<p>Hi. My daughter just visited Clark over spring break and had some very strong likes and dislikes. She absolutely loved all the people she met and the philosophy of the school; she said that students seemed genuinely happy there. She really felt like it was a good match for her socially. However, she did not like the town and felt that the campus was not particularly nice. She's having a hard time figuring out how much weight to give to her various reactions, especially since she'll be there four years (or five, if she decides to do the master's program). Can a student really be happy but not like the surroundings? Any insight from others would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>This is tough! Is your daughter a HS junior or senior? If there is time, I would suggest that she visit again and talk with current students about their feelings about Clark. It is not a posh setting, but has wonderful energy. </p>
<p>My S had a poor first reaction to the parts of Worcester that we drove through. But he visited a few more times–attended a class, met with a coach, etc. Also, talked with a family friend who recently graduated from WPI and endorsed Clark as the place he preferred to hang out when he lived at WPI. (OK, it didn’t hurt that his college GF was a Clarkie!)
S will attend Clark–chosen over some other, fancier looking, schools who also offered nice merit aid. We know several Clarkies; all are very positive --parents and kids–about their Clark experience.</p>
<p>FWIW, when I recall what I did and didn’t like about my college experience, it’s almost entirely about people. The setting hardly enters into it at all. I would say that if your daughter feels an active aversion to Clark’s setting or feels ‘creeped out’ by it, that might be a problem, but if it’s just that she doesn’t feel any particular enthusiasm for it, I would advise her not to worry about it. You get used to a physical environment quickly. It’s the people inhabiting that environment who will determine your happiness or lack thereof.</p>
<p>Thank you for the feedback. My daughter is a junior, so she still has time. We have encouraged her to contact some students there to see what they have to say. We’re on the west coast, so another visit probably is not likely. She isn’t creeped out by the setting, but she doesn’t feel like she would really want to explore the town or even go to a restaurant off campus.</p>
<p>^^^^
By way of disclosure I’ll admit to signficant biases as I am a Clark alum and my daughter was admitted this year to Clark early decision. We are obviously very positive about the university, but I agree it’s not for everyone. People are either on the bus or off the bus when it comes to Clark. The rap on Clark has always been ifs location in a not so nice part of Worcester. But Clark has done some amazing things to work closely with the Main South community, which has become a national model for university-community relations. Most of the undergraduates at Clark are involved in some service-related activity in the community. The relationship with the community now is so much better than it was when I was a student at Clark 40 years ago. Even then, living both on and off campus, I never was the victim of any type of crime, violent or non-violent. </p>
<p>If Clark were located 35 miles east, and were in a bedroom community of Boston it would be a top 20 LAC. As a small LAC embedded in a small university, undergraduates are offered unparraleled opportunities to do hands on research. There is an academic “spree day” every year in which undergraduates can present their research to the university community. Last year over 300 students participated. The 5th year free Masters Degree program is also an amazing perk that Clark offers.</p>
<p>Finally, I don’t know what campus you visited, but we think it is a beautiful, self-contained campus. My daughter absolutely fell in love with it, and described it as “cozy.” There have been 5 new buildings in the past 5 years. The mix of old and new has been beautifully integrated into the campus. I would match the Higgins Student Center and the Academic Center which houses the Goddard Library against any LAC of Clark’s size. There is a new science center and field house. The only thing lacking is the need for an upgraded athletic center. I believe it’s in the works. The two freshman dorms, Wright and Bullock Halls, are both undergoing complete renovations this summer. They will be beautiful.</p>
<p>Worcester has many more attractions than you would believe, and it is the 2nd largest city in New England. Boston is an hour’s drive. And there are some very nice parts of Worcester, including the medical center area. Great ethinic restaurants in and around the campus, but also on Highland and Shrewsbery Streets. Here’s a link to some Worcester attractions: [Clark</a> University’s Discover Worcester | Home](<a href=“http://www.clarku.edu/discoverworcester/]Clark”>http://www.clarku.edu/discoverworcester/) </p>
<p>Let me know if you have any specific questions. Attending Clark was one of the best decisions I ever made and the watershed experience of my life. I am now a physician, so Clark prepared me for a wonderful career. More importantly I met my current best friend on the first day that I arrived at Clark. I have dozens of Clarkie friends with whom I maintain contact and social activities. I am sure that others who have attended different schools can relate similar experiences. But I can tell you that once a Clarkie, always a Clarkie!!</p>
<p>Thanks for all the good information, ClarkAlum. My son was accepted, but with no merit money, so Clark has dropped on the preference list. He still has not made up his mind.</p>
<p>When we visited Clark over the summer, I really liked what I saw, and I also agree that Worcester’s location offers a lot of benefits. I was especially impressed by the mature, outgoing, and friendly students we met. My son liked the somewhat “quirky” culture, but has since been enticed by the Pacific NW.</p>
<p>Yes, thanks for the detailed and thorough reply, ClarkAlum. Unfortunately, I did not visit the campus with her. We live in the Pacific Northwest, and she stayed with a cousin who took her to see several schools in the area. I will continue to encourage her to contact students at Clark because she was so positive about the people she met and the vibe she felt.</p>
<p>My S started last year and I suggest that prospective students and their families seriously consider Clark and not be dissuaded by first impressions of the nearby community, which in his experience seems safe, ethnically diverse and with close, strong connections to Clark. My sense is that positive word of mouth about Clark is growing nationally, based on the committed faculty, students and quality of the programs. We’ve visited Worcester a few times and found some great restaurants, a nearby State Park that offered nice hiking and more importantly, are impressed with Clark students as solid, smart and intellectually curious. I know several happy Clark alum and have a few friends whose kids are starting next year.</p>
<p>Hi Folks,
There is a very timely article in Worcester Magazine today that talks about the ups and downs of the area surrounding Clark University, and even how Clark has helped develop programs that benefit area residents and make it more safe for everyone. </p>
<p>The article is a bit sobering, if you’re not a native, but also hopeful for the future. Being a lifelong Massachusetts resident and New Englander, I do not view Worcester as a ‘dangerous’ city. I do feel sad that Worcester has struggled, but definitely see a transformation happening. I’m pretty excited about it. The history, culture, food, music…so much happening in Worcester. Mostly when I drive up Main Street towards Clark, I see a hard working community that does not have the advantages that we have in the suburbs. It’s exciting to see the University working to give back to the community in which it resides. UPenn is doing the same thing in Philadelphia. It’s definitely a win-win for all.
CCL</p>
<p>If you want to check out the article:
[Worcester</a> Magazine - 04-29-10](<a href=“http://worcestermagazine.com/]Worcester”>http://worcestermagazine.com/)</p>
<p>Thanks for that link, CapeCodLady. It’s encouraging that people are so engaged in trying to turn the community around, and great that Clark and its students are a part of it. I am a little nervous about the neighborhood, but Clark is my son’s clear choice after getting admitted to all of the schools he applied to, so I’ve decided I might as well trust his judgment!</p>