Caught between Miami U and Baldwin Wallace

<p>I've narrowed it down between Miami University of Ohio and Baldwin-Wallace College in Ohio. </p>

<p>I like Miami for its academics, campus and student size, and the fact that they group students with the same major together. That would make things easier knowing that I'm rooming with someone I will more than likely have classes with. There is also a lot to do on campus, and hockey is big. I think that's an interesting sport. I can see myself on campus, going to the library and ogling the big iMacs (LOVE THEM) while doing Chemistry homework and things like that. It is definitely a school that I would go to.</p>

<p>HOWEVER. I have heard that is a preppy, conservative school, and I am a liberal, artistic, open-minded young adult. I like to say what needs to be said. I don't particularly like to follow the crowd. I'll lead it, sure. But I digress. I did an overnight at Miami and hated it. I did not hate the campus or the things we did...it's just that the person I stayed with told me that many people drink, there are many parties, and it is preppy. </p>

<p>I've loved Baldwin-Wallace from the moment I first went there at the end of my junior year. It has been my number one for a while because I can see myself on campus and I just like the feel of it. The academics are great as well. Unlike Miami it is a not big party, conservative school, as far as I know. That is one thing that I like. </p>

<p>However, it is 30 minutes away from home (I live near Cleveland). My parents consider it a local school, like on the same level as Tri-C. They don't think I'd get the true college/independence thing there since it's so close, unlike MU. But I've really had my eyes on BW for a while. But now my opinion is changing and it's the worst time for this to be happening because D-Day is a few days away.</p>

<p>Keep in mind that I am going to college as a French major with a concentration in language and culture. </p>

<p>Basically, I'm torn between the two. My parents are wearing me down and telling me that BW is too close and I don't get a sense of independence. They're pitching for Miami because of the grouping thing they do, it's a nice campus, it's not so big that I'd get lost (unlike OSU), and it is a legit, as it is ranked number one in undergrad education (that's what they told me). Basically they think that Miami has all that I need. I would agree if it weren't for the fact that Miami is what it is (from what I've heard).</p>

<p>Or am I just being biased? I do love Miami, I really do, but I can't seem to lean towards it. But in the end I know that my parents will send me to Miami. Can any current students (or parents of current students), tell me what propelled them to go to Miami? Academics? Location or campus? I want to love this school. Either way my parents will make me go and if i do go, I do not want to be pouting or throwing a fit. I just want some reasons why Miami is the best place to go for me.</p>

<p>If your fear is the preppy thing, don’t fear as it an empty reputation. Just look at the kids on the website and go to the Miami Student newspaper and look at the pictures from the week in review–just normal kids in shorts and sweatshirts. D goes there and loves it, but that doesn’t mean it is for you. Neighbor goes to BW and he loves it–he is much more of a party person than my daughter. It’s all in who you decide to hang out with no matter where you decide to go.</p>

<p>Yes, students drink. Yes, there are a lot of parties. Yes, some students are conservative. (But, IIRC, about 60% of the student body voted for Obama!) However, you will not be friends with everyone on Miami’s campus, and your group of friends will not necessarily be reflective of Miami’s reputation. If you’re looking for rich, preppy people-- well, you’ll be able to find them. :slight_smile: On the other hand, if you get involved with activities that you enjoy, you’ll be able to find people with similar interests. (Also, from my experience, humanities majors tend to be more liberal than, say, business majors.)</p>

<p>I chose Miami primarily because of the financial aid, but I had heard very good things about its academics. I am very, very far from the “Miami girl” stereotype, and that did concern me for awhile. Fortunately, I found my niche: almost all of my friends are socially liberal; I’m involved in two clubs that take up a lot of my time; and I absolutely love my majors. Miami’s academics have also opened up a lot of amazing opportunities pre- and post-graduation.</p>

<p>Miami isn’t perfect, but, IMO, its reputation for preppiness is worse than the reality.</p>

<p>i have decided to attend Miami University next year and join the class of 2014. thanks for your opinions; it really helped. :)</p>