High Point vs Elon?

Colleges and Universities A-Z High Point University
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<p>"My response: -This directly depends on your major. Sounds like you must still be involved mostly with general education requirements, or you’re in a very non-challenging major. There are many departments at HPU that are just as good or better than Elon. Elon is more established in some areas, but they are not as far ahead of HPU as you make it sound. "</p>

<p>Huh. Go ask people if they have heard of High Point University. The majority of people would say no. Now, think of the human resources people that you will face when applying for a job, who may or may not have college or high school aged children. Do you think they would know of it? Chances are they won’t. Elon is national recognized. High Point may be on some “up and coming” U.S. News and World Report lists, but that means nothing once you are thrown into the “career” world. When people see the names Harvard, UNC, Elon, etc, they know of those places. High Point is well-known in certain demographics, but definitely not all. Yes, High Point is growing. And one day it may just be as established, but currently, it’s not. It may be in like ten years from now, but not today. Many people in the state of North Carolina alone have not even heard of it. And about the classes, I don’t take gen eds. Thanks for assuming though. And the honors program really isn’t that much more work, you just take one honors class a semester. “Honors work” depends on your professor. Some are hard, whereas others are easier. But, overall, most classes are easier. It just depends on your major. </p>

<p>“Also- about the wealth- HPU has a lot of rich kids. However, there are some middle class students there as well. And 60- almost 70% of people are either in a sorority or fraternity. Everyone dresses up to go to class and you hardly ever see anyone in sweats or without make up.”</p>

<p>Funny. Do you happen to work for admissions? Cause by the way you are talking, it seems like you do. I happen to know its definitely over 30% of kids who are involved in Greek life. Most people know that. Funny, it doesn’t seem like you do. Greek life pretty much dominates campus life. More so for girls, but not as much for guys. It just depends on what you like to do. However, almost all of my friends are involved with Greek life… and I happen to know a lot of people…</p>

<p>“My response: -Very misguided info here. I’m responding so others are not misinformed. The 4 credit system does just the opposite of what this poster said. It is formulated to help HPU graduate in 4 years. That’s why we switched. The 4 credits actually make HPU’s credits transfer MUCH easier than the 3 credits did. Many students could only transfer half, or even less in the past under the 3 credit system. Schools like Davidson and other top schools all use 4 credit systems, it is proven to work. If you need to take more than 18 credits, you simply need to walk to get two signature and you’re set.”</p>

<p>HAHAHAHAHAHA. I love you how put this. The four credit system may help in the future, but HPU has not re-done their curriculum major requirements. Therefore, it’s basically impossible to graduate in 4 years unless you come in when a lot of APs, so you won’t have to take any gen eds. About transferring- I have friends who looked into transfer schools, the 4 credits don’t help what so ever. The 4 credit system also makes you behind in classes if you decide to leave HPU. AND, it makes it harder for students to take summer classes, since the fact that they have to approve classes, and they only approve classes that are from colleges that are on a 4 credit system (which there isn’t many). Therefore, then they are forced to take summer online classes from either private schools or HPU, which means they will be paying more money. And about taking over 18 credits. YOU HAVE TO PAY. Yes, you can take more, but they charge crazy amounts for every class you want to take over that limit. I thought we didn’t have to pay either, but then my friend is taking 28 credits this semester and she had to pay a couple thousand dollars to do that. – Evidence, as taken from the HPU registrar’s page :“Over 18 hours requires permission of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs plus an extra charge for each credit hour over 18.”–</p>

<p>But, don’t get me wrong. HPU is great. You just have to be the right type of student/parent to love it.</p>

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<p>HPU2014, I’m not here to change you’re opinion. I’m here to present facts. Yes I do work for admissions, I’m a university ambassador. No I am not assigned to be on this board either. I am here on my own time because I love HPU and want to give people helpful information and answer questions from inside HPU. </p>

<p>My numbers are 100% correct. Just over 30% participate in Greek life. Thats nearly 1/3 of our campus and since we’re so small, it seems very magnified at times. I do not personally participate and I never feel out of the loop. Not once. </p>

<p>The 4 credit system is what it is. I’m sorry you don’t like it, but it has made our credits much stronger. They transfer better, sorry your friend had issues. That being said though, we don’t formulate our credits to help transfer out students. We want to benefit the students dedicated to the school first and foremost. Go talk to Dr. Dennis Carol (parents too) he will make you fall in love with the system. As for extra costs for extra credits… nothing new there. It was the same with the 3 credit system, and its the same across America. All colleges charge for taking extra credits beyond the tuition calculated expenses. HPU considers all summer credits taken at other schools. It does not matter if they are 3 credits or 4. If its an approved class, they give you the number of credits you earned, even if its 3. Just did it this summer with a 3 credit sociology course. Very very easy process. </p>

<p>Please let me know if you have any other questions.</p>

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<p>HPU2014, funny how you lump Elon in with Harvard and UNC - “When people see the names Harvard, UNC, Elon, etc, they know of those places.” I am from the midwest and when I mention to colleagues that my D got into Elon the response is always, “Huh, never heard of it.” For the record, they have heard of Harvard and UNC.</p>

