<p>really do apologize because I do not want to put people at odds by asking to compare two colleges; however, two twins posted earlier asking for a comparison and they got very positive results. I am having trouble making a decision and I was hoping for some helpful advice.<br>
I am a private school student at a academically strong school in northern Florida. I am not particularly interested in a party scene; I love outdoors programs both for being outside and enjoying the day by hiking, camping, climbing, or whatever and for the people usually involved; I'm the type of girl who doesn't wear makeup and likes an adventure, so I find myself most comfortable down to earth, outdoorsy people.<br>
I applied to four colleges, but it is now between Elon University in Burlington, NC and Xavier University in Cincinatti, OH. I was accepted to the College Fellows program at Elon and I am applying for a spot in the Honors program at Xavier either the PPP or Scholars (though I am late applying I spoke to someone about the program who said their was a good chance of getting in). I don't know what I want to study but I love history, politics, and writing. I just went to Club X at Xavier and I also attended the Fellows Weekend at Elon.
I cannot decide which would give me the best chances for grad school, making possible contacts politically or just professionally, and which would prepare me most for higher education or being in a competitive workplace. I also have trouble understanding where I would fit socially. It seems like there are a few outdoorsy types at Elon (they have an outdoors living learning community) but the majority of the campus is very involved in partying. Whereas Xavier doesn't have Greeks, and it has a good outdoors club, but it worries me that living in Cincinatti won't provide many outdoors opportunities, not to mention I don't know what it's like living in the city, though I assume it would help me in the business, politics, professional world to be in an urban campus.<br>
Wow! I am sorry that was a lot of information, thank you for reading this and any comments about either the schools or just about general decision making would be helpful. Thank you so much.</p>
<p>Katie....sorry, I really don't know much about either school, so I can't offer much help. Most people, however, wouldn't really call Cincinnati "urban", but it would be moreso than Elon. You will be able to find a niche at either campus, and it doesn't all have to be about drinking (altho I'd bet that Xavier probably is pretty similar in partying....it may not be Greek, but I'm sure the party scene is alive and well). I can add that I've lived in NC now for 3 years, and I do love it here (tho I'm further south in Charlotte)....It looks like Elon is close enough to Raleigh/Durham and Chapel Hill that you could easily spread out, and there are a lot of professional opportunities in the Research Triangle. Take a look at the parent thread that's out there regarding the factors to consider in making a Decision...maybe there's something there that will jump out at you. Good luck!</p>
<p>Katie, I don't know anything about Xavier, but like astromom, I am in NC a couple hours west of Elon. Also had a son graduate from there. Yes, I know there is a party scene at Elon, but honestly I haven't heard of a school yet where there isn't.</p>
<p>Elon seems to have many outdoor trips planned and available for sign-ups--always saw listings on the boards there. (my son wasn't very outdoorsy--so can't speak to them personally).</p>
<p>At Elon you are about 4 hours to the beach and 3 hours will get you into the mountains. </p>
<p>My son liked the personal attention by professors there at Elon and as a parent I liked the ease of communication with administration and student health services (son had an ongoing illness freshman year). My son didn't "go Greek" and said it never interfered with meeting people or his social life--he had friends both in and not in fraternities.</p>
<p>As astromom stated you are close to many other colleges--Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, Duke and NC State. There seemed to be a good bit of intermingling between students from the various schools (at least when son was there).</p>
<p>Don't know whether any of that helped? Good luck on making your decision.</p>
<p>Cincinnati is a wonderful, manageable city. You have the city benefits (professional sports teams, top businesses, great museums) but without too many city hassles. There are parks in the city, state parks nearby, as well as lots of outdoors stuff in Kentucky. Easy airport access, too.</p>
<p>Have you been able to visit both schools? Since they are in such diverse locations, it would help.</p>
<p>I have been to visit both school while they're in session. It's funny, they are so different but I like the idea of a small town and the idea of a big city.</p>
<p>Cincinnati is really like a small town in a big cities guise. Bob Hope once said when the world ends I want to be in Cincinnati because they won't hear about it for 10 years. DW went to XU a number of years ago (more as a commuter). Good school with good connections in the local area for employment. As has been mentioned, there are a lot of hills and parks nearby so you can hike, camp, etc all you want.</p>