Clark U vs Beloit College

Parents Forum
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<p>Hi, I'm a transfer student and I'd like to hear any opinions on Beloit College (WI) versus Clark University (MA).</p>

<p>I'm interested in psychology and philosophy. I am leaning toward medical school for psychiatry (which means, of course, that it would help to attend a college that is also good in sciences). However, I am also considering research in social psychology or ethics. </p>

<p>Here is my limited point of view so far:</p>

<p>Clark is lower ranked, but has an especially reputable psych dept that seems to offer a lot in the field. Clark also seems to offer many more classes, so I could possibly take more classes in things I like. I don't know if this matters though, because how many classes will I get the chance to take if I enter as a junior? Also, Clark has this thing where a student can get a free fifth year for a masters if she/he has a high gpa. I don't really know if I could do that, but that would be cool if I could apply for med or grad school with a psych masters already under my belt. </p>

<p>Beloit is higher ranked and also seems to be rising in prestige. This makes me wonder if I'd find more friends at Beloit, as they might be more like-minded/academic. Beloit, despite not offering as many classes as Clark, has a major called Health and Society that seems to be a really good combination of what I'm interested in (though Clark has an Ethics and Public Policy concentration that I'd probably do if I attended, at Beloit I'd have a predeveloped major that I could move around in more easily). Beloit also is only undergraduate (Clark has grad students), so I wonder if I'd get more individual attention there. Both schools are small though, under 3,000 students. </p>

<p>I don't know much about the towns of either, except that neither are great and both are cold. </p>

<p>Here is what I prefer socially: </p>

<p>Tight knit community/future best friends.
Smart, socially aware peers.
Students who are enthusiastic and active in the school.
Really involved profs and advisers.</p>

<p>Here is what I'd like to avoid:</p>

<p>A party school.
Cliquey students.</p>

<p>Please help. I'm sorry if anything I said offends students or alumni, but this is just my quick summary of the schools in comparision to one another. If I am wrong on any counts, I'm happy to hear why! :)</p>

<p>THANKS!!!</p>

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<p>I think you've done your homework. They are both good schools academically. Beloit is known for being friendly and supportive and quirky. I doubt that either is cliquey or overly party-ish. Clark is known for its psych program and Beloit for anthropology. I know a current Clark student and she's been very happy there. Are you able to visit? If not, I'll bet you can communicate with current students online.</p>

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<p>Hey Bethie. </p>

<p>Yeah, I feel like I'm just picking at things because I'm confused. I do get the impression that Beloit is very supportive, and I like that. I don't get the impression that Clark is not, but maybe the liberal arts factor in Beloit makes it more clear there? I definitely want a supportive environment. It seems like Beloit may be a bit more flexible also, though I don't have facts to back that up.</p>

<p>That is the thing. I know Beloit's signature major is anthro, whereas Clark's one is psych. It seems like that should make it a clear choice, but it still doesn't feel so to me.</p>

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<p>I'd visit Clark if you can.... I was very impressed with the school, but my daughter couldn't imagine 4 years in Worcester. I have a niece who went to Beloit -- loved, loved, loved it -- but she was an anthro major. She found unbelievable support among the faculty there, as is now pursuing a Ph.D.</p>

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<p>Look at the psychology dept at Beloit. I know nothing about their psychology dept. Facebook, live journal? </p>

<p>Was just at Beloit for a concert last night, and had a conversation contrasting the big ten school I live near, and Beloit. The Beloit student was so glad to not deal with the level of insanity her friend deals with at the bigger school, though partying does occur at Beloit. They've done a wonderful job of matching up roommates, and the school feels warm and welcoming. So pretty at night with the snow, trees and old buildings. A new science center is being worked on, ready for classes in the fall.</p>