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<p>HPU2014, it seems like you’re not very happy at High Point or don’t like it very much from the way you’re talking about it, but it’s good to hear different opinions.</p>

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<p>Elon??? Let’s not get carried away. It’s not even the Harvard of North Carolina.</p>

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<p>My honors classes at High Point have been noticeably different than standard HPU classes. There’s an intense drive for collaborative research with faculty. I’ve noticed especially with my friends who are majoring in the sciences that they’re working on publishing research with faculty when they’re in their freshman year. There is more work, but it’s not busy work - just more challenging and more thought provoking. There’s also honors housing, a social organization for honors (The Odyssey Club), guest speakers, the college bowl, and the honors symposium for the best student work of the year. The internship and career services team on campus is available to all students, but works very closely with honors students. It’s overall a really strong program.</p>

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<p>My son attends HPU and is majoring in international business, he always tells us how much he loves attending the school and that he is getting a great education. He has also made great friends and loves his Frat. Cannot see the difference in his overall experience from my daughters who attended and graduated from a very well known university, and found a great job. I truly feel that if he works hard and commits himself and graduates from HPU with a marketable degree he will have the same opportunity to succeed. Some people see the glass half full, and some see it half empty. Every school can provide opportunity, it just depends who takes adavantage of it and how they use it.</p>

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<p>HPU really is an awesome place to be. I have friends that go to Elon and yes they do like it and they say that it’s challenging but what I have found (my friends as well) is that this school is challenging but that it is more than that. I go to classes each day like I would in any other school but I have opportunities I don’t think I could find anywhere else, such as being an ambassador. As for the people, it is so easy to make friends here. I’ve heard that people think kids are “rich” or “stuck up” but I guarantee those people never took the time to get to know these people because there definitely aren’t many “stuck up” kids here.</p>

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<p>I picked High Point, but I was accepted to Elon and I know academically, Elon is better than High Point. So now I’m hoping I made the right choice… High Point is growing so much, which is part of the reason why I picked it, so hopefully in a few years it’ll be as recognized as Elon and I won’t have to add “It’s a small school in North Carolina” every time someone asks me where I’m going and they give me that confused look and tell me they’ve never heard of it before.</p>

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<p>To senioritis 70- good luck. Are you in the honors program at hpu? My D was also accepted into both schools and chose hpu for all it has to offer. Once again, good luck!</p>

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<p>senioritis70, you won’t regret it! The growth at HPU has opened up some amazing opportunities. HPU’s reputation is already spreading quickly. From a personal standpoint, I used to say the same things all the time… “Yeah, near greensboro”, “Its a small private school”… In 2 years, that has really changed. I am amazed at how many people have heard about HPU in my area compared to how it was before I graduated HS. </p>

<p>See you next year!!</p>

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<p>Exact same here Senioritis 70. My sister goes to Elon, and it is an awesome college. I feel like High Point is the better option for me and am extremely excited for the upcoming year.</p>

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<p>My D was also accepted to both, but she chose Elon. It wasn’t an easy decision though. Although they are different schools, they both have something special to offer. We let finances make the final decision because she just couldn’t decide. I think your college experience is going to be what you make it. If you work hard, you’re reap great rewards. Good Luck Panthers!!! I’m proud of all of you!!!</p>

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<p>My son is a rising junior at HPU. He loved the school first year but almost transferred for this coming year for several reasons. First, he is a big sports fan and unfortunately HPU is not very competitive in that area. Next, after you do all the freshman social things he finds it confining in terms of things to do. There is no town to speak of and he finds the security and rules and security there very strict. I should say that he is not at all a wild, party animal or kid who tests the limits. As an example, he and a bunch of fraternity brothers were playing frisbee during the day in front of the house and security broke it up because there were too many of them. He almost transferred to a big state school with lots of sports and school spirit but didn’t want to deal with starting all over again.</p>

<p>Academically, I think HPU is a good fit for him.His SAT’s were at the national average and because he is dyslexic school has never been easy for him. I am very surprised that your son applied to both HPU and W&L. They could not be farther apart academically. HPU admits about 70% of its applicants and has the mid 50% with SAT scores ranging from 990-1160 and GPA of 3.1 and W&l admits 17% of its applicants with average SAT scores around 1400 (Eng and Math) and average GPA’s from competitive schools of 3.9+. They are in completely different academic worlds.</p>

<p>I am sure there are many kids who continue to love HPU. You just need to be aware of the negatives before making a decision.</p>

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<p>Visited both schools this summer.</p>

<p>High Point First Impressions: beautiful obviously, great attention to detail, friendly, helpful staff and students, school had their act together, the tour guide was very knowledgeable (we asked a ton of questions and he always had an answer), and for the most part every time we asked if something was included in the cost of tuition the answer was yes, lots of security, helpful admissions staff willing to speak one on one and answer more of our questions.</p>

