Elon vs. Villanova

Colleges and Universities A-Z Elon University
1

<p>Hi there, I'm new to CC but hoped you all could provide some insight. I'm a current senior, living in New England and have been accepted to both Elon and Villanova. I've attended both school's accepted students days, and still can't decide which to attend. I intend on majoring in Communications, studying and analyzing the media (I don't so much want to make films etc. but want to analyze them, and advertisements and the effects of media and society). I'm also posting this in the Villanova sectio to get both opinions. Sorry it's so long, but here are some of my thoughts about both schools:</p>

<p>Villanova University:
- I would major in Comm. with a specialization in Media Studies
- It's expensive, and I doubt I'll qualify for any financial aid (I didn't get any merit scholarships)
- It's Roman Catholic, and I'm non-religious (not necessarily agnostic, just unsure but have no desire to "become" religious or convert. I worry that I would feel out of place at a religious college)
- I'm also not Asian, not white (I say this b/c I've heard of the Vanilla-nova stereotype. I've gone to private, mostly white prep schools all my life, so I don't think this would bother me too much, but coupled with the religious affiliation, I worry that I'd never fit in)
- I know that Villanova is more well known than Elon, and I think academically, may be better (thought I'm not sure about Comm. specifically)
- Their 99% placement rate is really impressive
- I'm definitely not a partier, but I'm unsure how much fun students have (Villa-no-fun). Do parties occur, esp. for freshmen or sophomores? The religious aspect, plus the fact freshmen and sophomores don't have cars, would signify to me that besides school sanctioned events, there aren't many parties and such.
- When I visited, I really felt like I could go there. I liked the Augustinian message of service to others, and the people and school seemed really wholesome. I'm looking for a school where I can meet intelligent, really wholesome people who are about their schoolwork, others, and society (maybe that's too high of an order for a college?). It also had a more "academic feel" to me than Elon
- I've heard the extensive course work (For Arts and Science) is difficult and doesn't leave many other classes for students to take classes that interest them</p>

<p>Elon University:
- I would major in Comm. Science (They told me that next year, they're changing the major to be called Media Analyst but it's basically the same major)
- I have a $4500 scholarship there, and it's much cheaper to begin with than Villanova
- There's a lot of Greek life, and it's what I call "southern Greek life" as opposed to Nova's Greek life. I know it sounds crazy but for some reason, I feel like southern Greek life is the more stereotypical, Lily Pulitzer, pearls, pretty blondes. I may be totally wrong, but southern Greek life makes me more uncomfortable than the Greek life at Nova. Again, I may be wrong. I'd probably join Greek life at both colleges, but I'd join it at Nova because I want to, and at Elon because I'd feel like I had to in order to have a social life at all
- Elon is definitely moving up in the ranks, but it's still not as well known as Nova. I know prestige shouldn't matter, but for getting jobs it might.
- I love the 5 Elon Experiences, and how Study Abroad, Internships, Service are all incorporated into the curriculum. At the same time, it seems like everything might be too easy at Elon, if that makes sense. The teachers are all incredible and willing to bend over backwards to help students, but I've always been independent and a really good student so I feel like I might feel babied? In one of the acceptance videos, the director said something along the lines of "We take B students and help them grow" which worries me because I'm quite a good student and might feel held back or coddled too much
- Along with the previous post, I don't think that Elon is academically as challenging as Villanova, and I love being challenged academically. Also, if the students are "B students" (I'm sorry if I'm offending anyone, I'm just relaying what I heard in the video!) then would I get the intelligent conversations I want to have in college? Would fellow students be as motivated as I am?
- Obviously, the campus is beautiful and it would be a blessing to spend 4 years on it. </p>

<p>Any comments you have, opinions, facts, personal experiences are greatly welcomed!! If I have made any incorrect assumptions or am wrong about a stereotype, please let me know!</p>

2

<p>I really don’t think that Elon professors baby their students. I think the faculty at Elon really gets to know their students. They have lunch or dinner with them. They suggest paths of study and careers the student might not have considered. If leadership opportunities become available - they recommend their students. One opportunity leads to another and another. There are so many northeast students at Elon I don’t think it is a really “southern” type school. Just enough southern hospitality to make it friendly. I am a parent of an Elon senior who has had an amazing four years. He decided not to enter Greek life although he has many friends who are Greek. We visited Vila Nova and it did not feel like the right school for my son. So I think in the end you need to go with your gut. But I have to say Elon (especially for the price) in a fabulous school. </p>

3

<p>I’m not sure what Villanova’s comm program is like, but I know Elon’s is fantastic. When I visited the comm building at Elon I was blown away by all the resources there. It seems like Elon has a lot of great opportunities for comm students to get involved and learn a lot, including trips to major companies, etc. I think at least in your classes for your major, it seems that you wouldn’t be babied but really challenged to learn as much as you possibly can.</p>

4

<p>Thank you both for you remarks- it seems that I was mistaken about the academic rigor! Maybe I just confused “helpful professors” with “being babied”. I think it’s great that professors try to help students so much, and right now, I’m leaning towards Elon</p>

5

<p>I have a friend who used to work at a highly thought of liberal arts college in the north. He always said that if he didn’t work there, he would want to work at Elon because both schools have such very involved professors. At both, the professors get to know their students and form a relationship with them. My son got into Elon and our friend’s college and now he’s got a tough decision, but he was also blown away by Elon’s communications facilities and the facilities at their business school. If Elon weren’t so far away from us, I think Elon would definitely be his choice.</p>

6

<p>Haha if you actually think that B students can’t hold an intelligent conversation with you because they have a lower gpa then I’m sorry for you. </p>

7

<p>If you are looking for a more academically rigorous program - I think you should lean towards Villanova. Just look at their admission stats. This can not be denied. Villanova is more well-known and the placement rate you noted should not be overlooked!</p>