<p>C of C has been one of my top schools so far, and I just wanted to hear what other people like and/or dislike about this school.
Although, one problem is that I am not sure if this school fits me academically. I'm the type of student who likes to have some freedom when learning instead of doing labs all day and being stuck in a classroom. I also have a 32 ACT and a 4.33 GPA (on a 5.2 scale) and I'm not sure if this school fits me academically.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>I am currently a senior at College of Charleston.</p>
<p>Well to start off lets discuss the goods about this school. </p>
<p>The campus is positively beautiful here; integrated nicely into the city while still maintaining its own identity. Classes are reasonably small, and professors know your name and will help you if you ask for it. As for difficulty it depends on your major. There is no engineering at this school, but the Science department offers very challenging classes. I’m currently in organic chemistry II, and will tell you to absolutely disregard anyone that says classes are “too easy.” Students may not hound each other over grades as much as in northern schools (where im from) but it doesnt but it doesn’t mean students don’t study. That being said you could probably pick a major like theater and be drunk for four years as well, and there are a few of these people on campus. Overall though if you want to succeed academically you can, and there are more than enough motivated students to work in your company (and a medical school nearby to volunteer at if premed is your thing) The nightlife is pretty bopping here as well, there are plenty of parties, clubs, a very beautiful female student body and some nice beaches nearby (though if you get around to it check out Kiawah island and Hunting island state park). The campus is also compact and very walkable. And its cool to be in Charleston, one of the most vibrant and historical cities in the nation. We don’t have a football team but we do have a very competent basketball team. Club sports are easy to join and very fun. The Greek scene is also pretty large, but you will make plenty of friends without it if you choose not to rush.</p>
<p>The bads…
There is no parking here. Also there is a strict attendance policy. You cannot skip multiple classes habitually or you will be failed for your courses (not that you really should anyway). Another qualm is there isn’t enough professor research going on which makes it hard to land a research gig which is becoming a necessity for grad school. Luckily, I personally got a microbiology research internship in New Jersey this last summer through the school, but that required significant effort. You will have to work to get internships and similar stuff here because while there are resources to help you, many companies dont actively recruit in Charleston like they would at an ivy league school. That being said some companies do advertise internships, particular for business students.</p>
<p>Anyway its a very nice school overall, a place to play hard and study hard!</p>
<p>jlsperling - I really enjoyed your post. My son is a hs junior and we are planning to visit in April. He could be a business major maybe - also interested in psychology. Any thoughts on the quality of those 2 programs? What about the gender imbalance? I’m thinking it should not be an issue for guys - but what how do you feel about it? And finally, how is the housing? Where do freshman typically live? How about sophomores?</p>
<p>I really liked your post. It was very helpful! I was just wondering though, if you have any knowledge of the archaeology and anthropology programs? I was just wondering if you knew about their level of difficulty and how easy (or hard) it is to get an internship in those areas. Also, if you are in the Honors College, is it easier to get internships?
Thank you so much!</p>
<p>jlsperling-- sounds like you are a good student- did CofC offer you merit $?</p>
<p>thanks for your post! yeah, how is the scholarship money situation for an oos?</p>
<p>To Rockvillemom I’d guess your son would benefit a little more from a Business major in Charleston than Psychology degree at least if your thinking about internships. Most the local internships around here seem to be business related stuff and some companies actively recruit business/accounting/marketing/finance majors on campus. My roomates a Pyschology major and volunteers at the Medical University of SC so who knows though, its really up to your son (Grad school is necessary for psychology wherever you go however). </p>
<p>Professors here are pretty good here and seem very helpful in all majors (generous with office hours). I have another friend who did Anthropology and spent a summer in the jungle on an archaeology expedition. This school is surprisingly well connected for being a mid-sized liberal arts school, but the student has to put in the effort as well. </p>
<p>There isn’t a whole lot of aid to out of state students unfortunately, but at under 30k a year (with dorms) its not terrible compared to the northern schools (I’m from NJ). Hope everyone goes to CofC and enjoys it! It really is a good school, very underrated, and certainly the best Science school in SC.</p>
<p>thanks jlsperling! Your comments really help. </p>
<p>I just have a few more questions. 1) I have read that the female:male ratio is pretty skewed, but is it really noticeable? Like, is it obvious that the proportions are way off? And if they are, are there other opportunities to socialize with other people in the city i.e. students at the Citadel nearby (I’m not sure how to phrase this question, can’t you tell?) Oh, and by the way I am asking this question from the perspective of a female.</p>
<p>Also, if I go to Charleston it will be as an Honors Student (I got accepted into the Honors College). Do you know if students in the Honors College have an easier time getting internships and jobs? I’m likely going into Anthropology, Archaeology, Art history, Historic preservation…somewhere along those lines…and it is very important that I get some field work in. Sorry about repeating this question. I realize I put it in an earlier post, but I figure it merits repeating =)</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
Does anyone have an answer to the post above? I was just admitted into the Honors College and, if I attend, I’ll be going as a psych major (female).
axe to grind TannerSmitten with self?