<p>Elon: rude at worst, impartial at best, a little unorganized, very knowledgeable about their application process, financial aid, and scholarships as that was what most of the tour covered, but unavailable to make time for private questions. You couldn’t meet with an admissions rep one on one like at other schools. We were unable to see the dorms or complete the tour because of issues with locked buildings and missing keys, so not sure how those fair. The prevailing memory I have of the tour is blank costs extra. Every little thing the school offered no matter if it was a necessity or a luxury was an added expense. Every time the tour guide showed us something new, I would ask is that included or extra? It was always extra. The school was in a decent area with a cute small downtown feel nearby, but the campus itself felt drab and brown. I remember lots of red/brown brick, trees, and squirrels.</p>

<p>I posted this elsewhere but I will restate. HPU was very gracious when speaking about Elon and had nothing but good things to say. Elon did not return the favor which definitely lowered my opinion of them. Tell me your graduation rates are better or academic standards are better than another school that I can handle. Make fun of and putt down another school just for your own amusement, not cool.</p>

<p>Obviously, I had a bad experience at Elon. I realize this may have just been a fluke and the school may be awesome. But it’s probably not going to be the school for my family. That doesn’t mean it won’t be perfect for you.</p>

<p>As to the original thread starter regarding northern Jewish students.</p>

<p>I think the biggest thing that people need to consider is what they are looking for and what they are comparing the school to. I have lived most of my life throughout the south and southwest in both large and small cities. I was raised as a conservative Christian although I don’t attend church, so of course these schools would probably be a good fit for me. </p>

<p>However, a few years ago, I participated in AmeriCorps. I was assigned the southeast region and most of my campus and my team members were from the northeast. They all had a hard time adjusting to living in the south. It’s important to remember that if you are from the Northeast and looking at southern schools the culture is going to be vastly different no matter which southern school you choose. Some people can live with that fine. Others can’t handle the differences. Most of my team coped and adapted but some did not.</p>

<p>A few problems you may run into are religion vs. the south and feminist ideas vs. the south. My team had trouble with these until they put them into context. For instance, the guys got really frustrated when girls they just met and were flirting with asked them what church they went to. They were offended feeling like they were being judged about a personal issue. However, this is not the case. In the south, asking about church is the same as asking about what school you go to. It’s not thought of as any big deal. It’s a social thing. They just want to know if they will be seeing you at the barbeque or dance or whatever. If you say you don’t go or are Jewish most people are ok with that and just move on to other topics. Or they might invite you to an event their church is hosting maybe a party or something. It’s ok to decline. I do all the time. Once the guys realized that the girls didn’t mean anything by their questions, they relaxed and had a great time with them. </p>

<p>The second issue we had is with girls who were offended by the “sexist” southern men who held doors open for them or pulled out a chair or something. Yes, there are a lot of sexist men who think that woman should stay at home, but mostly they aren’t like this. A man holds a door open because it is the polite thing to do, not because he thinks you are some weak woman incapable of doing so yourself. Most men are taught from when they are children to show respect to women. If they didn’t their mama convinced them right there that women weren’t weak by knocking them across the room. Corporeal punishment another southern idea. So please don’t take offense if a man, especially an elderly man, wants to help you. He doesn’t mean it as an insult, only as a show of respect. Just as he would expect his kids to show respect by saying sir or mam. That’s all.</p>

<p>In general, if being in the minority in an environment made up mostly of conservative middle to upper-class Christians is not something you feel comfortable with neither school is going to be the right place for you. If you can handle that and just agree to disagree with others when the need arises you will be fine. The majority of my team actually ended up falling in love with the south and moving down here permanently, and none of them were from conservative middle class Christian families.</p>

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<p>Anyone considering High Point might want to skim this thread from 2010 in the Parents Forum.</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/893590-whats-real-story-high-point-university.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/893590-whats-real-story-high-point-university.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Lots of strong opinions - some facts - an interesting read.</p>

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<p>Lots of hearsay in that thread rockvillemom. </p>

<p>Hope the Elon treating you well! Has your son received his acceptance yet?</p>

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<p>Yup - one son at Wake and one son going to Elon. We like NC schools!</p>

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<p>High Point University is superior, in my opinion, to Elon. Although the academic reputation of HPU is NOT YET as strong as that of Elon, every other aspect of the school is superior. The environment, the faculty, the luxuries, everything works in the students favor to make sure that he/she is motivated and working hard to achieve maximum success. At High Point University you are an individual, respected and commended for who you are and what you offer to the University and more importantly, the world. The liveliness of the two schools cannot be compared, for HPU has a far more upbeat, joyous feel. In the very near future, the academic reputation of HPU will be up to par with that of Elon and at that point, even the Elon people know that Elon wouldn’t stand a chance against the equally respected academic reputation of HPU… when it happens.</p>

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<p>“In the very near future, the academic reputation of HPU will be up to par with that of Elon and at that point, even the Elon people know that Elon wouldn’t stand a chance against the equally respected academic reputation of HPU… when it happens”</p>

<p>-PantherPalooza</p>

<p>My question is, would the “near future” be withing the next 2 or 3 years when I become a junior/senior in college?</p>