<p>Hi, all! I would like some advice, and you have all been so wonderful in the past- (Yea! My oldest son will be attending Wake Forest this fall!) Now, on to son #2! I am thinking he may attend the local 4 year college very close to our home Monmouth University. For now he says he wants to live home. He is a junior.In the case he changes his mind to look at colleges out of state, I was wondering what you all think of Guilford? He is a solid B student, with a 92 average, it would be much higher but he struggles in math. I am hoping for a 1000-1100 tops sat range. Last year, as a sophmore, he took 1 honors history class, (his stregnth) and did so well he is taking honors English, honors Chem and honors history, along with algebra II and spanish 4.
Next year, as a senior he hopes to work his way to AP English and Ap history. I read that Guilford is "hippy-ish", which made me worry. He is not! He is, well, I guess just a regular guy :) He like to watch sports, loves rooting for his team, reads mostly whats required, and is not extremely intellectual to the point of "pondering the meaning of life". He is extremely hard working, and not at all social at school. Shy in new situations, but he is the crazy, funny guy at the gourmet deli he has worked at for over 2 years. What I liked about Guilford is how kind it seems, I mean it is located on "W. Friendly Street"! ANy iformation would be greatly appreciated, I have searched the thread and found some useful info., but I would like some first hand information. Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>I searched the archive, but could not locate the thread about Guilford. There was one parent from Ct. who had a child at Guilford. He lasted one semester. His gpa was too low, and they sent a letter to his parents to have his things cleared out of his dorm by a certain date. This info, I believe, came as a total surprise to her. I remember part of the story had to do with an issue with a visiting professor during the freshman year, and he apparently could not be contacted to discuss a grade. I really do not recall the particulars about that grade. I don't recall the other problems, but there were some. </p>
<p>One student having a problem does not make the school a bad place, but I thought it important that you know there was one very long thread on cc about one student and his family having issues with Guilford. I think it was at least a couple of years ago that I read that thread.</p>
<p>Thanks, Northeastmom. I do remember something about that, but as I recall the student had a 1 gpa. I think there was more going on in communication between the parent, student and school. I am most concerned with the "laid back hippy" label given. I usually judge things for myself, but my son is sort of an "Italian Goompy" type guy, he like being what his family calls "he-manish" (although we know he is a just a little boy!) If this were my other children, I would just say, Oh, well, he will learn from others, and it will work out". This boy is not all that adaptable, this we know by 16 years of trying to lighten him up. I should also add he is ADD, and slightly OCD.Thanks for responding!</p>
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<p>njmom-
Is Guilford in Greensboro, NC?
Our son in spending this month at Eastern Music Festival which is held at Guilford. He says the campus is smallish and nice, manageable. The buildings are pretty, resembling federal(?) style. The dorm he is living in is 'typical' old fashioned dorm: smallish rooms with bathroom down the hall. Son seems not to find this a problem. He's enjoying some 'chicken and rib joint' down the road a bit that he says has fantastic food for dirt cheap. He's having a blast.</p>
<p>Can't speak to the academics at Guilford, obviously. The campus comments might be helpful?</p>
<p>NJMom-my best friend's D will be attending there as a freshman this Sept. She has also been classified with a learning disorder (not sure if it is ADD, but is very slow with her work). My friend was very impressed with the campus, people and the "extra" support her D will be receiving-meetings with people to keep her on track etc. She had gotten into several other schools too-Adelphi, U of Hartford, Towson and a few others but chose Guilford for the small size, pretty campus, good weather and the very "down to earth" feel she got from the people. My friend's D is very shy and quiet, so she wanted a campus that might help her with that and the kids seemed very friendly. Go check it out.</p>
<p>Here is the address to the thread discussing the dismissal of the student from Guilford.</p>
<p>That thread and a few college fair encounters and phone conversations dissuaded my DS from applying, though early on it was his first choice school. Instead, he'll be going to McDaniel College...a great Colleges That Change Lives LAC that is small, offers a warm community spirit, and great formal and informal support programs.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone. I have decided, after having a very pleasant conversation with the person who answers the phones, to take a look. It is literally on the way to Wake, so why not? You never know.:)</p>
<p>My DD just finished her freshman year at Guilford and is returning in the fall. Although the college does have a liberal hippy laid back reputation the student body truly is diverse. My DD falls into a more preppy athletic category and made quite an ecclectic group of friends. She found the students to be very friendly and had a great year.</p>
<p>However, you should be aware that although this college is often suggested for B students the academics are challenging. This is a writing intensive college and is not a school for slackers. My DD who was a top A student in high school had to work very hard this past year to keep up with all the essays. There is ample help for the students but they have to take the initiative to take advantage of that help. And of note, because the classes are small student absences or lack of participation do not go unnoticed.</p>
<p>Of course there are the usual grumblings about food, housing, administration etc that you hear no matter which college or university you are talking about. But overall, my DD has been happy with her choice.</p>
<p>TornadoAlley,
It is great to hear from someone who is happy with Guilford. Thank you for posting.</p>
<p>The daughter of a friend of mine is at Guilford, maybe approaching her senior year, and totally loves it.</p>