My son has been accepted to CNU, which was his first choice school. But was turned down for the honors college. He was also accepted into the honors college at Longwood. He’s having a hard time deciding which is the better option. I think the smaller grouping of honors college would serve him better. But he really likes CNU. Any suggestions?
CNU = Christopher Newport University?
I don’t know anything about either honors program but my D21 was accepted to both and has chosen Christopher Newport (CNU). Both schools are similar size. They seem to be in two very different environments (small, more rural town vs suburban near the beach).
If money is a factor, maybe Longwood is a better choice but it sounds like CNU will have small class sizes too. I think they would get a good education at either but CNU is probably considered the “better” of the two schools.
Yes, CNU is Christopher Newport. Sorry
In terms of academics, both are roughly the same, so adding Honors at Longwood would be a plus.
It’s worth it for you/him to contact the Honors college and request a tour including attending an honors seminar (if on campus), visiting the honors dorm (if in person), talking with professors, current students, etc. so that he can see whether the benefits are tangible or not.
Compare side by side what each has to offer, especially in terms of personal attention, opportunities, and environment.
(CNN would likely win for environment. )
Thanks. He kind of fell in love with CNU, it was the first college he toured. But we got FinAid from both yesterday, and Longwood gave him $5000 a year that CNU didn’t. So he’s got to decide if he like CNU enough for $20000.
Longwood Typical SAT scores: Reading and Writing 490-590, Math 470-560
CNU: Reading and Writing 570-650, Math 540-630
Using avg SAT scores as a proxy for academics, CNU seems to be the better school…which is reflected in Honors for Longwood and not for CNU.
Would he like being a bigger fish in a smaller pond? or smaller fish in bigger pond?
What kind of internships/jobs can you get at both?
There’s your answer. Don’t overthink this and get sucked into the trappings of CC.
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Can you afford CNU?
What are his stats?
What does he want to major in?
Has he toured Longwood?
He should be able to make his choice after touring both again.
Yikes Bopper! Longwood has dipped and CNU has grown since I last checked their stats! CNU used to be roughly in the same tier as Longwood, separate from Radford and ODU in the bottom tier… Thanks for the metric.
If OP’s son’s scores are in the 600s with the rigor and grades that supposes, then he’d have more peers at CNU.
Agreed! If finances are fine at either school then I wouldn’t push for one over the other.
I still would consider Longwood if it is more affordable AND you think he would take advantage of the Honors Program. My DD was in the honor program in her college but all she took advantage of was the Freshman housing.
Longwood Honors Perks:
- Smaller class sizes
- Priority class registration - You go first. No matter your standing.
- Highest merit-based scholarships offered at Longwood
- Designated housing in the heart of campus
- Funding opportunities for conferences and study abroad programs
- Access to free printing and specialized study locations
- An all-inclusive leadership retreat prior to the start of the fall semester
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