Colleges for the Jewish "B" student (Part 1)

@Shawbridge I looked at these lists and I can’t believe the ridiculousness of how some of these schools are characterized. Yes, BDS is an issue on campuses and on some campuses they have gotten traction among some vocal proponents. I totally get that. But to stigmatize schools that have worked hard over the years to increase their Jewish populations, Jewish programming, Jewish majors and minors, religious services and meal plans and then push all that aside because there have been some protests and support of BDS is crazy. It is a real disservice to people who seek a place where there is a Jewish presence. And don’t discount the fact that on some campuses, Jewish students are in support of sanctions against Israel. So now what you are really giving is a list of schools that are either very conservative, religious or not as politically active as others.

@uskoolfish, I was a little surprised at the lists (they list Stanford as a difficult place for Jews and that doesn’t really jive with my indirect observations). I posted because they seemed to be responsive to some prior posters’ requests.

Re: #19219 - #19221

The usual factor is that if Israeli / Palestinian politics gets taken up by any activist groups (on any side), it tends to get nasty and racist very quickly. Reasonable people find it too nasty to want to have anything to do with it, leaving just the noisy, nasty, racist extremists to push the issue on everyone.

Ursinus is working to increase its Jewish student population, and is a great school for B (and/or academically maturing) students.

Trinity University in San Antonio is worth considering for B (and A) students. The campus is beautiful and the college’s reputation is rising. There is an active Jewish Students Association and nearby is Temple Beth El, a thriving congregation (Rabbi Emeritus Samuel Stahl is a brilliant thinker and outstanding speaker).

I just found this thread and glad I did. Really enjoy reading everyone’s comments. Well, decision time is almost here for D. Acceptances are: Bard, Sarah Lawrence, Denison, Muhlenberg, Bryn Mawr, Skidmore, Mt. Holyoke. Because theatre is so important to her, it appears she has narrowed down to Muhlenberg and SLC with one more visit each in a week or so. The Muhlenberg visit will be a overnight. Other things important to her are an active Hillel, A Cappella groups, and good Poly Sci-Fi/Gender Studies offerings and friendliness of student body

I’d say the only reason she has not committed to Muhlenberg so far is the perception she has that SLC professors would be better equipped to help her land a theatre internship due to NYC proximity…

I guess that is what I asking… any reason to choose SLC over MC? Thanks!!!

@maizeblue Despite the Allentown location, I think you have a very strong theater alumni network at Muhlenberg in NYC. Their professors are connected as well. In the end, your D will need to establish her own network of connections among her peers. I would consider how many theatre majors both schools graduate. I would guess that Muhlenberg’s numbers are close to double that of Sarah Lawrence. Of course price has to be considered as well. If your D needs to take on debt, consider that most arts related jobs pay very poorly. My D was a MT major at NYU and decided to pursue the business end of theatre. Most positions to start (and for many years thereafter) pay in the $25K to $35K range. D decided to go back to school for her MBA after working in the field for 5 years. Virtually none of her friends who stuck with theatre/entertainment-related jobs are making much more than $35K to $65K 7 years post graduation–with most leaning towards the lower end. All were graduates of good schools. It is very hard to survive independently in NYC on that salary. Most need help and it is that much harder if they have loans. We live on Long Island. I know many students in theatre that chose Muhlenberg from our area and one who graduated SLC last year.

Thank you very much! Fortunately for my D, she will start her working career with zero debt… it is a nice gift we are able to give her. Really appreciate your response.

We will be visiting Mount Holyoke and Bryn soon. @maizeblue , may i pm you about the jewish community there? Or can you tell me here if there is a bds presence?

@silverpurple There’s a BDS presence on nearly every campus, especially in the northeast.

I know, @brantly , what i mean is do the bds supporters have a strong presence, like are they on the student govt board and passing bds resolutions? And /or if there is a good number of students who stand up for Israel? Incidentally, if anyone wants to read a comprehensive article on bds college campuses read the New York Times magazine March 28, 2019, “How the Battle Over Israel and Anti-Semitism Is Fracturing American Politics.”

@silverpurple This website tracks BDS activity at U.S. college campuses. You can search by name of college.
https://amchainitiative.org/

Does anyone have current info on Jewish life at University of Richmond? We are doing a week of tours and recently added Richmond. Now I am thinking we need a break somewhere so my daughter is not burned out. Richmond is smaller than she usually likes but does have a business school so I thought it was worth a stop while in the area.

But 6% of a small school might just not work for her. 180 kids is less than a typical USY convention, and I doubt they are all active in Hillel.

Anyone have recent experience there to share?

Also visiting Wake Forest and have similar concerns but it’s a bigger school so I think it may work better for her.

Thanks!

I don’t know the answer but would love to hear from someone who does. Richmond is a school on my DS’s radar too. Someone told me the hillel.org site is inaccurate and there is more of a Jewish population there, but I don’t know. Maybe call the Hillel at Richmond?

Those schools are on my son’s list as well. Would love more information about Jewish life there!

So, we did not end up visiting U Richmond. But we did visit UVA, UNC Chapel Hill, Wake Forest and William and Mary. I know some of these are more for A students, but nonetheless thought it might be helpful to share feedback since none of these have huge Jewish populations.

UVA - great! They were serving a kosher for passover lunch in a room in the student center (dinner was held at Hillel). We were able to talk to the director, Israeli fellow and lots of students. It sold my DD on the school (well she liked it anyway but this sealed the deal). It was her crowd and there was a steady flow of kids. And the food was nothing fancy but the fact that they were seeking it out was impactful for us. Also they offer hebrew language classes.

UNC - also thumbs up! They have a nice Hillel house and we were showed around by two enthusiastic students. My DD felt is was the right vibe and enough critical mass. They have a Jewish sorority that is based at Hillel that meets to do community service. For a small % school, we were pleasantly surprised.

William and Mary - not good. This was really disappointing. I had been following them on social media and it looked promising. They have a brand new Hillel building but they need more students. I think she said there were 400 Jewish students but they had about 12-15 at the seder. They are hoping to attract more Jewish kids now that they have the building so in a few years it might be much better. For now, too small for my DD. She doesn’t want to have to create the community herself. We asked if there was a birthright trip and the girl said “yes”. Then she said there were only about 3 students going so they are added to another group.

Wake Forest - also not good. Again, looked promising online but in person was disappointing. We met with the director and met some students but it seemed way too small. They have Friday night dinners but no services. Even though my DD might not attend services, the fact that it wasn’t even offered bothered her. They also do not have a full birthright trip. We were told most kids go with groups from their hometown. Our tour guide was actually wearing a small chai necklace but when my daughter asked about Hillel she said she doesn’t go. So for a smallish school with a small % Jewish, a smaller active group is tough.

Hope this helps! And if someone knows more about these last two that is more positive I would love to hear it!

All good info, but a B student, even instate, has very, very little chance of admission to UNC, UVA, W&M, or Wake.

BU Brandeis and GWU. Yes for Jewish students.

Nearly Zero chance for the B student without a 35 and maybe not even a chance then.

UVA - S17’s best friend was a legacy with a 35 and never a grade below A- and was rejected. I think it’s only gotten harder since then.

It seems that many of the CC threads end up with selectivity creep. As the thread moves along, the focus often trends to more selective schools than the original aim of the thread.