<p>I'm thinking of putting Willamette University as one of my safety schools. Do you find Willamette University challenging? In sophomore year I got a 5 on AP European History and in junior year I took four AP tests and got 2 5's and 2 4's. I don't know if I'll find Willamette University very challenging. Also, what is the atmosphere like at Willamette? Is it very intellectual? For instance, in the dining room hall, would you hear people talking a lot about intellectual things or what they learned in class? Your answers will help me decide if I want to go to Willamette or not.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>In terms of a challenge, a college is whatever you make out of it. I have a 35 on the ACT and have all 5's on AP exams, and Willamette is probably where I am going next year. I am not worried about lack of challenge-- I visited a class and the discussion was great. Also, as a thought, AP exams can test you out of lower division classes so you can be challenged by taking upper level classes sooner.</p>
<p>As far as intellectualism, I would say that, as well, is whatever you make out of it. I wouldn't deem Willamette "intellectual," although I am sure that everyone there is capable of deep discussion. I think its generally more laid back and fun-loving, but you can find the "intellectual-type" if you want.</p>
<p>We were there last week & D attended a class. She reported back that it bothered her that some of the students were surfing the web on their laptops during the lecture.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, school remains high on her list. Might have been even higher had the spring crop of ducklings been out!</p>
<p>I read your posting and asked my D about it as she is home this week for spring break. She is a junior and has noticed this herself. She takes notes on her laptop but does see people surfing or doing email from time to time in class. "Very obnoxious, Mom!" So it is not going unnoticed. I wonder how often this happens at other schools- including the most competitive, admissions-wise. I'm sure it happens in many places- perhaps a sign of the times.</p>
<p>Interesting.</p>
<p>How does your D like Willamette? and Salem?</p>
<p>she has enjoyed it very much- likes the small personal atmosphere of the school. Small classes- accessible profs etc. Salem has been fine too- I think she feels there is enough stuff to do but not an overwhelming amount. She is often busy studying (or sleeping!) on weekends so does not feel she has missed out on being in a big city atmosphere- or more of a rah-rah college town atmosphere. In fact, she visited a friend at the U of Oregon in February and loves Eugene but she said perhaps there were TOO many fun things to do and that is might have been a distraction had she gone there undergrad. </p>
<p>She is thinking about going to a university or larger city for grad school- now she feels ready for the challenge- spent a semester abroad last fall and that really gave her a taste of the "wide world out there."</p>
<p>One negative comment is that the selection of guys is not to her satisfaction- the ratio of women to men in almost all the LACs is skewed to women. A large university has a larger pool of guys!</p>
<p>"One negative comment is that the selection of guys is not to her satisfaction- the ratio of women to men in almost all the LACs is skewed to women. A large university has a larger pool of guys!"
Maybe, but there are a fair number of guys there. Everytime I talk to D she is off doing something with the baseball team or some other group of guys. Even asked her once if she knew any girls other than her roommate ;) Not too different from high school where she had more guy friends too.</p>
<p>I should tell my son. He went to visit last month and was afraid there were not enough women! I am glad your daughters are happy there. My guess is that is where my son will be!</p>
<p>well there you go- more than one opinion on any topic for sure! I do think the ratio of male/female is closer at Willamette than some of the other LACs in the Northwest. At least it was when my D was looking at them all.</p>
<p>It definitely is-- I think it's around 45/55, while I believe UPS and Lewis & Clark are 40/60 or even farther</p>
<p>did anyone see the Doonesbury comic last Sunday? I think 4/27? It dealt with using the internet during class- very funny- obviously this is a problem everywhere- well maybe not everywhere but probably many schools- try this link:</p>
<p>Doonesbury@Slate</a> - Daily Dose</p>