diversity of their student body has actually decreased over the past few years as they have recruited fewer foreign athletes. Not much drugs but LOTS of drinking. My son has spent many nights watching over kids who had drunk so much he was concerned about alcohol poisoning. I’m sure that goes on to some degree everywhere, but we were pretty surprised at the prevalence and degree. I would say the most prevalent ‘type’ on campus is the average student from an upper middle class background in the Northeast or Florida. No judgement here - just a statement.<br>
5) Surrounding area: Many kids have cars on campus so even if you don’t, it’s easy to get a ride. Not a lot of things to walk to. The university has a nice program called, I think, IDC which is a one-credit ‘course’ designed to promote involvement in cultural activities. You can register for the course for two semesters and, by registering, you are eligible for free tickets to a wide variety of events including plays and musical events in High Point. My son did that first semester and it was a great way to find your way around and experience some cultural activities in town. </p>

<p>Happy to respond to other posters with questions.</p>

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<p>Is your son happy - does he feel he made the right choice with HPU?</p>

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<p>I would say, overall, he is happy with his decision. In retrospect, I think he wishes he had chosen a college with a more liberal student body but not enough to change schools and risk not graduating on time. </p>

<p>Speaking of, someone posted about the graduation rates. I can’t speak to other majors, but in education, the only way he is graduating on time is to take two courses every summer. He’s middle grades education in English and Social Studies so it’s almost like a triple major with the education requirements, English requirements and History reqs. He’s taking 100 and 200 level basic requirement courses at a local community college and transferring them to HPU.</p>

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<p>I am a recent grad of HPU and just wanted to shed some light on the forum. My best advice would be to jump on the HPU train. Over the last couple of years, HPU is nearly tripled in size. The campus is maintained very well and the buildings are all new or have been recently renovated. This is a school on the rise and it is moving up in a hurry. If HPU is even in the discussion for your college destination, do yourself a favor and check it out. It is a smaller school with all the big school amenities.</p>

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<p>What was your major? Did you find some of the things harwo001 said to be true - things like the kiosks, food and ice cream truck being more for show than reality. What did you think of the diversity of the kids on campus?</p>

<p>Is it true that most or all stay on campus for all 4 years? Is there any way to have a smaller meal plan or no meal plan? What did you think about the academic programs - were the classes challenging and interesting? Did you finish your degree in 4 years?</p>

<p>Thanks for sharing your experience.</p>

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<p>I found it very odd how the teacher bios are not listed. No background information is given what so ever. My POV if you don’t have a phd then you shouldn’t teach. I suspect that most of the teachers don’t have a PHD</p>

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<p>The kiosks, the ice cream are all bonuses. It is nice to roll out of bed and be able to go to class and pick up a free orange and water on the way to class. Some of that stuff probably is for show, but I would say that your son/daughter would definietly utilize these extras that they provide. The campus is tremendously diverse. Students from all over the country and world have come to HPU. The rules have changed over the last several years regarding off campus living. Most students live on campus as far as I know. The curriculum at HPU was challenging while interesting, sometimes that is hard to find. Most of the professors have real life experience in their field and can rely on real life experiences to relate to students. I was able to complete my degree in 4 years. Feel free to email me and I would be happy to share more of my experience while at HPU. <a href="mailto:ryanjudy@mergisgroup.com">ryanjudy@mergisgroup.com</a></p>

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<p>^ I’m not to sure how much credibility a teacher can have just from real hands on experience. If you don’t have a PHD and have not done extensive research in your particular field I find it hard for a teacher to be effective. Also very shady that the teacher bios are not available regarding their academic and research background. By the way free water isn’t going to sell me on going to HPU</p>

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<p>But the basis for your assumption is that since there is no background on the professors that they dont have PHDs…which is hardly credible</p>

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<p>Ryanjudy06,</p>

<p>What am i supposed to think? The single most important factor at any institution is it’s professors. If the background information isn’t provided for the professor then one must suspect something shady is going on. This is hardly a small itinerary item to be overlooked and say “I forgot”. All credible insitutions will list teacher bios that include education and research background.</p>

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<p>Do they use TAs? If not, aren’t these stats rather low for professionals with terminal degrees (Btw, terminal degree does not mean PhD. It can mean lawyers, osteopaths, optometrists are teaching classes. I am not saying that is necessarily a bad thing, but they are not PhDs):</p>

<p>Quote from HPU’s site:</p>

<p>Currently, 78% of the faculty have doctorates or other terminal degrees; others have one or more master’s degrees.</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.highpoint.edu/faculty/[/url]”>http://www.highpoint.edu/faculty/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>I just find it particulalry odd that they will not list teacher bios. The 78% doctorates and “other terminal” degrees is really questionable.</p>

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<p>Would an accounting professor need a PHD. Could a writing class be taught by John Grisham since he does not have a PHD or lets say Ann Rice wanted to teach fiction writing is she ok.</p>

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<p>Tom1944, you obviously are a silly goose. Grisham and Ann Rice aren’t qualified to teach. Yes an accounting professor needs a PHD if not i would hope they have a CPA or both. You want the quality of your instructor to be an obsolute master at what they are teaching and a PHD is a qualification that equates that.</p>