Daughter accepted as a society and environment major in the CNR. Does anyone have insight into how this college may differ from others? I’ve read that it has a smaller college feel within the larger university. Also that the advisors are more accessible. Do kids pretty much socialize, stick with other students in their college and/or major? Or are most friends just made in the freshman dorms? ThNks for any insight!!
DD graduated Environmental Science/GIST minor from CNR in 2020 (transferred in from L&S in her sophomore year - she figured out what she wanted to pursue after college apps were submitted, so this was always the plan). While it’s definitely smaller than L&S from a head count perspective, it’s not like a “college within a college” feel of, say, a residential program (see Bowles Hall, for example) where relationships are fostered between students living and dining together. You are still part of a much larger institution, taking classes with people pursuing a variety of degrees from other schools/departments. DD recruited 3 of her L&S friends to move their majors to CNR mainly for the advisor accessibility (not like they are instantly available 24/7, but easier to reach than those in L&S).
I think your daughter joining one or more of the environmental clubs on campus (or even DeCals) would bring her closer to liked-minded students if that’s what floats her boat. DD’s friends at the end were people she met freshman year in the dorms and later in off-campus housing (and people met through those people), plus one club she was involved in for a couple of years. Not to say you can’t make friendships in college classes, but those classes will be very large the first few years, especially for the prereqs.
Your daughter will find her people - where those people wind up coming from (classes, clubs, work, research, other EC’s, DeCals, housing, etc.) is anyone’s guess. That’s the beauty of college: there are potential friends everywhere. Good luck to her!
This is incredibly helpful!! Thanks for the insight. What is DeCals?