<p>My D is considering Elon and so far likes what she has read. She has not visited yet and probably won't until she is accepted. We are in Arizona so visiting isn't all that practical. So here is my question: she is weighing the pros & cons of a big university vs. a smaller school like Elon. She likes the fun of a big school but knows that smaller fits her learning style better. I have never heard of Elon until recently. What kind of reputation does it have out there in the hiring world. She will likely want to end up in a large East Coast city, although she doesn't yet know in what field. Will her job prospects be better having graduated from a well known state school like UDel or Indiana vs. a relative unknown up and coming school like Elon? Any feedback from Elon grads would be appreciated. Speaking of which, how strong is their alumni network?</p>
<p>pushydad-I would highly suggest you visit Elon so you can see what they have to offer. Your daughters intended major will also play an important role in her decision. While I agree with you that Elon is certainly an up-and-comer, they are certainly very well respected and have plenty of recruiters/companies interested in their students. The Love school of business was just ranked #45 in the country, and has some pretty fantastic stats about kids getting internships/jobs/etc (and they send a lot of kids to boston/wall st. for that). One thing the school likes to brag about is how highly they are ranked by corporate recruiters who just love the school. Their school of communications is also a highly ranked program and a lot of people I know have gotten top jobs at ESPN, ABC, etc.</p>
<p>As far as comparing it to a larger state school-in terms of life and jobs-I would say you’d have just as much “fun” here, the social life is great although sports aren’t so huge here as they are at bigger schools. But for getting jobs-companies LOVE students from liberal arts schools since they tend to have required classes in writing, ethics, etc. that big schools do not require, producing a more well rounded student. There is a fantastic job center on campus that can help you build a resume and connect you with employers and alumni, even up to 20 years post graduation. </p>
<p>Obviously I am a huge Elon advocate, but I highly suggest you visit because once you do, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem. Not to mention the campus is AMAZING. Any other q’s feel free to ask!</p>
<p>malax222, my D doesn’t yet know what she wants to major in which is making the process of narrowing her decisions harder. One big draw at Elon is the study abroad program which everyone raves about. A couple of questions: Do they help if you choose a study abroad program outside of the Elon sanctioned programs? What is the deal with winter term? I know you can do study abroad then but if you choose to take academic courses on campus is that additional tuition, room & board from what I see on their yearly costs? What year are you in? Thanks for your input.</p>
<p>Pushydad,
A lot has been written about Elon in this thread <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/931514-colleges-jewish-b-student.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/931514-colleges-jewish-b-student.html</a></p>
<p>It is a beautiful school and great for the student who relishes in a small environment with individual attention. FWIW, my older s had a roommate (until my s moved across country) who went to Elon and is working for a major broadcasting network.</p>
<p>Winter term on campus is included in all fees, tuition and room and board…there are no extra charges</p>
<p>Pushydad - Another big Elon supporter here, S finishing his Jr year, and semester in abroad. Not sure what you mean by “Do they help if you choose a study abroad program outside of the Elon sanctioned programs?” - No you can’t go backpacking across Europe and get credit, but they work with a large selection of schools across the world and I don’t know anyone who couldn’t find a semester abroad program that worked for them. The Winter term programs are much more structures and planned.</p>
<p>One of my sons professors offered to work with him to “set up” a study abroad program if the ones listed did not appeal to him. He was however able to pick a program available through the study abroad website. ( Do a search of all available study abroad programs. You will be surprised how many there are. And they are always adding new ones.)</p>
<p>It took 2 visits for me to be sold on Elon for my Northeastern D b/c we had similiar concerns- the biggest one being distance. I have visited over 30 schools b/w 2 kids and believe in the Elon mission. (I tried hard to find a comparable alternative & finally thought what am I stupid?!!! this school is a gift!) </p>
<p>The nurturing, respected academic envirnonment on a very sophisticated, gorgeous, safe, fun and affordable campus-- what’s not to like except not a big 10 football experience? You got it- my D loved her freshman year; learned alot, lots of interaction w Professors, extra help when needed, got great grades, very nice friends, professors (1 was not so good out of 10 different professors- pretty good odds) & staff. </p>
<p>Her friends are from MA, DC, VA, NC, FL, NY, CT, NC, and one from AZ! </p>
<p>If you are looking for big rah- rah - think Clemson, Penn St & Auburn. U Dell is an excellent school but football & teams are a bit dull</p>