<p>Visited HPU with my son last week.
The grounds and facilities are second to none.
New buildings everywhere and the landscaping was perfect, and the grounds spotless.
That being said, it seemed like Disneyworld.
From the classical music playing, to the dorm rooms that seemed like hotel rooms, to the steak house, to the free arcade, to the outdoor swiming pools, it did not seem real.
I understand the marketing aspect, but not a lot of substance it seemed.
The kids all looked happy, not much reason not to I guess.
Our tour guide must have taken motivational speaking classes from the college president, it was kind of a hard sell. Did not really like his approach.
We got there early and drove around campus. When we got to our assinged parking spot at the addmissions building, my son said " we don't have to take the tour, i am not going here". We took the tour anyway, but his opinion did not change.
He said it seemed like a hotel.
I am sure it is fine for some students, and time will tell if the approach works.</p>
<p>Interesting. We tried to approach each college tour with an open mind.
HPU is so unique, I could see how the “substance” could be missed if you’re looking to leave before the tour even starts.
Certainly agree that HPU is not for everyone sorry that you all did not enjoy your tour. </p>
<p>Based on comments from you and the Bloomberg article, it seems different tour guides take different approaches and that makes all the difference in post-tour feelings.<br>
Our guide was one of the best we had, and we went to over 20 campuses.
He started with a major focus on academics and them shifted to the student life side of things, but still explained the reasoning behind the facilities.
I personally like HPU model… but I left sightly skeptical, as the place does seem too good to be true… then we came back a couple days later and I had my son talk with the business professors. That was the true “sell” for him.
Everything our guide told us was backed up by the professors my son talked to.</p>
<p>He is thrilled to be attending HPU in the fall. He is officially committed.</p>
<p>Good Point Mary. We toured with our HS Sophomore son over spring break and were aware of the posts on the sites College Confidential as well as College *******. You just have to go on the tours with an open mind at each school and try to get a feel for the kids on campus. I made it a point to talk to current students when I passed them in the bookstore at the different schools we visited and while at the cafeterias etc.</p>
<p>My son noticed that the vibe just felt more upbeat than some of the other schools. The kids were in either greek letters or some HPU Tshirt or sweatshirts. While drinking coffee in one of the cafe’s I made it a point to ask some of the kids what they thought of their campus experience. I did the same thing at the other schools we visited as well. While on our HPU tour I asked the guide about some of the gripes about HPU that I had read before we visited and she and I both agreed that there will always be someone to complain about something.</p>
<p>Sort of like reading Trip Advisor reviews before you book a hotel or resort location. You have to take them with a “grain of salt.” I attended The Citadel for 2 years in the 80’s before transferring to Indiana University to complete my undergrad so I have seen both sides of small versus large university. I wish that there would have been the services available to me like free tutors when I was in school.
We are planning to make an appt with the academic people at HPU next year as well.</p>
<p>My advice is to approach all college visits with no preconceived notions. Just listen to what the guides say and then have your child make the decisions. HPU is at the top of the list so far.</p>
<p>I do have to agree with the OP. Believe me i LOVED the school! We had a VERY open mind and were very excited to see the campus, it was perfect. I wanted to sign up. We did feel the sell was a bit too much when we attended the presidential scholarship weekend. We felt like everyone had drank the kool aide. I had placed a deposit for my daughter and she received a very nice scholarship. As a family we just got too much of a weird vibe off how over orchestrated everything was. We loved the president but after about a dozen items being sent to the house and reading all the books I felt like I knew what he was going to say before he said it. It was all so rehearsed. I do believe he means what he says but the speeches were so canned it was hard to look past them. I think it’s a nice place but it still needs to grow to get the academic reputation that the school has a vision for. I do think it will get there.</p>
<p>Well said Lefty. I agree with all you say. My daughter was soooo close to going to HPU. She paid deposit and registered for classes. She had a change of heart at the last minute because of all of the issues raised here on the forum. The money was tough to pass up but she is enrolled at her #1 - American University. I believe things happen for a reason. Good luck.</p>
<p>It’s strange that people would change their mind about a school by reading anonymous comments online. Two of my kids graduated from HPU and we, too, found it too good to be true. But, since when is being so well-organized and beautiful thing. It is better to take a gamble on a college that looks good and shows genuine care instead of taking a gamble on a college that doesn’t look as organized and treats you like a number.</p>
<p>Both of my kids graduated with degrees that led them to get amazing jobs around the country. One benefited from the top-notch design program at HPU.</p>
<p>College tours can make your head start to spin after doing too many. What really matters is talking to the students and professors when you’re there. That gives you a real sense of the place.</p>
<p>Best of luck to your daughter at American University. It, too, is a great school!</p>
<p>It’s nice to hear that both your childrem have graduated and gone on to successful careers. My son is currently attending the Summer Experience program at High Point and he absolutely loves it. He really felt he made the right choice. The students that attend seem to be happy and always are friendly and helpful. The university has a lot of positive energy. He is looking forward to the next four years.</p>